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Writer's pictureSimone Cieraad

The Power of a High-Five

Updated: Oct 20, 2023

Within kinesthic learning is the high-five key.

High-fives should be given out more often. Only with this simple gesture can you help a child overcome negative feelings about themselves or the situation.


When you give a child a high-five, he or she has to look up. Therein lies the power of the action. It's about looking up. Looking up gives a positive feeling. We unconsciously associate getting up with:


Space and light: When you look up, you experience more space and light around you. This can create a feeling of freedom and openness, contributing to a positive state of mind.

Associations with grandeur: In nature and architecture, many large and impressive objects reach upwards, such as tall trees, mountains, skyscrapers, towers and church steeples. Looking up at these objects can evoke a sense of admiration and awe and positive emotions.

Connectedness with the cosmos: When we look up, we see the sky and the starry sky. This can create a sense of connection with the cosmos and remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.


Looking up can relax the muscles in the neck and shoulders and improve blood flow to the brain, making us feel better.

Badminton is an excellent exercise to stimulate positive feelings. In addition to exercising, the child looks up a lot while playing. A high-five is a more straightforward solution because you can't carry your badminton racket all day. Every child knows it and knows how to do it. And if not, it's easy to learn.


In addition to looking up, giving a high-five is often seen as a positive social interaction because it can have several positive effects, including:


1. It strengthens social bonds: When we give someone a high five, we show recognition, respect or appreciation. This can strengthen the bonds between people and improve the relationship between them.

2. It increases positive emotions: Giving a high-five can generate positive emotions such as joy, enthusiasm and self-confidence. The gesture is often associated with achievement, success and victory.

3. It improves motivation: Giving a high-five can also help increase motivation because it can be a show of encouragement and support. It can encourage people to continue their efforts and improve performance.

4. It creates a positive atmosphere: High-fives can be given in different contexts, such as sports, work or social gatherings. The gesture can create a positive atmosphere and improve group dynamics.


I often give a High-Five when a child is tagged during a game or exercise.

Not only because I don't think 'head down' is a desirable posture but also to celebrate that the kid did his best before tagged.

Being 'tagged' can never be the focus of an exercise. Do your best, play together, be sporty, take your loss, etc.; if you have done that, it is worth celebrating.


Conclusion: there is no such thing as too many High-Fives.





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