Problem Solving and Creative Thinking are Essential Skills

 

"I AM CONVINCED THAT HUMAN FLIGHT IS BOTH POSSIBLE AND PRACTICAL."

-WILBUR WRIGHT, 1899

At the time Wilbur Wright made this statement this was a completely radical and unbelievable concept.  To most people the idea of humans flying was absurd!  However, a little over 70 years later man was not only flying, but we were sending people to the moon.  In a person’s lifetime, they could have marveled at the first flight in 1903, and seen the first flight to the moon on television in 1969.  That is an astounding accomplishment in a relatively short period of time.

Since the time of the first flight, thousands of jobs that never existed have been created-  pilots, airplane mechanics, and air traffic controllers just to name a few.  Students going to school during the time Wilbur and Orville were experimenting with flight could never have imagined these careers.  The same holds true today. The careers that our children need to be prepared for may not even exist today.  So, how can we make sure our children are ready?  We need to prepare them to be problem solvers and creative thinkers.  They need to know how to work collaboratively with others to accomplish a goal. Students need the opportunity to struggle through difficult challenges and find solutions.  Students also need a solid background in the basics- reading, writing, and mathematics- to be prepared for their future.  They need to put this knowledge to use with new challenges.  Who knows what the future may bring.  But, if we give our children the necessary skills, they will be prepared for whatever careers come along.

Lessons From A Trail Hike

 

Last summer I went on an overnight trail hike with a friend.  You know, the kind real "backpackers" do.  We had talked about it a few times, and our schedules finally allowed for it.  I packed a large hiking backpack full of all the things I needed to survive on the trail for a few days, and he planned a route for us on the Tuscarora Trail.  

The experience was not exactly what I hoped.  But, as with many things, there are lessons to be learned!  Here are a few of my takeaways from our trip:

1) There are lots of good, friendly people out there!

My truck got a flat tire before we even arrived at the start of the trail.  As it happens, there was a guy coming back from a hike with his dog who pointed this out to me and helped us change the tire.  While I am certain we could have done it without him, his help made the job quicker and easier!  A complete stranger who took time from his day to help us out, just because he knew he had skills.  There are lots of kind people around!  

2) I am an over-packer, and it's not ok!

I did some research and determined what I needed for this trip.  Then, as I usually do, I packed way more of it than what was needed.   On a typical trip, this doesn't usually cause a big problem.  But, when you have to carry all you have packed on your back for many miles and many hours, it creates sore shoulders.  This is an area I must improve on!  The one thing I didn't pack enough of was clothing for the cool evening temperatures.... This made for some cold sleeping conditions.

3)  Stop and fill up your canteen at every water source you come across!

Hydration on a hike like this is critical.   I had the experience of being extremely dehydrated when I did the Tough Mudder a few years ago.  This is not something I want to repeat.  Filling your canteens with clean water is essential.  I found the water sources to be less prevalent than I imagined.   While I only got slightly dehydrated, I did get nervous a little.  The other clear lesson here is also to take advantage of opportunities when they come up.  You never know when you'll have the chance again!

4)  Fully committing yourself to a goal is always a good thing.  Especially when it's hard!

I'll admit that this hike was a lot harder than I expected.  There was a section on day one that was an exhausting 1.5 miles straight up.  The majority of our hike on day two, about 7 or 8 miles, was all on very large rocks.  Nothing that appeared like a trail to me!   My feet hurt.  My shoulders hurt.  And it's clear my cardiovascular endurance is not what it used to be!   However, once you are out on the trail you are fully committed.  You can't call time out.  You can't call for a ride.  You have to keep going until you get to the next destination.  This "full commitment" is a challenge and one that makes you a better person for completing it.  Seeing something that is difficult through to the end is always rewarding.

5) Always stop and enjoy the views!

   

 

COMPLIMENTS MATTER!

“I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
-Mark Twain

 

“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” A nice idea, but unfortunately, it is not true.  Bones sometimes heal much quicker than feelings.  Our words have more power than we imagine.  Why not use our words for the positive power they have.  A kind word can be such a wonderful thing!  Everyone enjoys being complimented. 

The acknowledgment of our children’s good work is perhaps the best reward we can give.  It doesn’t cost a dime and can yield benefits that are worth millions.  Children respond well to positive praise.  It may not last two months, but it is sure to last longer than many of the prizes we give away.  These kind words are motivational, and inspire children to continue to work hard and be successful.  

Find specific things to compliment your child about every day.  Looking for ideas??  A quick Google search will yield hundreds!!   One of the great things about giving a compliment is that it makes you feel just as good for giving it as the person does for receiving it!

