Number of words: 260 Advice to students which can be construed as constructive criticism. “I like that you took on that challenging project for your science class. It will take a lot of work – doing the reaserch, designing the apparatus, buying the parts, and building it. Boy, you are going to learn a lot … Read more

Number of words: 134 Adam Guettel has been called the crown prince and savior musical theatre. He is the grandson of Richard Rodgers, the man who wrote the music to such classic as Oklaboma! And Carousel. Guettel’s mother gushes about her son’s genius. So does everyone else. “The is there and it’s major,” raved a … Read more

Number of words: 123 Bullying is about judging. It’s about establishing who is more worthy or important. The more powerful kids judge the less powerful kids. They judge them to be less valuable human beings, and they rub their faces in it on a daily basis. And it’s clear what the bullies get out of … Read more

Number of words: 43 We praised some of the students for their ability. They were told . “Wow, you got eight right. That’s really good score. You must be smart at this.” They were in the Adam Guettel you’re – talented position. Excerpted from‘Mindset’ by Carol S. Dweck

Number of words: 53 No, we just wanted to be a less foolish hare. We wanted to be swift as he wind and a bit more strategic – say, not taking quite so many snoozes before the finish line. After all, everyone  knows you have to show up in order to win. Excerpted from‘Mindset’ by … Read more

Number of words: 138 The little engine that could, the saggy, baggy elephant, and he scruffy tugboat – they were cute, they were often overmatched, and we were happy for them they succeeded. In fact to this day I remenber  how ford I was those little creatures but no way did I identify with them. … Read more

Number of words: 145 The story of the tortoise and the hare, in trying to put forward the power of effort, gave effort a bad name. One more thing about praise. When we say to children, “Wow, you did that so quickly!” or “Look, you didn’t make any mistake!” what message are we sending? We … Read more

Number of words: 96 One seventh – grade girl summed it up. “I think intelligence is something you have to work for….. it isn’t just given to you ……Most kids, if they’re not sure  of an answer, will not raise their hand to answer the question. But what I usually do is raise their hand, … Read more

Number of words: 92 There  is a French expression. ‘Tout Comprendre c’st tout pardman.’ To understand all is to forgive all.  Not long ago I was interested to read about Marina Semyonova a great Russian dancer and teacher, who devised a novel way of selecting her students. It was a clever test of mindset. As … Read more

Number of words: 118 Alfred P.Sloan, the former CEO of General Motors, presents a nice contrast. He was leading a group of high-level policy makers who seemed to have reached a consensus. “Gentleman,” he said, “I take it we are all in complete agreement on the decision here…..Then I propose we postpone further discussion of … Read more