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It’s that time again! Time to judge the progress of our children and bring a light to the twisty paths of learning for each child. It’s REPORT time.
Language is so important at this time. We can be sharp, critical, negative and judgemental or we can be over-positive and brimming with praise or avoidance of the real issues.
I prefer the middle road. Many years ago I encountered the 2 STARS AND A WISH thinking and have tried to live by that. When asked my opinion of anything at all I like to point out the strengths and the weaknesses as I see them and to also offer CONSTRUCTIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE.
We all need that- what are we doing right? What is wrong? How can we improve?
To write a report we need to really KNOW a child. I have seen so many reports that basically leave parents feeling their child will never be able to excel at ANYTHING and others that simply tell lies and insist all is well when it’s not.
Let’s tell the truth but importantly, let’s tell the WHOLE truth.
Children grow and change and what on earth is the point of making a quick judgement that may become a self-fulfilling prophecy and does not allow for positive change? It is better to stick to the fairer, kinder but honest road and point out strengths first, weaknesses next and then ways to improve.
When we teach we NEVER know who is on the mat in front of us. There might be a future PM of Australia, a future talented inventor, a medical scientist who will find a cure for cancer or a genius master criminal in that squirming, creative mass of children by our knees!
So at this “judgement” time let’s treat them with kindness, care, honesty and positive encouragement.
After reading of what the children of Korea have to endure, their high suicide rate and then watching the revealing and dreadful method of attending “hagwons” or cram schools and sleeping in class I am moved to deep sadness for the children and young people.
Life is not just about success and going to the best university or making loads of money. The value systems inherent in these concepts are empty and twisted. Children need better than this and we know it.
I recently saw a TV program about rich Chinese kids are being taken to weekends of over the top total luxury to get them to crave these creature comforts and the high-life and learn about making money. What on earth will those kids be like when they grow up? Unfortunately we know the answer to this question.
We have parents who ask us not to praise children because it will stop them trying. Many years ago I had a child who was almost suicidal due to this parenting approach and had to have years of therapy to regain a positive approach to life.
We have to stop dumping our sick, valueless and contorted ideas of “success” on children and encourage them to grow, improve and be the person they were meant to be. Children are not designer handbags to be touted about. Go save up for your Louis Vuitton if you want but LOVE, CARE, and RESPECT your child and learn to appreciate them for who they are- not for who you want them to be!
As I begin reports today I will try to keep all these thoughts in front of me and most of all use any criticism to show how we can BUILD not tear down.
EQ IN MATHS
I watched a maths lesson yesterday at ICE.
It involved some pretty difficult 2/3 step problems based around our SPACE theme and Kelli commented quietly to me that we might need some easier examples for some of the children.
I suggested to Kelli that I put together some easier options and she observed for a while and wisely chose the harder option- to help the kids struggle and overcome.
She didn’t just teach them about maths with 2-3 processes- she taught them resilience and determination. Kelli taught them the value of collaboration and that we can All excel when we throw our hearts over the bar.
The children were so proud of themselves and we were all left feeling we had struggled together and WON- a great feeling for teachers AND children!
Well done Kelli- that is MASTER TEACHING!!! A few attitudes were changed and who knows- maybe some career options opened up?
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
I am writing this somewhere just north of Australia while idly staring at amazing clouds! As usual up here, ideas flood in because I have created a space- a vacuum for creativity to fill!
So often as teachers we say to children, “Get your head out of the clouds!”
We want kids to be HERE and NOW and with us and not daydreaming but we have taken this too far.
Attention to important things is crucial and we cannot teach effectively without it BUT there must be times when kids have let their attention wander and to wonder, imagine and daydream.
Children who have more time for imagining and daydreaming will be able to think more creatively and generate visual images that help with planning, innovating, seeing new possibilities and writing.
So when can they do this? “Not in MY class!” I can hear you comment! Well- I agree. Not in mine either. BUT – if SOMEONE has let the kids daydream just before I teach them, I have more chance of harnessing their attention and getting them to think creatively.
So, I now always plan a simple, fast art activity just before our skill lessons and it achieves the following:
Helps the kids relax and listen
Allows them to reflect, wonder and process any worrying emotions
Switches on the WHOLE brain so they are ready for new information and problem solving.
Try it. It works. It takes a little time and effort to generate creative activities that don’t take too long but it is ALWAYS worth it! We have set up a Pinterest FAST creative activities so please follow and use!
https://www.pinterest.com/victoriacarlton/fast-artcraft-activities/
Motivation Momentum
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I have a new FIT BIT. It essentially monitors my steps, vibrates when I reach 10,000 steps and has made me (In 1 week) walk up stairs instead of escalators, walk twice as far as usual and doggedly walk and walk till I feel that magic vibration on my wrist.
I have been running workshops for teachers and children in Singapore all week, so not so hard to get to 10, 000 steps but I return to Perth today and already planning how I will factor in daily exercise.
The point is, this purchase WORKS because it gave me a vibration on my wrist every night with a congratulations message as well as a MARATHON badge. Anyone who knows my sporting and exercise record would know there is not a lot to speak of but ONE WEEK has changed things. Of course it will now be up to me as to whether I will make lasting changes to my lifestyle and hopefully I will.
If we take that as a successful strategy for behaviour change and apply it to children, some very clear points emerge.
Many people say we should not give external rewards. “Rubbish” I reply to that.
Children LOVE stickers, badges, certificates, the occasional sweet treat and would definitely do their homework if some enterprising person invented a HOMEWORK FIT BIT or read more if they had a READING FIT BIT!
Children want to be recognised and thanked for their hard work. In order to change behaviour we must go back to the Skinner model and make sure we have a sufficient supply of “carrots!”
http://www.livestrong.com/article/105661-behavior-modification
Once the behaviour is changed, the number of carrots can be slightly lessened but never taken away completely.
Would you work for no salary?
I am all for the charts of behaviour, reading books read, stars for good behaviour and achievement and effort certificates. They work!
I care about kids greatly. They are my life’s work and if a few cheap stickers and certificates can change their lives for the better I am on the front of the queue to buy!
Long live the FIT BIT and may someone invent one to motivate kids!
