Spotlight on HOM

Oshin Pancholi

Year 2 Teacher

In Year 2, we have found that the Spotlight Habit of Mind: Managing Impulsivity has been something that we can all focus on to be able to improve our experiences at school! We’ve learned that poorly managed impulsivity can affect the whole class, not just one student. We also know that when we are all successful, the whole class has a fabulous and engaging day!

I asked Year 2 students about instances when they have noticed that they struggled to manage their impulsivity. They had some great examples to share:

When I had to work with someone that challenges me.
When I was allowed to work in a space that my teacher couldn’t always see and I had to manage my impulsivity so that I didn’t get distracted by my partner.
In Peter Pan I wanted to do my own moves, but I did the ones that we learned.
When I realllllllllllllllyyyyy wanted to touch a chicken in garden class but waited because I knew we weren’t allowed.

But why is it so hard to manage impulsivity? I talked to some of the students in Year 2 and here’s what they had to say:

I find it really hard to wait for my turn, I’m worried someone will take my idea.
One side of my brain really wants to just share my idea but the other side is telling me to wait for my turn. The loud side of my brain sometimes wins and that’s when I haven’t managed my impulsivity.
Sometimes I push and shove because I really want to get a certain book or game. I know that I should wait but it’s hard.
I’m so excited to share that I forget to wait for my turn!

Wait until you hear the managing impulsivity tips that they have for you!

One of our tricks to be able to successfully manage impulsivity is by using whole body listening when we’re in the classroom. This stops us from getting distracted and being a disturbance.
Wait and take a breath before you act.
Think about the people around you before you say or do something.

Year 2 have had a really great term focusing on this Habit of Mind. We look forward to the next one!