One Small Thing: The Power of Connection
One very important fact we have discovered as we apply the Better Day process is that when it comes to supporting a student’s academic progress, tending to their emotional wellness must come first. In step four of the 4-step Better Day process, we focus on empowerment of each individual student. Empowerment is an overused word. But within the Better Day Curriculum, we make empowerment easy and practical rather than some “out there” philosophy. Accompaniment and observation come first. Then once formulated, one small action is put into place for that student.
Even though every student’s road to empowerment can be quite different, we observed some striking similarities, too. Often, what we learn as we accompany and listen actively to a student is that they are simply seeking to be noticed and validated as a unique and valuable human being, regardless of grade point average or any challenging behaviors that may be surfacing.
An excellent example of this is a case study of a student failing academically, beginning to isolate and exhibiting anger toward teachers and classmates. In working with students at his high school, our Better Day Curriculum provider always kept a supply of school related goodies to share with students. Whether received as a reward for a job well done, or as much needed school supply, these small gifts were like gold to most students.
Being at a loss on how to reach the angry student, the provider began showing up in one of his classes on a regular basis, saying nothing, but leaving one of these small gifts at their desk, with no expectation of a response or any particular result. They simply wanted the student to know that they were seen and cared for. When it comes to Better Day tools, it’s often when we let go of the result that the miracles happen. In this case, that’s exactly what occurred.
Within just 2 weeks, this student began to show up regularly at the provider’s office, asking for and accepting academic and emotional support. The student began to interact with other student’s and no longer sat alone at lunch.
Of course, it wasn’t just about the gift. It was about someone taking the time to reach out with a caring attitude and most importantly, in a way that was likely to be well received by the student.
As you can see, the time it takes to provide this sort of support is negligible. As you self-train in the Better Day Curriculum, you will discover how little time and effort you will need to invest to produce significant progress and even outstanding results.
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