“Which of the following, measured when a child is 11 years of age, is the best predictor of happiness and overall life satisfaction roughly 20 years later, when that child has become a 31 or 32 year-old adult?
A. IQ B. Grade point average C. Self-control D. Openness to new ideas E. Friendliness
The answer: C. Self-control”*
Last week, our Elementary Learners participated in our version of the famous Marshmallow Experiment to help them think about their ability to defer gratification (exercise self-control).
The first thing our Elementary Learners asked: "If we wait until the end of the day, can we have 3?" Ha!
What followed was a fascinating Socratic discussion around these questions:
When is self-control most powerful?
Sticking with a difficult task?
In relationships?
When is self-control most difficult?
When you feel excited?
When you feel bored?
When you feel angry?
When you feel stuck?
When does a Hero on a Hero's Journey need self-control most?
The call to action?
When mentors cross their path?
The abyss?
Something else you see on our Hero's Journey map?
At Acton Academy, we identify opportunities for delaying gratification throughout the day and celebrate self-control. The result: happier children who are proud to be forging strong character. After all, character determines destiny. Have a great week, Molly Franklin Head of School
