Can't we just say 'well done!' and leave it there?

It's that week again; exam results for thousands of hard working students across the country. And again the results have improved. So what's the problem with all this doubt and suspicion? A week earlier Usain Bolt ran the fastest ever 100m to universal acclaim. Where were the doubting voices- track must be returning more energy, shoes more elastic, timing equipment more audible. . .

Nowhere to be heard. The media simply sat back and said Wow! So why can't we do that for our young people. For everyone who's worked hard and got the results they deserve take yourself on a virtual trip to the praise pod (unless you have a real one in your school) and big yourself up. And well done Mr. Bolt. Breathtaking stuff.

Wheels within wheels

Can't help referring back to a previous entry and Richard Villa's mention of the Lakota circle of courage- pre-dating Every Child Matters (and Maslow for that matter) by many, many years this model would be hard to match as a template to drive social and emotional aspects of learning, not to mention a as a tool to reverse the materialism, social divide and decline in mental wellbeing in some of the world's most prosperous nations.

The benefit of Foresight

Big thanks to Dr Catherine Wright for bringing this research to my attention- like a 3-D Every Child Matters, and schematics that leave no stone unturned.  I can't imagine a better model to give permission for so many people to do what they have always known in their hearts makes sense, and makes a difference.  From housing to husbands, from diet to dreams; it's all there in the mix.

Too often policy is perceived as an elaborate 'out there' schema, yet more and more policy seems to be giving permission for individuals to take small, daily actions that will make a difference.  And isn't it true; every time a child is acknowledged for a positive action the mean curve of human esteem is pushed just that little bit along in the right direction.  Mass prevention impacting on minorities and majorities alike; by daily deeds and thoughts. . .