We’re all enjoying a two week spring break this year. No time like the present to slow down, review and reflect on all that has transpired in our lives in the four months of 2021. Metacognition is our habit of the week sometimes, because it is just this. It’s the idea of thinking about what we’re thinking about. We’re assessing what’s important and what we do everyday.
At Almond Acres Charter Academy (AACA) we take it a bit further for our students. We help our students and families to think about what they’re thinking about. Our kids are capable of metacognition, too and reflecting on what they are and like to think about.
Thoughts to Destiny
Attributed to multiple authors is the idea that thoughts become our destiny. Here’s the idea:
Sow an act, reap a habit;
sow a habit, reap a character;
sow a character, reap a destiny.
First and foremost, kids and adults alike — do the things we want to do. This influences what we think about — or ‘sows’ our thoughts. Our thoughts become actions, and these actions become habits. Our habits inform our character — which ultimately drives our destiny. Destiny is key to who we are. In order to be and become the best versions of ourselves, we should slow down and reflect. What are we thinking about? Is this important to me?
As AACA faculty, staff and administrators and as parents, we can model a thoughtful process for our kids. By detailing how we own our thoughts and ultimately our destiny, we take back some control of our lives. This can be very powerful for kids.
Sharpen the Saw
Metacognition also bleeds into our ‘sharpen the saw’ learning. We encourage our kids to sharpen their saw — in all ways that include their heart, mind, body, & soul. In order to stay sharp — we will all inevitably encounter obstacles. When we use self-discipline to make it through these decisive and sharp moments, we reap great rewards. These difficult, pivotal moments include such everyday things as:
- Getting up on time (“mind over mattress”)
- Controlling our tempers and not saying the unkind thing
- Disciplining ourselves to eat healthy foods
- Sticking to our reading regimen when we are busy
Ways to Practice
Heart – Spend some carefree timelessness with family and friends.
Mind – Tell your brain what you want to do. Skip the “try” word. Use “will”!
Body – Say yes to a good walk, meal, and night sleep.
Soul – Enter the classroom of silence and have a nice chat with yourself.
Did you know our middle schoolers have a 1:28 student to teacher ratio? Every great kid is known for who they are in grades six to eight. Join our small, caring school and enroll today!
About Almond Acres
Almond Acres Charter Academy is a public, tuition-free K-8 school that employs credentialed teachers and administers state-mandated testing to provide families in northern SLO County an additional choice in public education. The school is located inSan Miguel and is open to all students in all communities. AACA’s mission is to help students succeed academically and socially by educating the whole child: heart, mind, body and soul. We grow great kids!
