Page 35 - Whispering Squirrels

Reward a child, who typically overreact or is impulsive, if they are observed controlling those habitual behaviors. Ask them to explain what they are telling themselves to manage this control and reward their awareness.
Children who are doing their work consistently can be rewarded occasionally for an awareness of the thinking that motivates them to do their work but only if it is rational. If a child says “I am telling myself that I am smarter than anyone else and I will prove it by making the best grade,” you have an example of Stinky Thinking. This type of thinking may provide motivation to succeed in grades but will have many other negative consequences. In this situation, you may ask the class to discuss what might be other things the student could tell himself or herself to motivate them to study.
Caution: Most children have had little experience in attending to their thinking and evaluating if it is rational or irrational. Be generous in your evaluation and helpful in your interpretation. They may be reluctant to appear foolish and not want to share their “thinking.”
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