As we edge towards the end of the year, it is a good time to reflect on the ‘Love of Learning’ character strength. What is it that you, as a learner enjoy or have a yearning to learn more about? What subject or area have you felt most passionate about learning this year? Do you have an interest that you feel passionate about?

People who possess the character strength love of learning are motivated to acquire new skills or knowledge or to build on existing skills or knowledge. They feel good when they are learning new things, even though they may occasionally become frustrated when the material is challenging.

 

 

 

Practicing gratitude is one of the simplest tools that you can use to improve how you are feeling.

Research has shown that the positive side effects of using gratitude include physical benefits such as better sleep and psychological benefits including less anxiety and increased happiness and resilience.  It is the social benefits that can help us all at this time as these include; fewer feelings of loneliness and isolation, increased forgiveness and greater helpfulness and generosity.

When thinking about the things that we are grateful for, the benfits will be greater if you don’t think about the “things” you have, such as toys but rather, look for kindness from others, or a kind deed that you have seen or been involved in.

Sone of the ways in which you can practice gratitude is to write a gratitude journal, make a list or share with others, three things which you are grateful for.

Another way of practicing gratitude is to be a gratitude detective by watching for kind and caring behaviour from other people.

How about boosting your wellbeing by setting yourself a challenge to show gratitude in some way every day?

 

 

 

 

 

At this time of the year at school “Leadership” is on the minds of some of us as we think about our goals for the remainder of the year the the year that is ahead of us.

People who are good leaders are able to organise their group and make sure that everyone feels included.

When thinking about Leadership, we can all bring to mind people who we know and admire who are great leaders. Some of these include our parents, family members, teachers and public figures. Nelson Mandela is one who springs to mind for me as does Bachar Houli, the Richmond AFL player.

“The Lorax” is a great example of leadership. The main character is upstanding, inspiring and brave enough to do what’s right.

Positive bystanders are also good leaders as they stand up for what they know to be right.

A big part of being a great leader comes within the MEANING part of our PERMA model – I belong to world bigger than my own. Which of the statements do you think apply to leadership?

This is a clip from when Barack Obama was the President of the US and here he and Kid President talk about what it means to be a good leader.

All the Character strengths and more are needed for being a good leader!