At time, in our will to make change and do good work, we may forget about the value of encouragement--a little encouragement goes a long way when it comes to building team and making progress.
Similarly timing plays a role here. For example, at this point in the year, students are tired--they've worked hard all year, they are up late at night playing sports and going to special events, and they are looking forward to summer fun and next year's transitions with excitement and probably a bit of trepidation too. This is not a great time for deep, new learning, but instead a time to add the finishing touches to the year's efforts.
I will remember this today as I work with my young learners and as I coach them towards completing portfolios, math tech goals, and the biography project. Onward.
