The word motivation is used to describe the reason why a person engages in a certain form of behaviour. According to Geen “motivation refers to the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of human behaviour”. Motivation can also be described with words like – stimulus and incentive. Simply put motivation is the reason or reasons for an individual to behave in a certain way.

Motivation has been variously studies in psychological and neuropsychological studies to understand human conduct. It is always desirable to motivate a child towards his well- being, in an intelligent way. The three instincts of sex, preservation and the need to be social; dominates the life of human beings. It is important to acknowledge the fact that children also look for personal gains in what they do. The same can be healthily channalized through right motivation.

A teacher’s guide called “the Master Teacher” has listed nine motivators for healthy growth in children. These are – Love, personal gain, imitation, pleasure, security, the need to avoid fear, the need to experience new things and convenience or the tendency to do things which are simple and easy.

From the above, one can easily see, that it is best to motivate children towards things which will make them feel good about themselves. These are also the things we want them to do.

The age old reward and punishment strategy of motivating children is actually short lived and makes then greedy and fearful. Powerful motivators are always emotional in nature. The focus has to be on the real long term needs of the child. While doing the assigned task the child should feel that he is gaining from it personally.

Self enhancement or boosting of self esteem can be a very powerful motivating factor to make children behave in a certain way. Thus praise and appreciation can be very good motivators. Being like others makes them feel accepted and comfortable. Making them feel that doing something will make them like everyone or like some one who they admire, can be a very good motivator. Providing variety of experience and stimulus in the fun way can be excellent triggers to get little ones to work.

The new age fun way of learning, is based on this theory, as pleasure is the greatest motivator for human beings to perform. It is important to think of all the above listed inducements, to work in a creative manner with children.

Summer activities like Halloween crafts is a very good way of motivating Indian children. To find our more ways on how to motivate your child you can visit these links.