I strongly value relationship building and the belief that when you really see and take time to notice a child, you can then get to know them and their unique personality traits and character strengths. Once an understanding of the whole child is in place, you’ll then be able to teach them and they will learn in a way that works for them.
Children reflect after each Confidence Coaching session in the See Me, Know Me, Teach Me space.
What made you happy today?
What did you learn today?
What are you grateful for today?
What will you do tomorrow?
The first week of school had a new perspective for me this year as I have been able to spend the week supporting my niece as she started at a new school (my school)! It’s the very first time I haven’t had my own class as of Day 1.
Between school drop-off and pick-up (and until way into the night to be honest) I have been engaging in online professional development to gain some insights and strategies to support children’s social and emotional development and wellbeing.
The Motivated Child Summit has been jammed packed with video talks featuring child experts across a range of fields, all focusing on cultivating motivation and working towards goals. I am loving it and, if you asked my family, I’m definitely addicted to watching and learning as much as I can. Keep an eye out as this summit happens every year and is a great free resource for families and educators.
Here’s a list of who and what I have listened to…
Angela Duckworth – Raising Kids with Grit and Resilience
Caroline Miller – Cultivating Authentic Grit and Setting Better Goals
Shefali Tsabary – Conscious Parenting to Unleash Motivation
Julie Lythcott-Haims – Parenting Styles to Raise Motivated Adults
Adam Price – He’s not Lazy: Empowering your Son
Lea Waters – The Science of Strengths to Motivate Kids
Caren Baruch – A School Psychologists Motivation Toolkit
Ellen Braaten – How Processing Speed Affects Motivation
Peg Dawson – Helping Kids Improve Executive Function
Tim Pychyl – Tools to Tackle Procrastination
Paula Davis-Laack – Rejuvenating Kids from Burnout
Diana Caramanico – Training for Resilience and Mental Toughness
Senia Maymin – Exploring the Four Tendancies
Sharon Selby – Motivating Anxious Kids and Teens
Sherri Fisher – Empowering Families to Improve Motivation
Sharon Saline – Motivating Kids with ADHD
I think one of my character strengths may be love of learning – what do you think? My brain and notebook is now full of great ideas to share with you! It also confirms that I am on the right path and that there is a whole network of people out there doing this great work in supporting children and their families.