One example of extrinsic motivation in the daycare setting is praise. Children seek approval and love from adults. Daycare providers can praise desired behaviors exhibited by the children. For example, a provider can praise a child for cleaning up her toys, or for remembering to wash her hands after using the potty. Be specific when giving praise to children. Use praise to encourage behaviors that you know the child struggles with, praising a child for too many things will cause her to expect it for everything.
Another type of extrinsic motivation used in the daycare setting is the reward system. The reward system can be as simple as a sticker, a stamp or having a chance to be the line leader. This type of motivator can be used when trying to toilet train, shape behaviors during snack or mealtimes, and motivate children to participate in clean-up and other tasks. Simple charts where children can place stickers if they use the potty, complete a task or behave appropriately can motivate children in the daycare. Other external rewards like being the line leader or extra playtime can be given when a child accrues a certain number of stickers or stamps.
Encouragement can spur children in the daycare setting to act on their intrinsic drives. Children need to feel empowered, independent and capable. Simple words of encouragement and support go a long way in empowering a child and fostering intrinsic motivation. Refrain from nagging and putting a child down when they make a mistake, instead encouraging them to try again will help keep their activities enjoyable, and therefore intrinsically motivate them. For example, when potty training, encourage children to stay dry and support them by helping them remember to take a trip to the toilet. Children need to feel like they can accomplish staying dry, and will be successful if daycare providers allow them to keep trying in a positive environment.
Children have many choices in the daycare setting that are good examples of intrinsic motivation. Free play is one such situation where children act on their intrinsic drives. Children will choose to participate in an activity they are interested in. Daycares that have job choices for the children also play on a child's intrinsic motivation. Children will choose the job that they get the most enjoyment out of. Provide different activity, job and art choices for children to experience.