Finding our best us…
A little encouragement can make a big difference.
This blog is finishing up my series of flexibility. What helps us find and maintain our ability to be flex? Well, I think it’s often encouragement – whether from within ourselves or from others.
The other day, I overheard my husband on the phone with Apple support. He was just getting started (probably another marathon support session,) when he was put on hold. I'm expecting to hear the usual Musak, when, what do I hear? Bob Marley with his uber supportive and encouraging lyrics..."every little thing - - is gonna be all right"... Now that's great on-hold-waiting-to-be-rescued music!! Winter is well under way, and we may all be looking for a bit of encouragement. Summer and tomato plants seem SO far away, COVID, et al worries persist, and it feels like winter break was eons ago!
Time for some encouragers!
Feel like you need an encouraging pick-me-up to help you find your flex for the hour/day/month? I so love this song that give me chills every time! I love seeing the faces of the singers as I'm reminded of the power of people sharing a purpose. Fun fact: I presented once in Toronto and an audience member had been in this video!
Like everyone, but perhaps more than some, our students need encouragement. Our students work so very hard, sometimes against great odds. They often face corrections, prompts and "loving suggestions" from adults. They may face unkind words and actions from peers. Perhaps they have shared in group some of their frustrations and anxieties. Perhaps you’ve been experimenting with some of my flex suggested activities earlier in this series. After all that hard work, take a minute with your students, relax, and watch some encouraging YouTubes!
I don’t recommend lots of music videos, but if you see younger students (3rd grade and younger) check out JJHeller’s Boat Song. I’m proud to say she’s married to my nephew. Great video to show to a tired, perhaps trending toward dysregulated group. Get that gum or popcorn and chill out, and then maybe talk (or draw) a little bit about how we connect with each other.
For older students who enjoy science, an interesting choice can be:
Sometimes it’s helpful to find encouragement by sharing our frustrations and understanding that life can be hard and challenging. When we don’t feel so alone in our feelings, we can grow in how we understand ourselves and those around us. I suggest watching just the first minute or so, perhaps with the sound off. Focus attention on how the baby chimp is acting, reacting, and feeling – haven’t we all felt like that? Put less attention on what the woman is doing/saying (she’s actually not being really nice – food for conversation there also!)
