Dr. Seuss and Hope
Did you feel a lift inside when you read those words? Did you feel empowered, even if just for a second? This Friday, March 2nd, is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Of course, the name Dr. Seuss conjures up images of Horton, the Lorax, and the Cat in the Hat. Seuss left us many beloved characters and tales, but one of his most enduring legacies is his message of hope, and the importance of our belief in a brighter future.
Dr. Seuss was an expert at creating hope with his words. But what is hope, really? Scientific studies have narrowed it down to two beliefs: 1) that the future will be better than the present and 2) that you have the power to make it so. Hope is about expectation, and involves a plan or a pathway to desired outcomes. Hope can change the chemistry of the brain, releasing endorphins and other pain-blocking chemicals. It can be a key element in physical healing, and can lessen the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies of hope show that hopeful students have better outcomes in life, whether that be in school, relationships, or their future careers. Hopeful kids try harder, persist longer, and achieve more.
Unfortunately, hope can be hard to come by for our students from backgrounds of poverty, simply because their lives are often filled with challenging circumstances. They do not have the experiences, connections, and support systems that help instill others with hope. It is hard for them to imagine what a successful future might look like. The opposite of hope is learned helplessness, which is an adaptive response that occurs when a person feels like they have no control over their situation. We see that in many of our students. They feel like no matter what they do, failure is imminent and trying is futile.
The good news is that hope can be taught! Here are some ways to help instill hope in your students:
- Tell hopeful stories and show hopeful videos
- Teach students how to set goals
- Maintain high expectations - treat all students as capable of high achievement
- Use daily affirmations to help students maintain a positive mindset
- Talk to your students about their hopes and dreams, and reaffirm them
- Teach your students about grit and a growth mindset “I can do this. I won’t give up.”
- Make connections with students, and help them learn to connect with one another
Remember, this is not a pie-in-the-sky pep talk. The message is that students have dreams, and by working hard, planning, and persisting, they can accomplish them!
Today's blog is brought to you by Kate Crowe, Title I Coordinator. Thank you for this inspiring and informative message. Wishing you all a wonderful, well-deserved spring break! Looking forward to a STRONG finish, where together we will RISE GI!
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