Three Good Things That Happened Today

First, of course, Happy New Year! In the world of education our "new year" really begins in August/September: we feel renewed, refreshed, resolved! January finds us catching our second wind and a glimmer of that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

A dear friend of mine has started off 2008 determined to focus on positive events in his life. Encouraged by a listserve he subscribes to, he ends each day by writing down three good things that happened during the day. The author of the listserve indicated that doing this exercise would result in greater optimism. I asked him if he'd experienced "greater optimism."

After a thoughtful pause he replied that in the beginning he had several exciting things to write on his list. We had just come through the holidays and his outlook was quite positive. After several days, he began to notice that he had to "dig a little deeper" to classify something as "good." He realized that the good things happening were not always big events, but rather modest events that only he could truly appreciate. For example, he received a phone call and during the conversation the caller paid him a small but significant compliment. It made the list that day. So? Was this list-thing creating "greater optimism?" He said, "I experience improved motivation and less resistance to getting things done that I want to get done." Quite an endorsement!

Consider our students. For many of them, success in the world of education has been quite limited, especially if they have a learning difficulty or disability. Teaching students to recognize the good things happening during their learning may improve their motiviation and break down resistance to trying new things.

Use part of each lesson to review skills that have been solidly learned. Now they're starting from a perspective of strength and not weakness. Explain how these skills relate to what you're introducing next. By doing so, you are assuring the learners that they do have the skills and knowledge to move to the next step. It sets them up for success!

Students will experience giant leaps as well as tiny steps as they attend classes. Its easy to recognize the big "aha" moments! Eyes light up, small smiles appear, shoulders relax - they get it! Wow! The smaller moments - remembering to capitalize the first word in a sentence, for example, may not register in their conscious mind. But it is equally important as the big "aha"! It demonstrates that attention to detail, consistent work and drills have paid off. It is no longer a cognitive skill, it has become an associative skill.

Call attention to the small successes! You may think the students see them, but often they don't. They are too busy focusing on what they don't know or what they didn't get right or what they have yet to learn.

On my list of three today: an unexpected box of chocolates given as a token of appreciation.

What will make it on your list today?