What Are Their Gifts?
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
December 09, 2016
Spoiler Alert! This article has nothing to do with Holiday Gifts.
A great work ethic. High energy. Great sense of humor. Silver tongued. Magnetic personality. Great problem solver. Fast. Strong. Agile. Intelligent. Compassionate. Trustworthy. Driven. Poised. Persuasive communicator. Detailed. Sees the big picture. Wise. Insightful. Handsome. Beautiful. Stunning. Curious. Adventurous. Thrifty. Kind. Caring. Creative.
Now, it is your turn. Make a list of people who are special in your life. Next to each name list the one or two gifts that person models and shares with you and others. Now make the person’s day and acknowledge him/her.
Great teachers consciously and subconsciously go through this exercise every day. They are regularly recognizing the gifts their students bring to class. Teachers are expected to give students grades and even in more progressive schools like Shorecrest, preschool and elementary school teachers evaluate the skill development of their children. Children as well as adults know that being acknowledged for one of their talents can be a real boost.
I am well aware of the warnings we receive that praising can demotivate. Young children who are told they are smart might learn to avoid risks, if the risk may result in a challenge to their presumed intelligence. But I have never heard of a person who got lazy because a teacher complimented him/her for being a hard worker. Praise couched in the right way motivates.
Recognizing one of our community members for modeling one of our Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion and Knowledge, is likely a good way to encourage those values for everyone.
When parents and guardians provide their children with an independent school education, they are offering a gift to discover and nurture talents and skills. Summer programs, extra tutors, coaches, trainers, spiritual education and parental support all combine to assist our children to develop their gifts.
For parents and educators alike, we do not need to wait until the holiday season to provide the most important gifts we can give our children. The gifts of love and security are vital. The gifts that unlock the talents and abilities of our children are life changing.
Cheers!
Mike
