Different.. Quirky… Wonderful

Apr 2, 2017

I was just reminded of several behavior strategies, all gleaned from this one video clip attached below. I happened upon it (again) yesterday. I was amused and refreshed by this kid’s quirky, funny, odd, verbal and talented nature. Some of his comments were surprising. Some of his responses were off. He spontaneously danced. He invaded Ellen’s personal space on numerous occasions – to some degree, all endearing behaviors, given his age.

Yet, I know these same behaviors can be the source of unrelenting frustration for teachers, especially as a student gets older. I also know my tolerance for these behaviors lowers as the school year progresses. This got me to thinking about patterns that unfold for some students as they progress through their K-12 journey.

Students come to us full of joy and exuberance when they enter school in the primary years. They love school. They are eager. They want to please. This is a good thing. However, for many of our students, something happens as they get older that stifles their love for school, love for learning, and potentially the love for the teachers they encounter on a daily basis.

I can’t change the system, but I know my daily interactions and mindset can have a huge impact on students’ behaviors and attitudes. I’m thinking I need to work harder at seeing the joy and wonder hidden in my students, especially as they get older. I need to look for their talents, even when the education system may not readily highlight them. More than anything, I know I need to laugh more and take things in stride.

Inside all of the students with whom I work is the kid in this video. I just have to do a better job of celebrating that fact.

————————————————–

Start of School Goals

Welcome to the new school year. Consider kicking it off by working with your students on setting behavior and/or academic goals. I tell younger students, “One goal makes our heart happier, and the other makes our brain smarter.” Frame the discussion in terms of...

School’s About to Start! Woo Hoo! …or not

While at a restaurant earlier this week, I really enjoyed a conversation coming from the booth next to me. Two brothers were talking about the start of school. The soon-to-be first grader told the waitress he couldn't wait! The soon-to-be eighth grader...not so much....

A New Year

As we said goodbye to 2025 earlier this week, I was thinking about one of my favorite animated children’s specials, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. In it, Father Time tells Rudolph that if the horrible vulture, Eon the Terrible, takes Happy, the Baby New Year, time stops...

Enjoy the Journey

Perspective and attitude carry a great deal of weight when it comes to behavior. Accordingly, I need to slow down during this hectic month. Of course, my tendency is to speed up. I make a list of all the tasks needing completion before the year’s end and check it...

Homeostasis

You might have noticed I stepped away from technology over the past few months. It wasn’t a choice at first. 2025 has been a challenging year - and one that has reminded me of the importance of homeostasis. A simple definition of homeostasis is “any...

Using Our Time Wisely

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry – this was not my intent. As I mentioned in a prior blog, my wife and I spent a great deal of time over the summer in Ohio with a lifelong friend who is now in hospice care. We’ve felt fortunate to be able to do this. ...

Unseen Challenges

We don’t know what we don’t know – this is the mantra that’s circled through my brain on several occasions this summer. People have all kinds of challenges that are not always visible to outsiders. And when we don’t know the full story behind people’s behaviors,...

Acknowledge, Defer, Step Away

So parents, are you enjoying time with your kids while school is out? Though summer can be great for families, it can also present challenges. Close quarters, combined with high amounts of together time, can become a breeding ground for conflict. Keep in mind that...

Blooming Challenges

II’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Parents, you are going to get frustrated with your kids. But when that happens, find an activity you enjoy and step away. This strategy help you avoid a power struggle, and more importantly, adjusts your perspective....

Time to Refuel

Educators, this is just a reminder that It’s called summer break for a reason. Your work August through May is draining, which takes a toll on your physical, emotional and mental health. You might not be consciously aware of this now because when your brain and body...

Mother’s Day – A Collective Effort

It’s Mother’s Day - and the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. This seems appropriate since most teachers play the role of surrogate mom about 180 days per year. Teachers nurture, support, encourage, provide boundaries, model, listen, and teach. These...