Happy Holiday vacation to those of you who are off and able to relax! During breaks, I always like to take time for myself and READ! Already, I have been able to finish one book that I think should be read by everyone, whether you are a teacher, student, parent, or not. Oprah's What I Know for Sure was an uplifting, motivating and inspiring book with great life lessons for all. Even though I read it for personal pleasure, as always, I can relate many of the pieces of advice to teaching and feel that teachers should instill these thoughts in their classrooms. Below are some of the many lessons that could be applied to teaching or students:
- On page 6, Oprah says "Being aware of, and creating, four- and five-star experiences makes you blessed." Bringing this to our students' attention and having them set a purpose for the day will allow them to become more goal-oriented and notice the great things that happen throughout their school day as well as bring more joy to their own lives. Having students mentally think (or they can physically write down) a five-star experience that could happen to them throughout their day, and then reflect back at its' conclusion can allow the students to recognize wonderful situations that occur. Additionally, on page 75 Oprah discusses her gratitude journal where she writes down five things in which she is grateful that happened throughout the day. Combining Oprah's gratitude journal with her idea for creating five-star experiences will allow students to enjoy their time in school even more and be thankful for the opportunities that are given to them.
- Throughout Oprah's career, she constantly mentions how everyone needs to be heard. That is the sole need of all and shows how we value others. Children need to be heard also and yet they are usually the first to be silenced. Allowing students to share pieces of their lives during morning meetings or reading what they have written in their journals (if they allow it) is a great way to give children a voice and show that they have been heard.
- Giving is one of the most important things that we can do in life. It is a selfish act because the giver feels just as wonderful, if not more so, than the person receiving the giving! Introducing the act of giving to children is imperative for students in order to create a habit that will last a lifetime. Having students decide who and how they want to give is crucial for it to be a significant experience. Oprah's lifelong passion is to give to others and this easily can be translated into simple opportunities for students to do the same.
- On page 129, Oprah mentioned a quote from Elie Wiesel, "In the word question, there is a beautiful word- quest. I love that word." This reminded me of problem- based learning tasks that we assign our students throughout the year. When students are given these tasks, the questions that arise from them lead the students on a quest to find the answers. Having a task that is intriguing, motivating, and inspiring is what education should be all about. I love this quote and am going to use it at the start of all of my problem-based learning units.
- Finally, the most important piece of advice from Oprah that teachers can give to their students is this: When you get the chance, go for it. Students need to hear this mantra every day so that they know that they can be and do anything in which they put their minds. Having that motivation gives students the power to succeed in all that they can dream. Oprah quotes Paulo Coelho by saying "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." This is crucial for students to learn and feel at a young age.
Oprah is influential to everyone, but children can take away her lessons as well. When adults hear Oprah's advice, we sometimes have to revert back to ourselves prior to creating bad habits. Children do not share in these habits so it is easier for them to receive and act upon the messages. Including these easy ideas from Oprah into your classroom will help students to "lead their best lives" while they are learning in your room as well as when they leave to continue their journey.
Enjoy!
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