Student Success for Learning Coach
August/September
August-September: WE ARE CONNECTED
Below, you will find a brief description of each of the 7 Mindsets, along with a section with one immediate action you can take as parents to help instill a 7 Mindsets culture in your home. These will change the dynamic of daily life by invigorating children to tap into their unlimited potential.
1. In August and September we focus on The We Are Connected mindset which helps us to understand that everyone who comes into our lives can help us live our dreams. Through this mindset, we learn to constantly explore synergies with others, embrace diversity, and relish competition that will allow us to maximize our potential with and through others.
We all have belief systems that help define who we are. Where it can go wrong is when we separate ourselves from others because of these beliefs. Some individuals create walls of anger and even hatred to isolate themselves from large segments of people who could actually help and benefit them. We must instill values in our children, along a strong sense of self, but also cultivate curiosity and open-mindedness towards all people, regardless of differences in beliefs.
2. In October we focus on the 100% Accountable mindset that teaches us that we are not victims of our past, that our futures are not predetermined, and that our lives are what we choose them to be at this moment and each moment forward. With a focus on recognizing fears and excuses, this mindset helps us to break down barriers, freeing our minds and focusing our energy on taking critical steps toward our goals.
Do not enable; empower! The greatest gift you can give your children is the confidence to fail, face adversity, and overcome challenges. As educators, we sometimes connect our own ego to our child’s successes and accomplishments. Unfortunately, this sacrifices the most important thing, which is giving them the ability to survive and thrive without us. Celebrate failure by teaching your children that it may be the most important ingredient to their ultimate success.
3. In November we focus on the Attitude of Gratitude mindset which teaches us that we build our lives on either positive or negative foundations. Choose the positives, and you are on your way toward extraordinary success. Choose the negatives, and you will likely start on a downward spiral.
Practice gratitude regularly. We live in a largely pessimistic society where criticism is over- valued. This concept might have merit in some places, but not in your classroom. If you want your children to be happy, teach them to focus their energy and attention on the good things in their life. And when bad things do happen, work with them to understand the good that can come from such experiences.
4. In December, we will learn about the Live to Give mindset which teaches that abundance in one’s life is a cycle. To receive love, respect, and financial security, one must first learn to give those things. This mindset also teaches that the greatest gift you can ever give is finding and leveraging your unique genius to maximize your positive impact on the world, knowing that good things will be returned to you in kind.
Get your children involved in service projects early. This helps create self-worth, and allows your children to help others while feeling the great satisfaction of making a difference. Create real life moments of service and giving in your school and celebrate them. Then explain to your children that giving doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions or only be done when you achieve a certain level of success. Ideally, giving is connected to causes you are passionate about and integrated into your daily life.
5. In January we will work on the Everything is Possible mindset which provides an understanding that we are all capable of extraordinary lives. We learn that everything in existence was once just an idea, until someone believed it was possible and turned it into a reality. Embracing this fact allows one to envision a wonderful life, expect greatness, and effectively execute the process of making dreams come true.
Don’t be a dream snatcher! Resist the urge to give your children reality checks, no matter what their dreams are. Dreams are precious, and represent the hopes and expectations we have for our lives. So 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.
6. February is when we will learn about the Passion First mindset that teaches us that we are each a unique expression of human life, and that our lives should be focused on finding our unique genius and sharing it with the world to the maximum extent possible. You will learn to make your dreams authentic, and of such critical importance that you’ll find the fuel to overcome any obstacles you face on the way to achieving them.
Teach your children to find validation within. We live in an extrinsically driven world where it’s easy to be led by the goals and expectations others have for us. It’s typical to assess ourselves based on outside standards, and on what others have or can do. Instead, we must look inward for direction and fulfillment. Every experience in your child’s life should be about growth. Constantly focus your attention toward helping them understand the skills they’re building, the knowledge they’re gaining, and the relationships they’re forming along the way. It is crucial that they find validation in who they are becoming, not in what they are accumulating.
7. Lastly, in March we will focus on the Time is Now mindset which teaches that all your power exists in the moment. You cannot change the past and the future has not happened, so the only thing to do is take purposeful action in the present to create the ultimate life of your dreams.
Create a vision board and develop an action plan with your children. Teach them how to prioritize, and encourage them to take positive and purposeful action toward their dreams. Sometimes, small steps can make the biggest difference, simply by taking action. It’s okay to plan, but while many people wait for the perfect plan or moment in time before they act, the happiest and most successful individuals take action all the time… even (and especially) when their plans aren’t perfect.
To learn more or ask questions about the 7 Mindsets, please email us at info@7Mindsets.com and we will be happy to share more and support your efforts as a parent. Learn more on our web site at www.7Mindsets.com.
We Are Launching our Second Year of the 7 Mindsets! We are Kicking Off the Year with We Are Connected!
Weekly Themes:
August 28-September 1 We Are Connected: Embrace Everyone
September 4-8- We Are Connected/National Suicide Prevention Week
September 11-15- We Are Connected: Maximize Relationships
September 18-22- We Are Connected: Own Your Life/Overcome Limiting Beliefs
September 25-29-We Are Connected Recap
(Up Next in October: 100% Accountable)
Parents and LC’s:
Do spend time talking about and modeling the We are Connected mindset at home by embracing everyone, finding ways to connect with others and learning from them. Every situation that a child shares with you is an opportunity to talk with them about how to seek ways to serve and be served by others.
Take care of yours and your child's mental health
We all want the same thing for our students and our children. We want them to be happy, to overcome challenges, to have positive emotions, meaningful relationships, to be engaged in life, and attain authentic accomplishments. The 7 Mindsets is a meaningful approach to doing so.
Connect with other Parents
This private community is a place for parents to connect, share ideas, learn, and grow together. You will find resources and activities to engage your child, foster conversation and connection, and help your child grow towards an authentic and happy life.
Activities to Do with Your Child:
Additional Resources for Student Success 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
- Student Success: Strategies for Parents
- "Today Show" Social Skills Parenting Guides - Videos
Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS)
The OVCA PBIS Matrix can be downloaded below!
Sign up for Morning Mindsets
Click image above to register!
Join us in September for Bison Mindset Minutes!
Practice Self-Care Everyday!
If you have any further questions, please contact one of the Student Success Specialists below.
Middle School Counselor &
Student Success Support Specialist
p: 405.259.9478 ext. 3196
t: 405.696.0910
Amanda Coyle, M. Ed.
Elementary School Counselor &
Student Success Support Specialist
If you know of a Middle School or High School student who could benefit from LLIT group, please contact Raeshelle Sharpnack.
High School meets Mondays at 3:45
Middle School meets Tuesdays at 3:15
Raeshelle Sharpnack,MA
Student Family Resource Coordinator
c: 405-259-7770 text or voice