I recently found a book by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval called “The power of small. Why little things make all the difference”. While the authors are renowned for their work in the business industry, so many of the insights are applicable to the young people in our lives. Thaler encourages individuals to make small, positive changes to their daily routines because she believes these can lead to significant improvements over time. For students, the minor tasks, habits, and efforts in their academic journey are essential for success.
Attention to Detail
We all know the importance of ensuring we get the details right. Students benefit from paying attention to the details of their assignments, studying meticulously, and proofreading their work as this can ensure quality and accuracy. This care and respect for getting the details right often translates into care and respect for others as well.
Progress in small increments build confidence
As we know, small steps lead to big accomplishments. Encouraging students to break down their goals, homework and classwork into manageable tasks is important. But more importantly celebrating small victories with them will help them stay motivated and focused. This also has a ripple effect on those around them who also start to benefit from these small wins. Mastering a new concept, improving a grade, receiving praise for their efforts, or seeing small successes reinforces their belief in their abilities building confidence and self-esteem.
Habit Formation and daily routine
Success is often a result of consistent, positive habits. Instilling discipline and diligence in students from a young age helps them develop foundational skills for long-term success in both their academic and personal lives. By focusing on the small things and looking for opportunities to learn and grow, we develop resilience, perseverance, and dispositions that lead to success beyond the school gate.
Preparation is essential to helping to get the small things right.
Charged devices at the beginning of the day, correct workbooks for each lesson, a pencil case with pens, pencils, calculator, highlighters etc. help students with their attention to detail and academic success. It’s important that we support the students in getting the small things right. Whether it’s double-checking homework, assignments, practicing good study habits, packing our bag the night before, or arriving on time at school. Let’s help the young people in our lives strive for excellence in every aspect of what they do. “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.” — Henry Ford
Alex Walters
Assistant Principal, Student Achievement
