Shifting students positive.
So many students come to class anxious and stressed out. The last thing on their minds is learning. Which is why I start each class by asking students what’s the best thing that’s happened to them today.
Reflection ◊ Connection ◊ Motivation
Their answers fascinate me. And give me insight into what motivates them. From simple to profound. From food to relationships. From money to purpose. From grades to destiny. And everything in between.
Less stress. More learning.
Interacting with students in fun and uplifting ways brings laughter and lightness to the classroom. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Yet it creates a significant shift in student stress and comfort levels.
Students need to feel safe. Students need to feel heard. Showing them you care (while having fun) works every time. Only then can the real learning begin!
Thriving Under Pressure 
I love this, Andrea. Such simple and profound ways to connect.
The best thing that happened to me today is connecting with really good friends and sharing love. Thanks for asking 💜
right ON! 🙂
How wonderful Debbie! 💖💫
Dr. Andrea, I love this! So well said! I appreciate the sensitivity and empathy that you extend to your students. I KNOW that they appreciate your kindness!
The best thing that happened to me today? Laughing with my daughters on the phone, as they tried to “teach” my cat (who currently lives with my daughters) how to do “facetime.” We were laughing and having fun and the cat was properly ignoring us in the ways only a cat can ignore. It was some good silly fun! It always feels good to share in laughter with sweet friends. 🙂
So much fun! Just because life is serious, doesn’t mean we have to be. Laughter heals. And so does love. Thank you for sharing Kennedy! High 5 to your cat.😻
Think I’ll try this. It is a simple way to engage, instead of simply asking, “How are you?”
And it always takes people by surprise. That’s the best part. Moves conversation from automatic to interesting… 😳😊
I just love reading your posts!! Another great one!
You sure know how to motivate! Thank you!💃🎉
Got a great job!
Congratulations RG! So happy for you.💛💫
Great post! It reminds us to focus on the positive things, no matter how small they may be.
Amen! Like this delicious diet coke I’m drinking right now.
Ice. Cold. Goodness. On a crazy hot day.. 🌬❄️🙂
#grateful #smallpleasures
Hey there Dr. Dinardo! I just wanted to let you know that I mentioned you in a post, and I wanted to make sure you saw it 🙂 https://wishingwellblog.com/2016/09/09/happy-anniversary/
Thank you Jenna! I just read your post https://wishingwellblog.com/2016/09/09/happy-anniversary/ Your kind, encouraging words = the best thing that happened to me today. 🎉💃
Thanks for sharing that, wonderful to hear. 😊🌟
I totally agree. We have to train ourselves and our children to look for the positives in life – it’s the little things that make all the difference 🙂
I’m seeing this rather late, but the best thing to happen to me today is watching my first grade daughter reading a short story almost 100% by herself. It’s amazing to me. I remember when I held her in my arms, as a newborn when burping was the most difficult thing she had to do. And now she is reading. Watching her development and hearing her progress… That was the best thing that happen to me today so far.
So beautiful! And never too late. Sharing her milestones reminds us all to see sunshine everywhere we go. Thank you for sharing yours!💙📚
Andrea, I am delighted to find your blog site! It’s full of fantastic posts that inspire me as a teacher. I teach middle school reading – four 80 minutes blocks a day (100 students). I ask at the start of each class for students to share “good things” (We are a Capturing Kids Hearts school), but I’ve noticed a huge difference in the level of positivity in my room as a result of this practice. I will now ask for “best things”.😉Thank you!
We are kindred spirits Davina! Just reading your comments made my day! I look forward to learning and growing as educators together. Thank you for sharing! So much to learn from your blog too.💙📚
Thank you😘 I am humbled…
Best thing so far this morning are sunshine and a blue sky. 🙂
Awesome start to the day! ☀️
This is a great question to ask not only students but also kids! Often parents “ask how was you your day?” and the teen might say “fine” but when you ask the questions “what’s the best thing that happened to you today?” well that demands a better answer than one word could provide 🙂 Smiling!
Such a great application of this question Christy!
“What’s the best thing that happened to you today?” Engaging the family at the dinner table, while being shuttled to hockey practice, and even (especially) for parents on date night!
Connection via meaningful conversations is the ultimate goal. One more reason to put the phone down and truly connect with the people right in front of you.
Personally: I love deep conversation. Just ask my friends & family. I use a book called “Soul Questions” to get the conversation (really) going.. past small talk to real talk …
Works every time! 🙂 🙂
Hi 🙂 Love your comment back to me here! Can I include it as part of my Friday inspiration post for next week?
Yes, of course. That would be wonderful!
Great! Enjoy the day ❤
Stats does stress the students. Will apply this method ~:-)
Most excellent! The bonus = Helps the stress level of both students & teachers. Win Win. 🍎
The moments I stay in pure love, respond, surrender and am able to respond not react, to give and receive, to be a light..
How wonderful Kerri!
Wishing you a day filled with love & light. 💛💫
Same to you and thank you for all you share and your awareness and enlightenment.
Awesome post! I love how you interact with the students positively. ❤
It’s still pretty early to me (barely 1.5 hours since I woke up!) but the best thing that happened to me today was that I woke up fresh and alert! Not the groggy “I need coffee…” kind of wake up. 😆
Thanks for sharing your best thing Nicole. I love it! Feeling alive & alert without coffee should never be taken for granted. I hope your day was equally fresh & fun. 🙂
Thanks! It certainly was. 😀❤
Thank you for this great idea. I am going to share it with my 7th-grade twins’ teacher. She’s really struggling with rascally behavior 😦
Twins! How wonderful. Double the love! ♥️♥️
That’s a great idea on empowering students. Thank you for helpful insights..
You’re welcome! This idea works great for friends & family too. Helps to shift the conversation positive. 💫
I love this!
Thank you! 🙏💙