🌱 The Happiness of New Things First Times are Miracles Disguised as Moments. Ever wondered how it feels to hold a win in your hands for the very first time? Remember the first poem you read out in the class? The first debate you wrested from your opponent? The first time your name was announced from the podium and you walked proudly to the stage? That glow after the win, the warm, fuzzy feeling that lingers the next morning and stays for days, can’t quite be compared to anything else. We never forget that moment. It becomes a prized memory. In my early years as a young teacher, my father would often say, “Every student should be rewarded. Give every child five points — just for facing the class, for reciting a table, for simply coming forward and standing there.” I’d laugh and say, “Dad, that’s not how it’s done.” In retrospect, I understand what he meant. There was deep psychology behind those words. Every child should be rewarded — because rewards are powerful extrinsic motivators. Here’s what they do to a child’s psyche: ⭐ Build confidence ⭐ Reinforce positive behaviour ⭐ Increase the likelihood of success ⭐ Tap into a student’s intrinsic desire to do well ⭐ Make them aware of their own growth ⭐ Strengthen their sense of competence ⭐ Help them see success as achievable Each new achievement — no matter how small — is a spark. That spark is The Happiness of New Things. ----------------------------------------- 💥 Hello, I’m Ipsita Choudhury, School Leader 💥 I write about School Leadership, Learners & My Journeys 💥 I post every Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 9 a.m. IST 💥 Connect and press 🔔 to stay updated