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Thank you for your responses to this question. We work hard at School's Cool to present a positive, solution -focused approach to working with the children in our programmes and our staff. You have all identified key points to SC's philosophy - celebrating successes, focusing on strengths, identifying the problem, say something positive, reviewing expectations, doing something in a different way and  being adaptable. Moving forward in a positive way takes guidance from people who understand and practise the steps and  skills that you have mentioned. Thank you all!

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Celebrate the Successes & Review Your Expectations 

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Celebrate the Successes & Review Your Expectations 

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I really believe that there is something positive to search for in everything we do in life, it would be a very dark and negative place to live and grow if we only focused on the glass being half empty. However, I think it’s extremely important to not just praise children, or really anyone with an insincere praise. “Good job” can be confusing and not mean much to our little ones when it isn’t directed. “I really liked how you chose to share your activity with *** when she really wanted a turn. Look how happy you made her, that makes me incredibly happy too!” The energy in a classroom is a great place to be when we can find and celebrate even the smallest actions.

I chose to talk about reviewing your expectations for my second. As an educator, I know there are times when you set yourself a goal to complete a task or have an expectation in mind for your children, and when it doesn’t go to plan it can be extremely frustrating. Acknowledging that you are frustrated, but that being flexible will provide the children with more success in the long run. Taking their lead can take us to some incredible places, and if not, there’s always time to reflect with your team and possibly take a different approach.

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Identifying the Problem and Emphasis on the Positives

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Identifying the Problem and Emphasis on the Positives

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Identifying the Problem:

It is crucial to identify the problem to be able to brainstorm solution-based outcomes that best fit. By identifying the problem and focusing on the best-case scenario as the solution, we, as a team, can develop a plan on how we will work towards our goal of supporting the children in the program.

Emphasis on the Positives:

By focusing on children’s strengths, they can develop positive self-esteem and confidence. When we focus on positives, children will be more likely to enjoy their time in the program and be more likely to enjoy their transition into school. Framing thoughts and feedback in this strength-based and positive way also helps instructors focus on the highlights of each child’s day rather than focus on the challenges that everyone may have experienced. Emphasizing positives will help instructors and children develop better relationships together, creating an overall more open and accepting learning environment.

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Identify the Problem & Celebrate the Successes

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Identify the Problem & Celebrate the Successes

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I think that it is important to identify the problem because it is difficult to find a solution unless you can identify the why. When you figure out what the problem is such as separation from mom and dad, you can work on a plan and create goals for that student.

I think it is so very important to celebrate the successes even if they seem small to you, they are a big accomplishment to the child and they should be praised. I believe that praising and celebrating the child’s wins even if they still have to work on that skill lets them know that you are supporting them.  Positive comments will also help to build their confidence and self esteem.  By communicating with the parents verbally or via note you can share the good news with them.  Also by taking photos as well you can share with their family.

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Celebrate the Successes + Emphasis on the Positives 

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Celebrate the Successes + Emphasis on the Positives 

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I think that it is important to always celebrate the successes, no matter how small they may be. This allows the students to feel accomplished and valued that their educator believes they have done well. To a student, something small that they have accomplished may not feel like a big success, but it is important to praise them when they accomplish anything, no matter how small or big. This leads to a better positive mindset for the students and educator.

I think that emphasis on the positive also leads to a better positive mindset within the classroom. Focussing on the positive instead of the negative allows for a better outcome of any situation. Instead of focusing on a negative thing that happened during the day, it is important for educators to try and see some positives instead. This also helps with burnout as we can focus on the good instead of the bad.

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Identify the Problem & Celebrating Successes 

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Identify the Problem & Celebrating Successes 

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I think identifying the problem is an important step because unless you understand the issue, it’s difficult to find a solution. A child may be demonstrating a certain behaviour for a variety of reasons. Being able to observe, and communicate with the child/staff/parents, can help you identify the problem more clearly. The more clarity you have on the problem, gives you a better starting point for an effective solution.

I think celebrating successes and praise is a crucial part of a child’s continued success. It makes learning a more positive experience and builds confidence within the child. Even celebrating a child’s attempt, letting them know that there is success is just giving something a proper go and that mistakes are an important part of learning and growing.

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A child may continuously act out or be triggered by certain scenarios/activities. I believe it is important to get to the bottom of why this behaviour is occurring. If we can identify the problem, we can more accurately provide a solution for the child, which will allow for greater success within the team moving forward.

Providing feedback to a child when we notice growth is crucial for their confidence and the way they look at learning. If we provide positive feedback, we will continue to see positive outcomes. Feedback can also be used to show the child that there is room for growth and that tomorrow is a new day and they can try again tomorrow.

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Emphasis on the Positives & Do Something Different 

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Emphasis on the Positives & Do Something Different 

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Emphasis on the positives is important because we focus on what the children and instructors can do, the skills everyone is developing and the strengths everyone has rather than the limitations. This encourages a more fun and productive learning environment.

Do something different is a key to many learning experiences for both children and instructors as it changes a situation or an activity for the better. By having a different perspective or approach to things, children and instructor have the ability to participate and engage more. An example can be different ways of teaching, one day an instructor can use visuals and the next day a song. What is really important is to ensure everyone is learning, participating and is being part of the activity.

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Identify the problem - Do something different 

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Identify the problem - Do something different 

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Identify the problem

Identifying the problem is an important step in finding solution that works. Not all solutions fit all problems. If a child is having a meltdown it would be important to identify the cause of the meltdown as the problem.

Do something different
Being able adapt to different needs not every learns the same way or at the same pace. One child may only need to be told what to do another might need to be shown what to do

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Celebrate the Successes & Do Something Different

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Celebrate the Successes & Do Something Different

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To me, celebrating the successes and emphasis on the positives are very similar in that the instructor provides students with positive feedback and encouragement. I believe that this is important for everyone to build confidence and also be more inclined to try new things and experiment!

I also think that trying new things is always important. "Do something different" allows us to see what works and what might need to be changed for all students to feel successful. I like how the reading also points out that this includes changing our own perspectives, as not everything is always in our control, and we have the power to change our own thoughts.

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Identify the Problem + Do Something Different

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Identify the Problem + Do Something Different

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Identifying the problem is a an important step to navigate so you know what the challenge is and can move on to how you can solve the problem. Identifying the problem is the first step in working towards a solution.

Do something different is also key to ensure you are teaching to the different needs of the student. What might work for one student, may not work for the next. Differentiated learning is important to ensure we are reaching all our students in a way that is attainable for them.

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Emphasis on the Positives + Only a Small Change is Necessary 

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Emphasis on the Positives + Only a Small Change is Necessary 

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I believe emphasis on the positives is something clear and simple that both students and instructors can focus on. Everyone responds better to positive feedback.

Small changes are important to focus on as it reminds you to have patience and temper expectations. The student may need to "sleep on it" to see results the next day or may not have the same jump in development as the other students.