Self-control is about being able to control your actions or behaviour. For some people, self-control is easy, but for others, it takes practise to have self-control. Similar to self-control are self-regulation and self-managment and one strategy that teachers can use to help their students is the “Zones of Regulation”. This helps students to be aware of their reactions and behaviour and helping to regulate and take control of behaviour. Use of mindfulness and the Stop, Think and Breath strategy is helpful.
Self-control explained
The word “resist” is connected to self-control in this clip!
The marshmellow test – what would you do? Do you think you’d have the self control to wait and get two?
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – can you identify the zones of regulation of the pigeon?
There is a saying that “Kindness makes the world go around!” and do you know what? I agree. One of the best things about kindness is that when you do something kind for someone else, it makes you feel really good.
The character strength of kindness sits within the “Positive Emotions” arm of our PERMA model.
Kindness is my favourite character strength and when classes are surveyed, guess which character strength is usually the most popular? You guessed right – kindness.
We never forget when someone has shown kindness towards us, but research has shown that the wellbeing benefits of being kind to others is far greater than receiving kindness!
Kindness can be as easy as smiling at someone and saying hello.
Here are a few reasons for being kind:
Being kind feels good. Doing something for someone else really does make us feel good. Just as running releases endorphins, so does kindness. Make someone smile and you’ll feel better for having done so.
Kindness broadens our perspective. In order to be kind, we have to pay attention to what is happening around us. As we notice more things and help others, we get a glimpse of other ways of looking at things. A broader perspective helps us to keep things in context.
Kindness softens our heart. When we look for kind deeds, beauty, and the opportunity for kindness, we’ll find that we are more compassionate and more tolerant. As we practice empathy, it opens our heart to others.
Kindness brightens our world. When we are kind to people, it makes them happy. The more people who experience kindness from us, the more happy people will be in our lives. When those around us are happier, our world becomes a brighter, lighter place to live.
Kindness helps people feel respected and less alone. By recognising someone’s need for help and acting on it in a compassionate manner, it makes the recipient feel valued. It also makes the giver feel better about themselves and more connected.
Kindness makes people want to be around us. One of the most common responses to kindness is gratitude. People appreciate what we’ve done for them. Our kindness is very attractive, so they want to be around us and actually seek us out.
Kindness bears wonderful fruit. Kindness begets kindness, openness, health and reduces the effects of stress on our bodies and our hearts
Kindness begets kindness. When you are kind to others, the impact of your action doesn’t stop there. Many times the recipient of your kindness and others who see or hear about your kindness are inspired to be kinder. The ripples of kindness are truly endless.
One of my favourite quotes is: “In a world where you can be anything, choose kind.”
This week we 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 do you feel most excited 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.
Love of Learning sits within the Engagement area of our PERMA as people with this character strength like to make the most of learning opportunities.
The Incredible Book Eating Boy
The Most Magnificent Thing
The Boy Who Loved Words
Me at My Best – A general clip about the Character Strengths
