We have done several Turnaround Story episodes and they have all been about positive turnarounds. But there is another kind of turnaround that is not so positive - it is what we call the downshift turnaround. To illustrate, Victoria and Mariaemma share two poems - The Little Boy and Animal School. And then they share examples of uplifting turnarounds.

In this episode Victoria and Mariaemma share stories of families who decided to homeschool because their children were sinking in traditional school. As soon as their learning needs were met they began thriving. It's been several years now since these students graduated from high school - find out what amazing things they are doing now!

In this episode Victoria and Mariaemma tell several stories of students who struggled with reading, math, and writing - some to the point of tears. What's the secret to their magnificent turnarounds? Find out!

For more information or questions email us at [email protected] or visit aselfportraitonline.com, powertraitsforlife.com, reflectiveed.com

In this episode Victoria tells the story of a 4th grader who was having trouble memorizing the multiplication tables. She looked to his learning styles for clues to the best strategies to meet his learning needs. Find out how he went from being discouraged to tracking his own progress with enthusiasm! And then, something unexpected happened- tune in to find out what!

For more information or questions email us at  [email protected] or visit aselfportraitonline.com,  powertraitsforlife.com, reflectiveed.com

No matter what age the student is, the best, most authentic, long-term learning takes place when the student is allowed to experiment, make mistakes, and discover principles, concepts, and processes on his/her own. Find out what happens when a four-year-old is given a jar, a spoon, a funnel, and some millet! For more information or questions email us at [email protected]

Greg was having difficulties at school and also didn't seem to fit in with his family. All of them were athletic, energetic, and noisy! Except for Greg. No one could understand why he didn’t want to go to game after game, why he became upset and edgy and crabby. Once they understood that he needed quiet, reflective time, time to just be alone with his thoughts, time to invent and create, a few simple changes were made. And then the magic started to happen! For more information or questions email us at [email protected] or visit aselfportraitonline.com, powertraitsforlife.com, reflectiveed.com

Leading with negative judgments, anxiety, and worry is a missed opportunity to connect with the hearts of children, their liveliness and passion for life. Accepting, supportive, confidence-building actions stimulate the release of hormones in the body and brain that lead to connection with others and a desire to engage in life, while anxious, critical, unsupportive actions stimulate the release of hormones that lead to fight or flight reactions. The question then becomes, what kinds of hormones do our actions release in our kids?

powertraitsforlife.com, solimaracademy.com

It's hard to stop happy, satisfied people from trying to learn more about themselves and the world, or from feeling good about themselves when they’ve accomplished something. It's not actually human nature to do as little as possible - that's a sign that something is wrong. So what motivates young people? Rewards? Punishments? This episode is about how to provide an environment that stimulates motivation from the inside out - one more step toward Growing Give-N-Take Kids and giving them the gift of Power Traits for Life™. 

powertraitsforlife.com, solimaracademy.com

When things happen that are outside your comfort zone, and you’re feeling a lot of pressure, what do you do? This episode is about reactivity and responsiveness, the difference between the two, what brings them out in you, and how they affect your life and those around you. Learning to be responsive is a Give-N-Take attribute that results in a more peaceful, relaxed, and fun family and work life. 

powertraitsforlife.com, solimaracademy.com

We believe that our job as teachers and parents is to be Great Coaches – coaching young people to believe in themselves, to be confident in their own abilities and what they CAN do. This episode is all about how to bring out the stars in our children and students, and show them where they shine – one of the components for Growing Give-N-Take Kids and empowering them for life.

powertraitsforlife.com, solimaracademy.com