Children Need Our Presence More Than Our Presents

 

“Children Need Our Presence More Than Our Presents”   -Jesse Jackson

With the holiday season upon us, we are reminded that the most valued gifts don't come from a store.  While I too love to give and receive presents, I would like to suggest that we think about giving our children a different kind of gift: The gift of TIME.  To quote Jesse Jackson, “Children need our presence more than our presents.”  When the toys have broken, a newer game system replaces the one you just bought, new clothes have worn out, and the toy that you weren’t able to purchase is all the rage, the gift of our presence in our child’s life will still be available.  It is a gift that cannot be replaced and never goes out of style.

  

Take some time this holiday season to do something fun with your children.  It shouldn’t be something that costs any money.  The focus should be on you and your child, not the activity.  It can be reading to your child, playing a game together, taking a walk together, or anything you can imagine that gives you time to be with your child.  This is a gift that will last them a lifetime. Long from now, when your children have children of their own, this will be the gift they can then pass on.  It will be the gift that means more to them than any toy or piece of clothing ever could.  So, take some time this busy holiday season and give the gift of time to your child.  Happy Holidays!

Happiness Is An Inside Job

I recently watched an interview with Matthew Perry.  He's rich.  He's famous.  He's also battled with a great deal of unhappiness and addiction in his life.  His story reminds me that happiness is always an inside job.   

I have heard numerous times from people that they know they would be happier if they just made more money.  The idea is that money would bring more comfort, and therefore happiness.   This premise seems legitimate.  However, they are plenty of unhappy people who are very wealthy.  Matthew Perry was at the height of his fame and fortune, making $1 million for each episode of Friends, and he was miserable.  His happiness, like everyone, is tied to what is inside rather than what is outside.

You see, we choose our happiness.   It doesn't come from being wealthy.  You can't purchase it at a store.  You can't get it from other people.  We have to work on this on the inside.  Easier said than done, I know.  However, the work is worth it!

Here are a few thoughts on ways to help bring yourself happiness:

• Find what you are passionate about and do it!  Don't wait for the "right time".  Do it now!
• Look for ways to help people.  Doing things for others will bring you joy.
• Write a thank you note, text, or email to someone.  Showing gratitude always makes you feel good.
• Looks for ways to be creative.  Tap into your creative side and do something you've never done before!

I won't pretend to be an expert on anything.  But, I do know that if you're looking for happiness anywhere other than yourself you are looking in the wrong place.      

Choose Your Attitude

There are many things that are outside of our control.  These things can often be frustrating and impact us.  One thing that we have the ability to control is our own attitude.   I know, I know.... easier said than done!

This is hard.  This is challenging.  But, it is doable.  We can each decide every day how we choose to enter our workplace, our homes, and our community.   We can choose to look at the good things.  We can choose to believe in the best in everyone.  It's your attitude.  Your choice.

What we see depends on what we are looking for.   If we look for things that will upset and anger us, I am sure we will always find them.  If we look for things that will bring us joy, we will find that too!  I encourage you to make a decision to look for the good in the world.  There is plenty of it!  Believe that most people are good (because they are).  There are many things each day that can bring happiness.  Choose to see them and you will.  This is within your control.  You can do it!   

You May Never Know The Impact You Have...

Some years ago I was working with a student who was upset, defiant and losing control.  Unfortunately, my interventions were not effective.  The child became even more upset.  He ended up kicking my office wall, and putting a hole in the wall.  A pretty big hole.

Over the course of our time together I learned how to work with him.  What to do when he was upset.  I learned how to address issues to have a successful outcome for him.  Perhaps more importantly, I also learned what NOT to do.  We had a good rapport most of the time.  He moved on from my elementary school and eventually moved away.  

Fast forward about ten years.  This same student was graduating from high school.  He reached out to me and asked if he could come for a visit.  He wanted to see me before he graduated.  It was so important to him that he drove an hour and a half just to see me.  We visited for a while and caught up, and took a walk around the school.  It was an enjoyable time for us both!  

I was surprised that it was important for him to come and see me.   I didn't think I had done anything too special.  But you see, I forgot what I always tell young teachers:  You are making an impact.  You are making an impression.  Like it or not, we have the opportunity to make an impact every single day.  I had no idea the positive impact I was making on this young man.  But, I was.  As educators, we often don't know.  In this case, I had the rare opportunity to hear for myself the effect I had on him.  It was special for both of us.   

It was an important reminder for me.   What we do matters.  What we do shapes the children we work with.  Our work is important.  You may never know the impact you have, but you are having an impact.  I hope you will make the choices necessary to have a positive impact on our future, even if you never get the opportunity to hear it from a former student.