Timeliness is crucial for effective learning. Arriving on time at KIS sets the stage for a positive learning experience. It allows students to acclimate before lessons, promoting readiness for the day’s curriculum. Early school moments include important announcements and activities, and being punctual prevents students from feeling left out.

Starting the day by connecting with friends and incorporating exercise holds immense importance for a positive and productive school experience. Building connections with friends in the morning fosters a sense of camaraderie and support, creating a positive social environment. These interactions contribute significantly to emotional well-being, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Additionally, engaging in exercise before school not only promotes physical health but also enhances mental alertness and concentration. It provides an opportunity to release energy, reduce stress, and increase overall vitality, laying a foundation for a day filled with focus and enthusiasm. Together, these morning rituals of connecting with friends and exercising contribute to a holistic approach to well-being, positively impacting both social and physical aspects of a student’s life.

Punctuality also enables morning check-ins with teachers, addressing emotional and academic well-being. This personalised attention sets a positive tone for the day, preventing issues from escalating. Being on time is more than managing traffic or extra sleep; it shapes a successful educational experience, influencing learning, routines, a sense of belonging, and teacher support for individual and collective growth.

Praise and feedback are crucial for helping children develop a positive mindset and succeed. Sometimes, our words, like “You’re so smart!” can unintentionally create problems. This is known as “person praise” because it focuses on personal traits.

The issue with praising the outcome is that it can make a child think they succeeded because they are naturally smart, rather than recognizing their effort. Instead, we should use what’s called “process praise.” This type of praise acknowledges the effort, journey, strategies, or actions that lead to success.

Here’s how it looks in practice:

Person Praise: “You are so smart at writing!”

Process Praise: “Your effort in practising and making mistakes is making your writing stronger.”

When you tie success or failure to effort, strategy, or action, your child understands that it’s not about being smart or not. It’s all about perseverance and the learning process. This helps them develop a growth-oriented mindset.

In vague praise, we don’t specify what was done well, like saying “good job” or “nice work.” Instead, we should use specific praise that tells your child exactly what they did right.

Here are some examples of specific feedback statement openers:

– I noticed how…

– Look at how much progress you’ve made on…

– I see a difference in this work compared to…

– I admire how hard you have worked on…

– I can see you really enjoyed learning…

– Could it make a difference if you…?

– Have you considered trying a different strategy to…?

Positive feedback is essential for children, especially when they are learning to follow rules. It’s important to provide immediate feedback when they do something right, no matter how simple it may seem. When giving feedback, remember to:

– Base it on appropriate behaviour or the child’s effort.

– Describe the desired behaviour.

– Be sincere and enthusiastic in your feedback.

By using process praise and specific feedback, you can help your child develop a positive mindset and encourage them to keep trying and improving.

A Simple Question That Makes a Big Difference

A recent New York Times article highlighted an effective approach to dealing with upset or overwhelmed children. When someone you care about is agitated, asking a straightforward question like, “Do you want to be heard, helped, or hugged?” can make a significant impact.

This simple question encourages communication and allows the person to express their actual needs. Sometimes our instinct to help might not align with what the person truly requires. By giving them the choice, we show respect for their perspective and provide a sense of control.

The question reflects two essential concepts: respecting others’ perspectives and offering choices to empower them. It emphasises that what we think might help may not be what the other person needs.

Recognizing when to help, listen, or provide comfort is crucial. Offering a safe space for expression and understanding their needs contributes to building a positive relationship.

In essence, the art of a successful relationship lies in knowing when to help, hear, or hug.