Sponsored by RedLeaf Press.
Optimists try to give meaning to the events in their lives. They tend to be healthier, happier, and more successful in life. Using optimistic thinking they shape a picture of reality and respond in a way that seeks solutions and promotes well-being. Optimistic thinking requires focusing on the positive without denying the realistic existence of the negative. It helps people channel their energy to focus on what they can control in their lives. The best thing about optimism is that it can be taught and learned. So even those who aren’t naturally inclined to think and act optimistically can learn to do so. Once learned, optimism has a permanent, positive difference in a person’s life. A child who thinks optimistically is positioned to reap the myriad benefits associated with an optimistic approach to life—beginning with doing better in school at all levels.
The following topics will be addressed and illustrated through real-life examples and images:
- Defining optimism and pessimism; what they are and what they are not.
- Understanding the links between optimism and other positive educational practices: resiliency, mindfulness, growth mindset, grit, gratitude, happiness, and kindness.
- Developing and applying an explanatory style; turning around pessimistic thinking through use of a 5-step process.
- Using field-tested activities to support and enhance children’s optimism.
- Involving families in fostering their children’s optimistic thinking.
- Providing administrative support to implement a program-wide focus on learned optimism.
Participants will learn to:
- Explain how the thinking styles of optimists differ from those of pessimists.
- Use specific strategies to counteract their own pessimistic thinking.
- Recognize and build on the connections between optimism and other social-emotional skills.
- Teach children optimistic thinking skills through activities that fit within the program’s curriculum.
All sessions are 1.5 hours long, and include a brief announcement from our sponsor.
2:oo PM – 3:30 PM Eastern Time.
To ensure you receive confirmation and reminder emails, add [email protected] to your contacts list. If you do not receive your email confirmation, check your Spam or Junk mail folders in your email system.
Can’t participate in our webinars at the appointed time? Never fear! All of the webinars are recorded. To view the recording, simply register now and you will receive an email with a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed. You can still download the certificate by watching the recording to the end when the certificate link is announced and displayed on the screen.
Only 1,000 people at one time can attend our webinars, but registration often tops 4,000. Only the first 1,000 people to click the link to attend the webinar will be able to get in. We start the webinars 30 minutes in advance of the start time. Arrive early to make sure you get in.
Please be advised that you will only be eligible for the great door prizes if you participate in the live session.
You can earn .2 CEUs for each webinar. The cost is $15 paid to University of Oklahoma online when you apply. Learn more here: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from University of Oklahoma
