Glimmers focuses on positive events in a student’s surroundings. They are triggers or cues that focus on safety and comfort. Schools focus students on glimmers rather than on negative or fearful triggers. Research shows the brain focuses on negative events more than positive or pleasant events.
According to Dr. Rick Hanson, “The mind is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones.” This theory goes back to the evolution of man and his need to avoid danger. As the brain registered danger or a negative threat, man could stay alive longer. A focus on the negative keeps people safe.
Glimmers of Positive Mindsets
A focus on the negative will influence a student’s relationships with peers. Students who focus on negativity look at the worst in situations and peers. When students focus on glimmers, they relax. Students feel everything is okay. Positive thoughts help students become engaged in the lesson. A positive mindset allows the brain to accomplish more. Thus, their concentration on what is happening in the classroom leads to academic success.
As teachers support personal characteristics, it helps students to feel a sense of belonging. To do this, an effort needs to be made on good behavior both in the classroom and on an outside activity. Focus on strengths. Positive student relationships are basic to academic success.
How to Access Glimmers
In the classroom, students can think about various times they felt happy, laughed, or felt a warm and fuzzy feeling.
- Picture a peaceful time from an adventure, a picture, or a book. Think about the happy feeling.
- Think about something someone did that made you happy. Focus on a present received, or a television program that was funny.
- Focus on the thoughts of someone loved.
Good thoughts are a piece of a joyful moment. Their purpose is to spark ease, relaxation, and safety, and to connect with the feeling that everything is okay and the student is in a safe place.
Even though the brain is trained to think a certain way, students can change the way their mind works. Thus, they can relax and improve classroom learning and relationships.
