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Very early in life children become driven either by intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation. Obviously we want to encourage intrinsic motivation in which a child seeks out challenges and tries to master tasks in order to satisfy their own sense of accomplishment rather than to gain approval of others or for other external rewards. By the age of three, children become interested in doing things well, not just doing things. They become aware of different levels of performance and success.

How can you tell if your child is intrinsically motivated? Look for the following:

Persistence: Does your child stay on task for a considerable period of time even when it's challenging or takes effort?
Chooses Challenges: Does your child seek out more difficult tasks just for the challenge itself, or does she choose the easy tasks she knows she can accomplish quickly?
Dependency: Does your child prefer independence in learning, or does he need the constant attention of adults?
Emotional Tone: Does your child show enjoyment in working on complex tasks or does she frequently act bored and uninterested?
Lyrics
When I'm working silently
I build inside
In my heart where no one sees
I build inside

The feeling that really counts
Comes from the inside out
I choose, I decide
I build inside

When the job is mine to do
I build inside
When I finally see it through
I build inside

Others see it, that's O.K.
On top of what the others say
I choose, I decide
I build inside

Building, building inside
Building, building inside
Building, building inside
Building, building, building, building

When I have to work at it
I build inside
When the puzzle finally fits
I build inside

Just begun or almost done
Rainy day or shining sun
I choose, I decide
I build inside

Tips for Parents

• Instead of the automatic "Good Job!," ask your child to evaluate her own work with, "How do you think you did?"  Then after her response, tell that you're proud of her AND WHY.
• Further Reading - Lew, A. & Bettner, B. (1996) A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Motivating Children.  Sheffield, UK: Connexions Press.

This song is part of our Songs of Motivation series, which consist of the following eight song titles:
Celebrate
I Build Inside
I Keep On Going
I'm Gonna Be Me
My Mind is Like a Muscle
Sometimes It Takes a Few Mistakes
There's Another Way to Do it
Tough Stuff

This song is available in the following formats:

• Download this song in MP3 format
• Download all 8 Songs of Motivation songs
• Receive the CD via Mail (shipping/handling charges apply)