Class Environemnt At Holiday Park

Environment For Learning At Holiday Park

In Helping Children Succeed, PaulTough writes about a new generation of researchers – neuroscientists, psychologists, and economists – who are questioning the idea that character strengths should be thought of as skills at all. Instead, these researchers say, qualities like perseverance or self-control are more like psychological states or mindsets – which means they’re mostly the product of a child’s environment. So if we want to help kids to persevere, these researchers say, we need first to figure out how to improve their environment, both at home and at school.

Research also shows, for schools, that we can positively impact the outcomes for these students in spite of not being able to have a direct impact on their home and family life.

The research is clear, and supported by all we know about social and psychological development, that one positive attachment with a caring adult changes the trajectory of the lives of children. Early interventions and support for parents and caregivers is certainly a necessary component for the future well being of our society. As they say, it takes a village.

Holiday Park, and every person connected to it, are important and crucial members of this village. We realize, and bring alive, the immense moral duty being a teacher carries. We have to be the best of the best, everyday. Owners of our own thoughts and actions. Driven by our internal locus of control with the courage to do better. Willing to set our “self" aka “ego” aside for the better good of raising a child and building a village. 

Through our regulated and best selves, we plan engaging rigorous lessons that allow our students to learn to think critically and take risks with their learning. We will purposely provide our students with opportunities to be successful and experience excellence in their learning. Weaving through every lesson our teachers model perseverance, a growth mindset, respect, and ways to handle conflict. 

Our Thoughts Matter

Hello All,

Happy summer! I hope you are resting and finding happiness every day. I have thought of ya’ll a lot this summer, specifically when running a quick errand to the store. I have remembered to have a positive attitude and believe that the lines will open up for me, like the sea parting! Before heading to the store I remind myself that everyone there is shopping just like me and that his or her time is just as valuable.

The first time I tried this things actually went pretty smooth. I got right in and right out. I felt great and took a few moments to enjoy feeling good and remembering to reach for just a better belief/thought about the experience.

So, excitedly, the next time I ran for something quick at the store I had a great feeling about it and I kept that positive feeling as I ran into the store. I got my items and even found the express line to only have one customer. Yeah! Life is good. Except, not so much for the lady in front of me. Her card was declined and she was looking through her purse. She seemed unorganized and frustrated. So, I started to get frustrated. I mean really, you are in the express lane. However, this time I was able to catch myself right away. I did actually relax my muscles and took a few deep breaths. While doing this I heard her mention that she was sorry but she was just a little unsettled. She is traveling to California with her three grand kids and they have been talking non-stop for two days! I am sorry, but I just had to laugh inside. I was able to picture this non-stop laughing and talking inside the car as the grandma is trying to drive and maneuver through several states.  I was then looking so differently at her. Instead of being upset with her, I felt both envy and pity at the same time. Either way, I enjoyed the thoughts and pictures conjured up in my head!

I learned a very important lesson that day. My expectations are now positive each time. If, and when, I start to realize I am feeling impatient or frustrated I can catch it pretty quickly. Then the choice is mine. Every time I choose to feel better, I do! Really. Every time!l

I have to be honest, I have found myself not choosing to feel better at times. It’s kind of like I feel justified feeling bad. This person or event really deserves it! Really! However, I am starting to realize that holding on to that feeling does not usually turn out well for me. I usually end up in several more frustrating situations and eventually realize I need to stop the madness! I do have control over my thoughts and beliefs. When I choose to feel just a bit better, I can. From there I can reach the next good feeling. Before you know it, peace and calm rule!

I am anxious to hear if any of you guys have practiced thinking through a frustrating situation this summer. Dr. Gentry taught us to stop and think. Are we really in danger? If not, then we have control of our thoughts. The environment has no control over how we are feeling. Do not give your power away.