18th Mindful Monday-Word-Accomplish
“Is this the year you put in the work learning that new hobby or throw your name in the hat for the big promotion? If so, accomplish may be the word for you. remember; accomplish doesn’t mean coming out on top every time. It means “to bring to it’s goal or conclusion, carry out, perform, finish. And, one thing I’ve learned is that small steps make great accomplishments! So many times one looks at the bigger picture and is quite overwhelmed, for me that’s true. When you can break it down, you are more apt to accomplish what you set out to do.
I’ll use this as an example, while its’ simple, it’s relevant. While I was on the school Reading Team, the process to teach reading to a child was one of my favorite things to do! You didn’t just sit down to read a book, or write a story, there is a process to this skill. First, a child needs to know letters and then sounds. Then, a child puts the letters, sounds together to build a word. Next, a sentence and finally a story. In the beginning process a child could draw a picture, tell the teacher what it was about, we would write a sentence to explain the picture. This was usually kept in their file for conference to compare quarterly progress, along with assessments of course. The point is, a child may be overwhelmed at the thought writing a sentence or a story, until they learn their letters and sounds which build words, then sentences and then a story. It’s small steps. This process is one of my favorites to teach our children, the excitement they show when the accomplish a new letter, a new sound, a new word and even their name is priceless!
It’s about perseverance! Never giving up, not quitting. Keeping your eye on the prize, you get it. As an adult we understand the work that goes into a goal, an accomplishment and the end result. But, how do you teach a child the gratification of an accomplishment? Even tying your shoes, scoring a goal, finishing a project. Most every day there is something that we need to accomplish. Our character Do’er Duck is just one of the nine Characters of Character and teaches our children about perseverance, and not to give up. Here are some ideas to discuss with your own child about an accomplishment, and, it’s a great way to stay in communications to what your child is working on, is thinking and even dreaming about in their own life.
Start out small, is the goal this week to pass the spelling test? Ask your child what a goal might be for the week, if they don’t have one, think of one! Allow them to know what it feels like, what it looks like and how commitment will help to accomplish what your goal is!
Encourage your child so that they will see the goal through and call it an accomplishment! Make a sticker chart or verbal celebration to help them reach their goal and call it an accomplishment!
Be aware of the work that goes into this goal, praise them for their good efforts! If we don’t try we may not ever seen the accomplishment complete!
Celebrate the accomplishment, no matter how small, an accomplishment is an accomplishment!
Below is Do’er Duck, one of the nine Characters of Character. Please, print this out and work on with your child or have your child fill it in on their own. Help them to accomplish their goal(s) and allow them to feel the pride in doing so, and to acknowledge the hard work that goes with it. For example, your child most likely has to study to pass a test. Help them if need be, or show them ways to do so. Flash cards, a time set aside to practice the topic, etc. Re-inforce that to quit is not an option, instead, find solutions on how to get to the goal.
Be like Do’er Duck and NEVER GIVE UP!
Graphic by Jen Downey
TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin
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