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American Children Losing Motivation and Creativity, Teachers Say
By Jackson Elliott

Creativity and enthusiasm define childhood, but American children seem to be losing these gifts, teachers say.

American children are less creative and less motivated than past generations. When teachers compare today’s children with their peers from only a few years ago, there’s a clear difference, according to Page Park, an Indiana teacher with 24 years of experience.

“They don’t know how to think for themselves, too. I do have a few kids that are really good at problem solving, but not as many. They’re not good at problem solving,” she said.

Park said that since she first started teaching, creativity has declined. Students today don’t look for solutions to simple problems.

For instance, if a student found he didn’t have a pencil, he wouldn’t ask for a spare, Park said.

“I’ve taught most of my career.” Park said. “I’m talking high school students who just don’t think to ask, ‘Hey, can I borrow a pencil?’ And I have them available where they can just take them.”

When Park looks at her classroom, she sees a disconnected generation.

Epoch Times Photo
Page Park, an experienced Indiana teacher, says that kids today aren’t as creative or motivated as kids in the past. Photo taken on June 2021 in Indianapolis, Ind. (Page Park)

“They talk about games a lot. They never talk about going outside. They talk about staying up late. Their sleep rhythms are awful,” Park said. “I have one that was telling me last week or the week before that he doesn’t go to bed until three o’clock in the morning. They might be a little more rigid in movement.”

Other teachers in different states have seen a similar change. Theresa, a teacher in New York and writer for The Developing Mom, said that her students also seem to lack creativity and motivation.

“I thought, all I have to do is just show up every day and do my very best, and I can inspire these kids. I can change your life. Every teacher thinks that,” she said. “But what I started to see was the students, they were not inspired, no matter what I or my fellow teachers did.”

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https://www.theepochtimes.com/american-children-losing-motivation-and-creativity-teachers-say_4309077.html

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