The idea of appreciation is an interesting one. Appreciation can be defined as "the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something." We have many "appreciation" or "recognition" days throughout the year for different professions, jobs, etc... around the world including ones for the health fields, administrative professions, and the list goes on.
What struck me as odd is that in all of the appreciation days that we celebrate throughout the year there is really nothing designated to celebrating those that we as educators serve on a daily basis, our students. Sure districts, buildings, teachers, and so on can choose to recognize and appreciate those students on a regular basis but how consistent is that really in our schools today. Are we recognizing and appreciating our students like we should for all of the wonderful things they do on a daily basis? This whole idea of appreciation allowed me time to reflect on my own practices of student appreciation and I have come to the conclusion that is an area I see that I need to grow in.
With that being said I have decided to make it a personal goal of mine to personally recognize 1-2 students every day for something positive they have done to influence me. Wait...students can influence us as educators? The answer is most definitely yes. I've always known that my students have an impact on my life but never really have taken the time up until now to make it a priority to recognize it. Below I have taken the time to recognize a few students that have really impacted my life in a positive way over the past several weeks.
1. An 8th-grade boy in my US History class is typically a struggling learner and this year has been no different. We have been working on a Leadership project by looking at US Presidents and defining their leadership ability and students have had the choice to create a website to demonstrate their learning or they could create a 3D memorial using the 123D Design iPad app. This particular student decided to make a 3D memorial and while I was hesitant at first I have been amazed at his ability to really make the project his own. He has done so well that he has actually been asked by other classmates to help them with their 3D project. It is truly remarkable to see the light shine so bright on this student and it has been a humbling experience.
2. This week with my Guided Study group (GS is another term for our MTSS/RtI time) decided that we were going to do something special for our Spirit Assembly, a Teacher Appreciation awards ceremony. The students spearheaded the idea and made certificates as well as handed out 100 grand candy bars with a note that read "you work so hard every day, you deserve 100K." Probably the most humbling aspect of the experience was the fact that we sent out a survey at the beginning of the week through Google Forms asking students to nominate a teacher that had positively impacted their lives while here at EV and explain why. We were able to get 135 responses in this survey and some of the answers were truly amazing. During the ceremony, as teachers were called to the stage, my Guided Study group read some of the responses that students had posted about each teacher. I don't know about other teachers but it got me jacked up and reenergized to finish out the year strong.
These are just two examples of many ways that my students influence me on a daily basis. I challenge everyone who reads this blog to take time out of your next school day to reflect on how the students you are inspiring are also positively impacting you. I also challenge you to let those students know how they have impacted you and how much they matter to you. I think it will be a truly amazing experience.
I hope everyone has a great week and as the late, great Rita Pierson stated..."every child deserves a champion."
Until next time...be a light!
Derek
No comments:
Post a Comment