Asked • 08/05/25

Problem: My student is unmotivated, falling behind and does not care about school.

Michele W.

Thank you for sharing your concerns. It’s not uncommon for students to feel unmotivated or disconnected from school, especially when they are struggling or don’t see the purpose in the work. The good news is that with the right approach, we can re-engage your child and help them start to feel successful again. Here are a few strategies I use to build motivation and get students moving forward: Start with strengths: I find out what your child does enjoy and connect new learning to those interests, so school feels more relevant. Small wins first: Setting up short, achievable goals builds confidence and helps students see that success is possible. Choice and voice: Letting students have some say in how they learn or demonstrate their knowledge increases buy-in. Active, hands-on learning: Using games, visuals, or real-life applications makes the work feel more engaging and less like a chore. Celebrate progress: Recognizing effort, not just outcomes, encourages persistence and helps shift their mindset. My role as a tutor is not only to teach skills but also to build your child’s confidence, show them that learning can be enjoyable, and give them tools to succeed independently. Next Steps: If you’d like, we can set up a free consultation where I’ll learn more about your student’s specific challenges, then create a personalized plan to get them back on track both academically and motivationally.
Report

09/02/25

Elizabeth P.

When a student is unmotivated and falling behind, it is often because school feels too hard, boring, or disconnected from their real life. If they keep struggling without success, they can lose confidence and start to believe they will never “get it,” which makes them stop trying. They may also feel like their effort goes unnoticed, so they don’t see the point. Sometimes the best step is to give the student a fresh start—a chance to reroute, clear away frustration, and focus on getting fully back on track. When a child is buried under both old assignments and new lessons, it becomes nearly impossible to learn anything meaningful. That’s why there sometimes needs to be a pause or a reset, where teachers and parents work together to reduce the load, set realistic priorities, and make sure the student is truly learning rather than just chasing deadlines. Helping a child catch up starts with small, achievable steps and celebrating each success to build confidence. Lessons should be connected to the student’s interests so they feel relevant, and structure at home—like a set homework time and a quiet space—can provide consistency. For some students, struggles may come from deeper issues such as mental health conditions or neurodivergence. In those cases, families should not hesitate to ask the school for support. Schools can provide an IEP (Individualized Education Program), which includes specialized instruction and services, or a 504 Plan, which is a legal plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A 504 Plan doesn’t change the curriculum but gives accommodations like extra time on tests, breaks during class, or organizational support so the student can learn on equal footing with their peers.
Report

09/21/25

30 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Angel C. answered • 10/13/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

English Grammar Tutor & Linguist with 12+ Years of Experience

Susan W. answered • 13d

Tutor
New to Wyzant

A Passion for History and Reading

Jamie H. answered • 28d

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Spellbound: The Power of Words

Brandy B. answered • 29d

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Experienced Teacher: Boost Confidence & Literacy Skills

Alita R. answered • 29d

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Elementary / Early Educator & Literacy Tutor | ELL Specialist

Taylor M. answered • 01/23/26

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Experienced Educator Helping Build Confidence & Master Skills

Tracy W. answered • 01/10/26

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Credentialed Teacher (M.Ed.) Reading, Writing, Executive Function

Ume A. answered • 01/07/26

Tutor
New to Wyzant

High-Achieving Honor Roll Tutor

Mesha S. answered • 12/29/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Experienced K–6 Elementary Math Teacher with 12+ Years Experience

Stephen F. answered • 12/06/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Elementary Math Tutor | Building Confidence & Strong Foundations

Claudine J. answered • 11/11/25

Tutor
4.9 (35)

Expert Math & French Tutoring from a Cornell-Trained Educator

Sadaqa E. answered • 11/11/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Phonics & Reading Foundations for Neurodiverse Learners

Jillian B. answered • 11/09/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Certified Elementary and Middle Grades Teacher

Elizabeth P. answered • 09/21/25

Tutor
5.0 (28)

multi-Subject|ELA| Reading|Writing|Certified TEFL|ESl

Donna B. answered • 08/15/25

Tutor
5 (1)

More about Donna

Andrew F. answered • 08/14/25

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Andy F. Elementary/Middle English, Reading, Math, and History

Alora Y. answered • 08/08/25

Tutor
5 (3)

Published Author And Youth Poet Laureate at Vanderbilt

Michele W. answered • 08/05/25

Tutor
5 (9)

Elementary Grammar and Writing

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.