The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning on the Tuned-Out Child

by Richard Lavoie

Book Overview

The Motivation Breakthrough explores proven techniques and strategies--based on six possible motivational styles--that will revolutionize the way teachers and parents inspire kids with learning disabilities to succeed and achieve.

Backed by decades of experience in the classroom, educator and acclaimed author Rick Lavoie explodes common myths and gives specific advice for motivating children with learning disabilities. He outlines...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743289617
• ISBN13: 9780743289610
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic for any teacher or parent, not just those with "tuned-out" children!

My big issue with The Motivation Breakthrough is that its subtitle, "6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child," makes it appear as if this book is for: (1) parents of kids with learning issues, or (2) education professionals. This book is a must read for ALL parents! The majority of the book discusses six ways (they're all "P" words) that kids can be motivated. Want a list of ways to organize a good Project? What are characteristics of a good teacher/student (People) relationship? What are the pitfalls of Praise and how can it be given effectively? Why are most Prize systems destined to fail but how can they become a help rather than a hindrance to learning? How can you cultivate leadership skills in a child motivated by Prestige or Power? ...and those are just the high-level points. What might teachers learn from sports coaches? How can you better say "I'm proud of you?" Why is Pokemon so fascinating to children? Why should an allowance be unrelated to doing chores? What are unique ways to show affection? I could go on and on. This book provides an astonishing amount of insight and real-life tips for any parent or teacher. Lavoie writes clearly and his points are well-organized. This is not just a book to read, but to buy; you'll want to flag, highlight, take notes in it, and refer to it often.

If you really care,read this.

There is always a child whose behaviour/reactions are the cause for extra concern;not only from the educator's viewpoint but also from parent's and even that child's own. This book helps us to understand why things might be going wrong in a child's life and proposes solutions that really work.It has enabled a child I work with to gain a grip on his behaviour through facilitating a greater understanding of the way his mind ticks amongst the adults involved in his life.It could help you crack that case that is making you feel like you just don't know enough...seeing the tremendous change in this particular child's life has done it for me!

Rick does it again

Rick Lavoie uses his many years of administrative and personal experiences to help the rest of us who have to teach and live with others who have special needs. After all, each of us has special needs and by making the world a better and more forgiving place for the "disabled", we're making it a better world for all of us! Rick uses anecdotes and specific strategies that really work. This book is well worth the price and definitely worth the time spent reading it. It deserves to be in everyone's library.

Another clear and thorough book from Lavoie

I purchased this book for strategies to help my daughter stay motivated in a new school program. Like Lavoie's previous book, It's So Much Work to Be York Friend, The Motivation Breakthrough is clear and digestible for parents. For quickly assessing a child's motivational type and finding the targeted ideas for their type, begin in chapter three (at p. 107 in the hardcover edition), then skip to the relevant chapter for the child's type. We found the book so useful that we bought additional copies for our daughter's teacher and the library of our school district's gifted and talented association.

Lavoie leads the field!

Dr. Lavoie again shows keen insight into the plight of America's learning disabled students. His opinions are often controversial, but always thought provoking. In this book, he addresses not only the needs of the learning diabled child, but also the professional educator and parent. He is not afraid to challenge us to re-evaluate our view of the role of teacher, and by challenging us, compells us to reassess what dynamic teaching is all about. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who deals with a non-compliant student or child, and learn the difference between motivation and behavior modification. It's definitely a must for all special education teachers!