This action research project sought to increase motivation in second- and fourth-grade students in an urban Midwestern school. Achievement and skill measures as well as observations indicated a lack of student participation and interest. Three areas of intervention were implemented: cross-curricular activities to heighten student interest, cooperative learning strategies to promote participation and interaction, and teacher-designed activities that focused on goal-setting and personal reflection. Follow-up data indicated that active student participation increased, parent and student attitudes toward school and learning became more positive, and students experienced academic success by meeting personal goals and increasing their core of known words for reading and writing. (Eleven appendices include surveys, checklists, goal-setting and progress sheets, instructional sheets, and a parent letter. Contains 30 references.) (EV)