Book Snap #5 Lessons from the book

One of the items that I have to become cautious of is telling students they are smart. I know at home, I tell my children they are smart and I thought this would encourage success. However, I realize now that if they do poorly on a quiz, they may feel that they are not smart. Furthermore, they may attempt easier tasks in the future to continue to be labeled as smart. The author states that a better method is stating your student/child is working hard at a task.

My own child has just started pre school in a Montessori setting.  I have found in my short time as a parent how important play based learning is and how much his behavior is different when he is around electronics for a longer period of time.  It almost seems like an obsession to him which I certainly see with my adolescent students as well.

Chapter 4:  Life’s Not Fair-Drive On!
“The common people and the great men and women are all defined by how they deal with life’s unfairness: Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, Stephan Hawking, Malala Yousafzai, and Moki Martin.” Page 42 You can’t blame some outside force for your lot in life, it’s up to you how to change it.  Routine and attention to detail can lead to this success.  

Chapter 5:  Failure Can Make You Stronger
“You can’t avoid The Circus.  At some point we all make the list.  Don’t be afraid of The Circus.” Page 54 Nobody is immune from mistakes. Teamwork and supporting others will help us all in achieving our goals.

p. 107

I had to reread these milestones and suggestions several times.  I was curious to see what it would have been like when my children were younger and ages 8-12, if I had followed these suggestions.  I don't know how I feel about them.  Not sure I am ok with the thought of kids age 8 hanging out without adult supervision and  "roaming" at age 10. I guess food for thought.