TSU education students team with Hamilton Elementary

Fifteen students from Hamilton Elementary School (Hamilton, Indiana) collaborated with TSU education students in April to give their insight on how they are motivated to do their personal best at school and in life. The visit coincides with the TSU students’ class, EDU 222 Educational Psychology—Studying the Importance of Motivation for Teachers and Learners.

Accompanied by three school board members, three teachers and their principal, Kimberly McArthy, the young people in grades K-6 narrated a colorful Power Point presentation that included photos of the school’s students participating in various educational activities.

The activities are part of a motivational program instituted by McArthy. They coincide with the school’s mission statement, “I am a respectful and responsible Junior Marine achieving at or above grade level.” This year all Hamilton Elementary students received a T-shirt with the mission statement written on the back. Faculty and staff received the shirts, too, and everyone is encouraged to wear their shirts every Friday, as well as on field trips.

Helping the children live this statement each day is a goal as teachers base academic and behavioral expectations on the mission statement. To reinforce the goal and to encourage students to achieve, McArthy visits each class every day. She brings with her questions, critical thinking puzzles and other activities that help them take an active part in her visit.

They ended the day with a visit to Centennial Station for cookies and milk.