Do you make New Year's Resolutions each year? I do, or at least I refine the ones that I've been working at most of my adult life. We, who make resolutions, are interested in improving our lot in life - finding success in what we do.
In my classroom this week, I asked my returning to students to share some advice about finding success at our school to those who were joining us for the first time. I enjoyed this activity because it allowed me to see the development of their maturity over the last few months. Many truly had good advice about increasing their chance for academic success. Typically, that advice includes paying attention, doing the work, turning it in, asking questions, and trying hard.
Because ours is a unique school - an alternative setting for those who are not making it in the mainstream - their advice also included sage wisdom about getting along with others and about "finding your game" in a personal sense. These offerings included try to see the other person's viewpoint, respect other's, focus on the important things, don't get involved in the "drama" or stir up trouble. I loved their advice in particular because it came hard earned; and I know it was from the heart not just some platitude.
The best advice I heard all day came from an eighth grader. He said, "Be nice."
It's just my opinion but sometimes the most profound advice is the simplest.
I certainly agree that the simple advice, "be nice" encompasses all that one needs to resolve to do.
As for resolutions that have to do with lifestyle (i.e. exercise, goals, etc), I don't make any of those because I just end up kicking myself twenty more times around the block for not keeping them. Actually, maybe that isn't true. I make resolutions all year round. Each night before I go to sleep -- I plan and resolve to be more productive on the morrow -- but it doesn't happen.
Roberta--You are so-o-o disciplined to take time for planning each night. Wow! I missed out on that gene (that's my excuse.)
Frankie--As to making resolutions--usually, not. As Roberta mentions, many of us make up resolutions as we go throughout the year--a few that I even take action on. *sigh* This year, the only resolution that I made was to get our local family members together more frequently. My performance in that area in 2005 was abysmal. I do so like the "Be nice" advice. Would that each of us could stop and think to "be nice". It can be a challenge. Good exercise for your students.