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“The Rose That Grew from Concrete” by Tupac Shakur

Brief Summary:
This poem tells the story of a rose that manages to grow through a crack in the concrete, symbolizing a person who succeeds despite harsh conditions. It speaks directly to themes of resilience, perseverance, and self-worth, making it ideal for middle and high schoolers facing personal or academic obstacles.

Why it works:
Students often feel pressure to succeed under difficult circumstances. This poem reminds them that their growth is valuable, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does the rose represent? What might the “concrete” symbolize in your own life?

2. Why is it important to recognize growth even when it happens under tough conditions?

3. How can we stay motivated when it feels like no one expects us to succeed?

“Invincible” by Naomi Osaka (from The Players’ Tribune, 2021)

Brief Summary:
In this vulnerable essay, tennis champion Naomi Osaka opens up about anxiety, pressure, and stepping back from competition for her mental health. She talks directly to the reader, not as a celebrity, but as a young woman who is expected to be perfect all the time. She writes about how hard it is to ask for help, to admit you're struggling, and to take care of yourself when everyone expects you to be strong.

Why it works:
This piece respects students' emotional intelligence. It treats topics like burnout, school pressure, and self-worth as serious and valid. Students — especially those who are high-achieving, anxious, or silently struggling — will see themselves in her honesty.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think it's hard for people to admit when they’re struggling, especially in public?

2. What expectations do you feel at school that are hard to carry? How do you deal with them?

3. Osaka says, “It’s O.K. to not be O.K.” What would a school look like if we truly believed that?

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1. Edutopia – “Strategies for Helping Students Motivate Themselves”

Link: https://www.edutopia.org/classroom-student-motivation-tips

Description:
This article from Edutopia provides practical strategies for fostering intrinsic motivation in students, such as offering choices, building relationships, and promoting a growth mindset. It's a useful tool for teachers looking to shift away from reward/punishment models and toward student-centered learning.

2. TED Talk – “The Power of Believing You Can Improve” by Carol Dweck

Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve

Description:
In this inspiring TED Talk, psychologist Carol Dweck introduces the concept of the “growth mindset” and how it can significantly impact student motivation and academic success. This video is a powerful reminder for educators to frame failure as part of the learning process and to praise effort, not just outcomes.

3. MindShift – “How to Help Students Develop a Sense of Agency”

Link: https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/56767/how-to-help-students-develop-a-sense-of-agency

Description:
This article explores how giving students voice and choice increases motivation and engagement. It includes ideas on fostering agency through classroom culture, student goal-setting, and reflective practices—strategies that help students take ownership of their learning.

4. Book – Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Link: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/

Description:
Daniel Pink’s bestselling book explores the science of motivation and how traditional incentives often fail to drive performance. He introduces three key elements of motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—which can be applied to classroom practices that empower students to thrive.

5. Understood.org – “Motivating Students with Learning and Thinking Differences”

Link: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/motivation-why-its-hard-for-kids-with-learning-and-thinking-differences

Description:
This article explains why students with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences may struggle with motivation and offers strategies to support them. It’s a valuable resource for teachers aiming to build inclusive environments where all students feel capable and motivated to succeed.

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1. Motivational Lesson Plan for Students

Link: https://monicagenta.com/2023/01/04/motivational-lesson-plan-perfect-for-your-students-free-pdf/

Description:
This lesson plan is ideal for SEL time, morning meetings, homeroom, small groups, or relationship-building sessions. It includes activities that encourage students to reflect on their goals and aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation. The plan emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and understanding the steps to achieve them.

2. Goal Setting and Motivation Ideas for Middle Schoolers

Link: https://www.teachingintentionally.com/blog/2022/1/3/goal-setting-and-motivation-ideas-for-middle-schoolers

Description:
This resource provides a structured approach to goal setting using the GROW method (Goal, Reality, Options, Will). It guides students through the process of setting academic, personal, and relational goals, helping them understand the steps needed to achieve success. Additionally, it suggests creating digital vision boards to visualize their future selves, enhancing motivation and focus.

3. Be Motivated/Be Resilient – Arizona Department of Education

Link: Be Motivated/Be Resilient – AZED https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2015/10/m2w-chapter-3-lesson-2.pdf?id=56183008aadec00dd867b85c

Description:
This lesson focuses on defining resiliency and identifying personal skills to build resilience. It encourages students to recognize ways to stay motivated and overcome challenges. The activities are designed to help students develop a growth mindset and understand the importance of perseverance in achieving their goals.

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What is "student motivation", and why did I choose it?

Student motivation refers to the internal drive or external encouragement that prompts learners to engage, persist, and succeed in their educational activities. It includes both intrinsic factors, like interest and curiosity, and extrinsic factors, such as rewards or recognition. I chose this topic because motivation is foundational to effective learning—without it, even the best lessons can fall flat. Understanding how to foster and sustain motivation helps create a classroom where students are eager to participate and take ownership of their learning.

Why is this topic important to teach?

Teaching about motivation is crucial

because it empowers students to become self-directed learners who can overcome obstacles and challenges. When students understand what motivates them, they can develop resilience, set meaningful goals, and maintain effort even when work gets difficult. Additionally, motivated students tend to perform better academically, have higher engagement, and show improved behavior, all of which contribute to a positive learning environment.

How would you teach this topic in your future classroom?

I would teach student motivation by incorporating lessons on growth mindset, goal-setting, and self-reflection early in the school year. Activities like vision boards, personal goal planning, and discussions about the value of effort and perseverance would help students connect motivation to their own experiences. I’d also build a classroom culture that celebrates progress and encourages autonomy by giving students choices in their learning. Regular check-ins and motivational talks would keep students focused and help them navigate setbacks constructively.

What are 3 questions or concerns you have about teaching this topic?

1. How can I effectively motivate students who seem disengaged or resistant to learning despite multiple strategies?

2. What are the best ways to balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivators without making students dependent on rewards?

3. How can I tailor motivation techniques to support diverse learners, including those with learning differences or challenging home environments?

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Sometimes I feel students think, "You're the teacher, you must have gotten good grades and know everything". It is not entirely true. I was not good in school and did not even graduate high school on time because math is not something my brain can understand. Despite all that, I got amazing grades once I got to college and that is what inspired me to be a teacher. School can feel like a struggle now but it won't always feel like that!

Discussion:

Do you remember a time when you were not motivated in school because you did not think you could do well? What did you do when that happened?