March 2019 – Happy Schools

Using the KonMari Method in Schools

March 28, 2019

Author and Netflix star, Marie Kondo’s drive to declutter and simplify our lives is currently very popular. With life being busier than ever, working out what to do with all the ‘stuff’ is difficult and time-consuming. A cluttered workspace adds to our stress by distracting us, wasting our time finding things and polluting our subconscious by making us feel guilty about everything we have yet to do. Author and Netflix star, Marie Kondo’s drive to declutter and simplify our lives is currently very popular. With life being busier than ever, working out what to do with all the ‘stuff’ is difficult and time-consuming. A cluttered workspace adds to our stress by distracting us, wasting our time finding things and polluting…

Developing Self-Control

March 21, 2019

Stevef

Effectiveness

Helping students develop self-control is important, not only for their behaviour but also for their ability to stay on task and complete things. Developing intrinsic motivation (the internal drive to focus and remain on task) is far more helpful than constantly trying to motivate them through extrinsic means – carrot and stick! The following are suggested strategies to help develop self control. Praise Effort Instead of Intelligence Stanford Professor Carol Dweck has researched and written a great deal about the importance of praising hard work and persistence in overcoming challenges and helping people identify the strategies they used. This reinforces a ‘growth mindset’ – one where people feel energised and knowledgeable about how to overcome barriers. Dweck contrasts this with…

Prepare Now for Happy Reporting Later

March 14, 2019

Stevef

Effectiveness

Reporting periods for many school staff are a time of tension and stress, where tempers are tested and a good night’s sleep becomes a distant memory. Instead of dreading its approach and using weak coping strategies like counting down the days till the holidays, try planning early (read, super-early – like, now!) to make reporting time much calmer. Preparing for reporting well in advance is not only an investment in your wellbeing, it also keeps you more focused on the goals you want your students to achieve. Think about why reporting occurs. Do you participate out of compliance? Or do you genuinely wish to communicate with students and their families on learning progress? If you take the time to clarify…

Moments of Truth – Keeping parents on our Side

March 7, 2019

Stevef

Effectiveness

A Moment of Truth is any interaction in which the client or customer comes into contact with our services and forms an impression of our school. The concept originated in Scandinavian Airlines by President and CEO Jan Carlson. In the case of Scandinavian Airlines, Moments of Truth for passengers are the times when they come into contact with the staff of the airline. This used to commence with the reservation stage (often this is now completed on the internet), followed by the check-in counter, the boarding call, entering the aircraft, the safety briefing and serving the meal. Each of these are Moments of Truth, times when passengers come into direct contact with the airline and form an opinion of the…