Educators and parents share a common goal: helping children and youth become successful in school and life. The basic principles of social and emotional learning serve as the underlying principles of motivation. Motivation is what stimulates and focuses actions. It is an internal state that can be thought of as "reasons for doing". Needs, thoughts, and emotions each contribute to motivation. Research has shown that motivated students display a commitment to learning that is crucial for academic, social, and emotional development, and that leads to school and life success. By working together, parents and teachers can reinforce messages about the value of education and the importance of doing one's best. Such efforts serve the ultimate goal of helping children become knowledgeable, responsible, caring, and healthy citizens. Specific strategies for fostering motivation in the classroom by focusing on "3 Cs" are discussed: helping students feel (1) Capable; (2) Connected; and (3) in Control.