TL;DR: People with a fixed mindset do not believe qualities can be changed while those with a growth mindset believe qualities can be developed and strengthened through hard work. Having a growth mindset leads to hope and optimism which helps overcome obstacles. A story is shared about a student who was a troubled teen but turned her life around with … Read More
Even If…
TL;DR: We have control of two things: how we prepare and how we respond. Have a better mindset by changing your “what if” thoughts to “even if” thoughts. How great is that quote? Anyone else feeling great discomfort because everything seems out of our control? Yep. Me too. It’s nearly impossible to feel like we have a firm grasp on … Read More
Cue the Celebrations! How to Celebrate in Schools Today!
TL;DR: Celebrating is like a skill that gets easier with practice. Start by teaching students why and how we celebrate as a class by keeping a list of celebrations to share publicly each day or privately through a weekly personal journal. Celebrate students by sharing messages via email, communication apps like SeeSaw, Post-it notes, or on desks with dry-erase markers. … Read More
Have You Fallen Into the Negativity Trap?
TL;DR: The brain responds differently to negative stimuli than it does to positive stimuli. Consider the times you have weighed the pros and cons of a situation, only to focus more heavily on the cons. When you are at home, focus on the positive, reframe your inside voice, and flip your point of view. At school, watch your response to … Read More
Positive Thinking and Your Health
TL;DR: Positive thinking has many benefits for your physical and mental health. Challenge yourself to always see the positive, even when it is difficult to do so. The writing below is a letter I sent to my staff because not all things have to be about data in our schools. I care about our staff and I care about every … Read More