Soaring to great heights!

It is wonderful to see children grow in confidence isn't it? 

Today we had held the auditions for parts in the school play and were overwhelmed by the number of applicants.  In fact nearly half the year group auditioned for just 13 parts and we had a tough job after school deciding who had been successful.  At least half of those who auditioned would not have done so last year.  Seeing such development makes me so happy.  Children who are confident feel empowered to take risks in their learning without the fear of failure.  There will be disappointment tomorrow for those who did not get a part, but again we will celebrate and applaud their auditions and explain that success is in participating and trying and not just in being chosen and that they must not be discouraged for trying again next time.  I am confident that they will!

I am reminded of this beautiful poem....................



If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

 

I am thankful today (day 337) to be in a profession that affords me the privilege of being in a position to encourage and praise efforts and watch children soar to great heights.