Posts by Lynne Watts
how to teach kids not to give up
Use Brain Science to Teach Kids Not to Give Up Brain science has dramatically changed how we think about the brain. While much of the research has been applied to helping children learn better in an academic setting, growth mindset research has also taught us how to help children develop high self-esteem while at the…
Read MoreMotivating Students
Motivating Students At an elementary school training, a teacher asked me about strategies for a student who has no motivation. He refuses to do any work at all and she has tried numerous strategies already. “I’ve tried everything and nothing works,” she said. As a school counselor for 20 years, I often heard similar concerns.…
Read MoreHelping kids develop a good work ethic
Tips for Teaching Kids a Good Work Ethic Everywhere I turn, I hear complaints about the lack of a good work ethic in today’s employees. In a study of 1000 employers across the country, Josh Davies, the CEO of the Center for Work Ethic Development in Colorado asked the top six work traits that employers look…
Read MoreKids and tough friendship decisions
Friendship Decisions and Self-Worth As a school counselor for twenty years, one of the most common problems that I talked to kids about was friendship. What do you do when a friend wants to do something that is unkind, thoughtless, or involves breaking the rules? What do you do when a friend is bossy, self-centered…
Read MoreIntention and Reflection for the Classroom
Intention and Reflection for the Classroom What was the most memorable and significant year of school for you? The first year you attended school? The year you starred in the class play? The year you won an award? The year you graduated? Research has shown that an important part of learning in any environment is reflecting on our…
Read MoreKids and Rewards
Kids and Rewards What motivates children to want to learn? Is it possible to motivate children without using rewards and treats? Could it be that using rewards is actually causing students to be unmotivated? Where does motivation come from anyway? Some Surprising Research In his book, Drive, The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, author…
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