As you prepare to begin another winter season of teaching snow sports, remember it’s essential to connect with your students and engage them in the lesson. Many of our students this winter will be children, and children participate in sports to:
* Have fun and be physically active
* Make friends
* Learn new skills
* Enjoy competition
* Be challenged
As an instructor it’s important to understand what motivates your students. There are 3 primary contributors to motivation:
1. Perceived ability (the students belief about their ability in the sport)
2. Social Support (from friends, parents and instructors)
3. Enjoyment (necessary for sustaining their love of the sport)
These behaviors will help to ensure your students motivation thrives in your lessons.
* Appropriate and effective lesson planning
* Recognize achievement and use positive reinforcement
* Set challenges for all levels of ability
* Use a game centered approach
* Provide a supportive learning environment