mindset
Helping Kids Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
Debunking Myths about Gratitude Developing an attitude of gratitude is something that can be started early in small ways and then developed as a child grows. Even young children can learn to be thankful for the many daily experiences they encounter. Gratitude involves learning to be first aware and secondly to frame the situation in…
Read MoreThe Greatest Gift a Teacher can Give
The Power of Mindset What is the power of expectation and mindset? It is not only huge but it trumps ability every time. In an education world that has become increasing obsessed with data, testing and assessment, what role does a teacher’s positive expectations play in a student’s performance? Apparently it is the greatest gift a teacher…
Read Moreteaching kids to manage feelings
A standard lesson that I taught every year as an elementary school counselor was recognizing feelings. It was a fun lesson. I’d bring in large cut outs of children showing mad, sad, happy or scared feelings and ask kids to guess how the child was feeling. We’d talk about body language and how we know what someone…
Read Morechildren who feel entitled
The one phrase that changes an entitlement mindset Ever wonder how we could wind up with a whole generation of kids who feel entitled? Entitled to good grades without having to work and study for them. Entitled to a spot on the team or in the organization without having to practice and prove themselves. Entitled to…
Read MoreWhat If You Embrace the Difficulty?
Accepting limitations Every one has some sort of limitation in life. For some this may be an actual physical disability, for others it is more subtle. Some children have difficulty with math, or reading or social skills. It is a rare child who excels in every area. Often as adults in children’s lives we either try…
Read MoreMotivating Students
Growth vs. Fixed Mindset At a recent elementary school training, a teacher began asking 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…
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