Honoring Timothy's Existence: Encourage students with words that create self-efficacy

There is a part of me that says leave this precious valued third grader nameless, but my instinct says to give honor to his existence and give him a name.

Because when I name him you, the reader, are assured he is real. His name is Timothy. And Timothy, despite how he felt crossing that stage, is still a child of significance and purpose.

But we all sadly and conveniently forgot that.  We forgot that our priority, as a community and as a family of humankind, is to instill in every child significance and purpose.

Timothy is not alone. There are millions of children that feel the same way---broken, hurt, and insignificant.

It is so very important that we feel and acknowledge Timothy's pain. It is only when we acknowledge his hurt and pain can we begin to heal such a worthy and precious child.

Most times "healing" simply requires an encouraging word to a child. An encouraging word is a dream maker; it builds and sustains life.

An encouraging word is the unconquerable and undeniable love that allows us all to stand in the face of life's adversities.

The next time you are in the presence of children, in the presence of our most divine gifts, encourage them with words that create self-efficacy ---words that mend tiny souls and, ultimately, build great nations and compassionate people.