Every Step We Take!

Focus on Student Progress Pay attention to the student progress and growth. Have you ever been to a doctor who noticed the slightest increase in good cholesterol levels, or the toning of your leg muscles, or the maintenance of a healthy blood pressure? Have you noticed yourself getting better at something? Did you feel a hint of joy or pride when the progress was noticed?

The Science I Explored Happiness produces chemicals in the brain. Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins are all chemicals released in the brain because of feeling happy. Dopamine motivates one to act. (heysigmund.com) “You can stimulate the good feeling of dopamine by embracing a new goal and breaking it down into achievable steps, rather than only allowing your brain to celebrate when you hit the finish line. The idea is to create a series of small successes which keeps the dopamine flowing in your brain. And it’s important to actually celebrate every accomplishment.”[1]

A Situation A teacher assesses the students on various occasions and uses different formats. As time draws closer to report card time, a few students express that they didn’t realize how poorly they were doing in a particular subject. Now they are not sure how to approach getting a better grade.

Focusing on Progress Noting progress is truly about celebrating small steps. Create and discuss a tracking sheet that students can complete on their own. On the tracking sheet, there will be scores in various areas or topics. Meet with children to create goals together based on your observations and assessments. Allow students to record results and observations on their tracking sheet. Goals can be included on the tracking sheet as well. Schedule a week of short student-teacher meetings. Any bit of progress can create small “high five” moments that should lead to a big “congratulations” moment. Say it with me: “I can see you growing!” Can you see yourself in the chair across from that student as you talk about their progress?

Quotes

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.

—Benjamin Franklin

SHOP

[1] Debbi Hampton, “Your Brain and Happiness—How to Make the ‘Happy’ Happen,” Hey Sigmund, accessed December 19, 2020, https://www.heysigmund.com/brain-and-happiness/.