Make Time to Celebrate the (not so) Small Stuff
Posted: October 22, 2013 Filed under: Education, Students | Tags: education, learning, students, success 2 CommentsThis video just came out on YouTube yesterday and it’s quickly going viral. I heard about it on my local radio station and The Today Show gave it a mention this morning too. Give it a watch first then I’ll share some thoughts on the other side.
That’s your feel good video for the week right there isn’t it? The Dad’s reaction, and his son’s excitement to share with his dad, is priceless. If you don’t know the back story (and I don’t know many details) the boy had majorly struggled in Math for a long time. As in, he was failing and success in Math was looking bleak. I don’t know what steps the boy and his dad took to be successful at Math but he brought home a C (or at least a passing grade) and the son getting to share his great news with his Dad is what was captured on video.
Based on Dad’s reaction, I’d say this was a monumental accomplishment in this student’s school journey. What a sense of accomplishment the student must have felt! Dad did such a great job at what I can only assume was the beginning of a major celebration. This was a milestone for this young man. I hope his teacher made a point to celebrate with him just as vibrantly.
My last post I shared some thoughts about how movement; no matter how small, always matters. It likely wasn’t an A or B that this young man brought home to share with Dad, but it was movement in the right direction. It was a major victory for him. Dad didn’t say, “That’s all you could do?” or just give a “Keep up the good work” and a pat on the back. Dad made this a huge deal; a reason for celebration.
I think this is something we need to make the time to do more for our struggling students, not just for our students who success in school comes naturally. We want all students to be successful in everything they do. In school and in life. That’s our ultimate goal for them right? I believe that a crucial part of that journey means to help them feel success as much as possible while they’re with us, no matter how small it may appear from the outside.
Kyle B. Pace 
Kyle I absolutely love this. The Dad’s reaction is what we should be constantly striving for as educators and parents. It’s that growth mindset that I keep thinking about…focusing as you said “on movement” rather than a fixed outcome. After all, we can always become better and always keep learning.
Tis brought tears to my eyes as I can so relate to this dad’s overwhelming joy at his son’s success. We all wish that for our children, success. It doesn’t matter how big or small. I especiallyike the young man forgetting that he left the camera running. That is exactly what my son would have done…