Sixth Grade
Worksheets
What Motivates You?
Jim was failing science and math at school. He was called to the guidance office. He wasn't looking forward to the meeting and the lecture he was sure to get. He'd heard it all before. Jim knew he needed to get better grades. It's just that school was so boring; it was hard to stay awake in class. He kept telling himself that he'd do better on the next test, the next week, and the next semester. He just never got around to it.
Jim walked slowly into the counselor's office. He was expecting Mr. Jones to greet him and begin the lecture. Instead, a new counselor, Mr. Abrams, met him. He shook Jim's hand and introduced himself.
Jim explained to Mr. Abrams how he felt about school. Then, Mr. Abrams asked him a question: "What motivates you?"
Jim didn't know how to answer that question. He'd never really thought about it before. Mr. Abrams said that he knew Jim wouldn't want to study every time he was supposed to. Jim needed to find a way to motivate himself to do school work even if he didn't feel like it. Jim should reward himself somehow when he does well. This way, Jim would keep on working hard and get better grades.
Mr. Abrams explained that there are two types of rewards, extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic rewards are things that come from the outside. Examples include food, CDs, money, and good grades. They are things that you give yourself or things someone else gives you when you do something good. It's kind of like giving a dog a bone when he's done his newest trick.
