Teaching Students to Celebrate Their Forward Progress in Learning
How can we apply our inner champion at each step along the way to our goal?
Students with dyscalculia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD hear a lot about what they aren’t doing yet. Let’s reframe that, meet students right where they are today, and celebrate each small positive step forward! It feels good!
Here are some ways I teach my students to celebrate progress:
Give Myself a High Five, A Pat on the Back, or A Thumbs Up
There’s something about a high five that just makes you smile. It’s a quick way to recognize your own success!
Ask Myself: How Do I Like To Be Recognized?
What Does My Inner Champion Want to Tell Myself about my Awesome Learning?
What feels good? How do I like to be recognized for my wins?
Talk out loud: “I’m Doing an Awesome Job Learning _____.” I’m on a roll!
Saying it out loud helps reinforce those positive feelings and makes you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished.
Celebrate With A Quick Little Dance or Victory Pose
Sometimes you’ve just got to do a little happy dance or victory pose after learning something new. It might feel silly, but it’s a great way to keep the energy positive and make learning feel good!
Make Progress Visual- Make a Wins Notebook Page or Put Up a Wall Post It and Make A Poster
It’s so helpful to pause and take a moment to jot down or visually document progress. It’s a great to look back at all the little wins that add up to big growth over time.
Set A Positive Reminder In My Phone Calendar Or Google Keep.
Choose your own words for- I’m working hard! Keep it up! I’m doing great!
Do what works for me!
