7 Mindsets for Learning Coaches
January 2021
January: Everything is Possible
Everything is Possible - Expanding Student Expectations
The Everything Is Possible Mindset teaches that we are all capable of living extraordinary lives. Students learn that everything which exists today was once just an idea until someone believed it was possible and took the actions to make it into reality. This is true with our lives as well – they become, in many ways, whatever we expect them to be. Throughout the lessons for this mindset, we work with students to help them understand the incredible promise of their lives, and to envision extraordinary happiness, meaning and success on their own terms. We seek to instill the belief that their goals are possible, and to foster the courage, discipline and persistence to act on achieving their dreams.
The 4 critical components of Everything Is Possible:
1) Dream Big – People who achieve the most in life realize that the greatest limitations are those they place on themselves. This applies to success in school, business, fitness, the quality of our relationships, and our impact on the lives of others. Dreaming big is about raising our expectations for our lives, because when we do, the future becomes bigger and brighter.
2) Embrace Creativity – The only time we are creating new things in life is when we’re being imaginative and innovative. If we want new experiences and things we’ve never had, we must do things we’ve never done. This could be reading a book to acquire new knowledge, debating a topic with a friend, or trying a new activity. Life can only change and expand through creative action!
3) Think Positive – People with a brighter outlook on life are not only happier, but also accomplish more. We must believe there is more for us in life, expect good things from others, and find the positives in all situations. These simple acts make us happier in the moment, and the future becomes infinitely brighter.
4) Act and Adjust – We must act if we want to get results. It is important to plan, but only if the plans drive us to action; if we do not act, nothing will change. The greatest obstacle to taking action is fear of failure, but the most successful people in the world don’t see failure, only feedback. Simply learn from mistakes and move forward, because this is the only way to make our dreams into reality. Act on them, and be prepared to adjust.
Top 5 Dos and Don'ts at Home:
1) Don’t be a dream snatcher. The fact that kids are dreaming is what’s important, not the content of their dreams. Resist the urge to give your children reality checks, no matter what their dreams are. Dreams are precious, and they represent the hopes and expectations we have for our lives. Every dream and positive vision of the future that your children have should be encouraged. Their dreams will inevitably change, but what matters is that they’re dreaming and believing. Constantly push your children to dream bigger, and never be the doubter or pessimist.
2) Do celebrate and support innovation and creativity in the home. Whether it’s through crafts, play or games, seek opportunities for your children to tap into their imaginations and creative capacity. One major concern with access to technology and devices is our children’s inability to be bored. Boredom has long been the source of innovation and creativity. Create more space in your child’s life and push them to innovate and create. The capacity to use boredom to their advantage will benefit them for the rest of their life.
3) Do model self-compassion. We are so hard on ourselves. It is very important to recognize that our children will observe our tendencies, how we talk to ourselves and, unfortunately, how unfairly critical of ourselves we can often be. Work on how you view your own efforts, challenges and successes, and consider the self-image you’re modeling for your children. Don’t forget that they really are more likely to do as we do, rather than as we say.
4) Don’t foster perfectionism. Perfectionism is a primary cause of anxiety, locking us up and preventing us from taking action due to fear of failure. This is most prevalent in young people living in a world of reality TV and sensationalism. More than ever, they must understand they are human and that mistakes are a healthy part of learning and growing up happy and successful. Let them do their own work, let them make mistakes and let them learn to grow through adversity while they are under your roof.
5) Do celebrate risk-taking and failure. One great practice at the dinner table is to ask your child what they “failed at that day” or what didn’t go very well. Rather than focusing on the mistake or loss, ask them to consider how they can grow from it, what they learned, what new skill could be developed, what relationship would be created or expanded, etc. Congratulate them for trying, and point out that the people who succeed are those who take risks and fail, so your kids are in good company and on their way.
Additional Resources for Social Emotional Learning at home!
- Elementary School Reading List (All Mindsets)
- Middle School Reading List (All Mindsets)
- Middle/High School Reading List (All Mindsets)
- For Teens: 20 Books to Inspire Social Change
- Random Acts of Kindness Website - Free Resources for Home
- Parent SEL Resources
- Social and Emotional Learning: Strategies for Parents
- Let's Talk SEL: Parents, This Is for You!
- 10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social-Emotional Learning Home
- Parent Resources: Social and Emotional Learning Research Group
- "Today Show" Social Skills Parenting Guides - Videos
- Free SEL Home Pack
Elementary School Learning Coaches! Make sure to remind students that the Bison Mindset Minute happens once a month for all grade levels! Check out the specific day and times below.
High School Learning Coaches! Make sure to remind students that the Bison Mindset Minute happens every Wednesday at 11:45am!
Media Balance and Well-Being
While there are many free quality digital citizenship curriculums available online, one of the most reputable sources of digital citizenship curriculum is Common Sense Media. In addition to quality lessons vetted by teachers and other educational experts, Common Sense Media also provides take-home resources for families to extend the lessons beyond the classroom.
To access age-appropriate lessons related to media balance and well-being, click on the links below.
Grades K-2: Pause for People, How Technology Makes You Feel, Device-Free Moments
Grades 3-5: My Media Choices, Finding my Media Balance
Grades 6-8: Finding Balance in a Digital World, My Media Use: A Personal Challenge, Digital Media and your Brain
Grades 9-12: My Digital Life is Like, The Health Effects of Screen Time
If you have a middle school or high school student who could benefit from LLIT group, please contact Raeshelle Sharpnack.
Raeshelle Sharpnack,MA
Student Family Resource Coordinator
c: 405-259-7770 text or voice
Questions?
Social Emotional Learning Student Support Specialist
p: 405.259.9478 ext. 3196
t: 405.696.0910