Children are naturally curious beings, but getting them to study something they aren’t interested in can be a difficult task. Teachers often find themselves trying to reward in the _______ of stars or threat of punishment. But what if rewards and threats aren’t the _______?

Natural curiosity is sometimes referred to as “internal motivation”. Studies have found that children who see learning as _______ and important are better at it. And it’s easy to understand why — it’s difficult to study something we aren’t _______.

External motivation, things like rewards and punishment, does have its _______ too. Motives for achieving good grades or fear of being punished have been _______ to benefit older students. However, it seems that at an early age, it doesn’t have as much effect. So for this group, how can we stimulate that _______?

According to some experts, the key is to _______ some degree of freedom. Let the child see their learning as their _______ will. If you want to teach a child to read, let them choose which book they use. Whether it’s a comic book or classic literature — the aim of stimulating their desire for reading is still ________. Likewise, ________ a relationship with them as learners — listen to their negative feelings. Explain why an activity is valuable, even if it isn’t ________ fun.

So it seems that the most ________ way of motivating children, especially the young ones, might ________ stimulating that internal motivation. Maybe it’s time to release them from the reigns of threats and rewards, and give them a bit more ________ of how they learn.