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Hello Muskoka Early Years Professionals!
March Motivation: A Journey of Discovery
Are you ready to tap into your March Motivation? This month, I’ll be asking more questions than providing answers, because let’s face it—motivation can be elusive. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced bursts of motivation that have you charging toward a goal, only to later wonder, "Where did that motivation go?"
Have you ever admired a friend or family member who seems to be in the "zone," working on a goal with unwavering determination? You think, "I wish I could be that motivated!" And then, just like that, the motivation you once felt seems to slip away. Sound familiar?
The Many Faces of Motivation
Motivation varies from person to person, and it's influenced by a variety of factors, including individual differences, life experiences, cultural context, and psychological influences. Some people are intrinsically motivated - driven by internal factors like curiosity, personal growth, or enjoyment. Others are more motivated by external rewards, such as money, status, recognition, or approval. This can manifest in goals like earning a promotion, finishing a degree, or winning a competition.
Understanding these different types of motivation can help you tailor your approach to goals, making it easier to align your strategies with what truly drives you. Recognizing that motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all can pave the way for more personal, sustainable success.
Supporting Motivation in Early Childhood
When we look at early childhood education, it’s fascinating to see how different learning approaches encourage intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation in young learners. By creating environments that value children’s interests, cultural relevance, and autonomy, we can support intrinsic motivation while also using external encouragement strategically to support learning.
For instance, the Emergent Curriculum model is built around the idea that learning should be child-centered. It’s responsive to the child’s interests, allowing educators to observe and design activities based on what excites and motivates the child. This helps foster a sense of ownership and purpose, which in turn promotes intrinsic motivation—children learn because they want to, not just because they’re expected to. Children love to make choices for themselves, and they thrive on feedback.
Motivation: For Ourselves and for Our Children
By understanding the different types of motivation—both for ourselves and for the children in our care—we can create better learning environments and more fulfilling lives. Whether it’s guiding our own journey or nurturing the growth of young minds, fostering motivation is key to achieving meaningful progress.
Let’s continue to support each other in discovering what drives us. After all, the path to motivation may not always be linear, but with the right understanding and strategies, we can stay on course.
Enjoy your March Motivation,
Corinna Krocker, RECE
Children's Services Community Facilitator
Email: corinna.krocker@muskoka.on.ca
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