Give Choices

One great strategy that I learned was to take a step back instead of demanding compliance by the child immediately. I have found that finding what the child may really want to do, such as, recess, p.e. or other activities can be a motivation for the child to work. In my first and sixth grade experiences, I had children that spent too much time complaining and finding ways to get out of the work. I would quietly go up to the child and give them two options. One to get their work done right now or complete it during another time, such as, the beginning of recess. It was their choice. I noticed that most of the children would still not comply the first time. Yet, once the consequences were in place and the child stayed behind to get the work done, I usually only had to remind the child of their choices and they would get right to work. It is also important to stay positive and encourage the child to get the work done. This strategy is probably best for students that are not angry and resentful of school, just having a case of the "lazies" and finding work not "cool".