This week's lesson focused on micro-minutes. These are just small blocks of time, just a few seconds, that help to build a relationship with a student and help them to develop those ever-important character strengths. There are three key elements to making these micro-minutes extremely meaningful:
- Give active, constructive responses and feedback. Be intentional with your word choice, intonation, tone and body language. At the same time, give practical examples of what behaviour the student has exhibited or should exhibit in the future.
- Develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset in that it always allows for the opportunity for growth, development and learning rather than assuming intelligence and knowledge is fixed. We want students to have a growth mindset and help them along with a concrete path towards progress and success.
- Give clear character behaviour language. This follows suit from the first point, in that students need to understand the behaviours that they are exhibiting, or should be exhibiting, that result in particular character strengths. Kids need to know what repeatable actions will result in the building of this character.
Other key learnings from the lesson:
- We want our students to remember more good than bad. Flood their minds with positive memories of uplifting and progressive thoughts.
- Ask the question, "who had a great struggle today?" because struggling and overcoming adversity is such a positive learning experience. Another optimism trick? Add a "yet" to "I can't do this"! How simple and meaningful is that?!
- Every kid is a puzzle, not a problem!
- Don't use pride/shame in giving feedback. Don't say "I'm proud" or "You should be proud" as it implies some sort of transaction. Instead simply say, "that was great! You worked really hard!" or some such.
If I have not yet made this clear, I am loving this online course. I am learning so much and the entire experience is so incredibly valuable. Go check it out!