Student Success Resources for LCs
November 2023
Student Success with 7 Mindsets
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November: Attitude of Gratitude
We are launching the third part of our 7 Mindsets curriculum on Monday, October 30th. Below, you will find an overview of this month's mindset, suggested ideas for implementation at home, and a list of resources to download and use with your students. Remember, our goal is that students would see and hear about the Mindsets repeatedly and consistently - we are creating a common language for our school culture! School Counselor led Student Success lessons are already happening in all grades K-12. Please remind your students to check their CC schedules for invites.
Attitude of Gratitude Weekly Learning Objectives:
Oct. 30- Nov. 3: Treasure Yourself
- Nov. 6-10: Be More Grateful
- Nov. 13-17: Thank It Forward
- Nov. 20-25: Thanksgiving Break
- Nov. 27-Dec. 1: Elevate Your Perspective
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.
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Stride is excited to partner with the Cook Center for Human Connection to deliver a twelve part series of topics especially geared towards Learning Coaches in support of their learners. The LC Mental Health Series continues on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00-4:00PM ET. Learning Coaches, Parents, Guardians, and school faculty are invited to register for any and all topics that are relevant to you!
Click image above to view dates & register!
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.
Click image above to register.
Take care of yours and your child's mental health
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NOVEMBER IS MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION MONTH
Veterans & Military Families Month was established in 1996 by the Armed Services YMCA, with the U.S. Government recognizing the occasion every year since. Each November, the President signs a proclamation declaring November National Veterans & Military Families Month, and with hundreds of thousands of service members deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by active duty, Guard, and Reserve military families has never been more important.
There are many local and national services provided to show appreciation during National Veterans & Military Families Month and beyond. Here are just a few:
- Every year you should be able to download a ‘Military Family Month’ packet from the Armed Services YMCA at https://asymca.org/. The packet typically contains: a Military Family Month Poster; a Message from the President; a letter from the National Executive Director of the ASYMCA; Military Family Month Program Suggestions; and Guidelines for the annual art and essay contests.
2023 Discounts for Military Family Appreciation Month
- Sesame Street for Military Families Free App – Addresses topics such as deployments, homecoming, self-expression and injuries.
- Military children can find comfort in a free custom made photo transfer quilt or pillow through this program for children of deployed service members – Operation Kid Comfort.
- Many Military Families are eligible for a free YMCA or Private Fitness membership through the YMCA- DoD Initiative with the Armed Services YMCA.
- Home Depot offers a 10% in-store discount for those with valid military ID, but the company is also recognized as an important employer of military spouses. A Home Depot employee-run resource called Military Appreciation Group, “is dedicated strictly to supporting active military associates, deployed reservists and their families” according to the Home Depot official site.
- College campuses with ROTC units may host parades featuring trainee Reserve officers marching, displaying the colors, holding drills, etc. These events may be organized on campus, or ROTC units may partner with local organizers for events in the community.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to military families for the support they provide for our service members on a daily basis. Your sacrifices on behalf of our country are truly inspiring.
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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.
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Activities to Do with Your Child:
Extras!
- 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
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World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. The purpose of this day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, is to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.
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Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS)
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Sign up for Morning Mindsets
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Fall is in the air and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Have you ever considered giving thanks for your body and everything it does for you? The November Mental Health Newsletter focuses on body image and mental well-being. Learn how parents can shape body image in their child’s mind, including: 10 steps to positive body image, modeling health attitudes for young people and how to recognize negative body image signs. Become more consciously aware of the language you use when talking about your body and the impact it may be having on your child’s well-being.
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Learning Coaches! Make sure to remind your students about Bison Mindset Minutes. Have them check their CC schedules!
Our very own School Counselors offer lessons based on the 7 Mindsets. Watch CC schedules for the opportunities for students to get to know their School Counselors, other students, and staff while learning how to have a Growth Mindset to become the best they can be this year. See the infographics below for more details.
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Practice Self-Care Everyday!
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If you have any further questions, please contact one us below.
Middle School Counselor
p: 405.869.6427 ext. 3196
t: 405.458.8626
Amanda Coyle, M. Ed.
Elementary School Counselor
p: 405.869.6427 ext. 3077