We recently read a book in Grade 3 called, What If Everyone Did That? In the book, it gave examples of things like littering and basically doing things you are not suppose to do (feed the animals at the zoo, be mean to someone, etc). Next to the statement it had a picture. It said something like, "I threw just one bottle out the car window. What if everyone did that?" and next to it there was a huge garbage pile. The book ended up being rather negative with things you are not suppose to do. I read it to the students to see what their reaction would be and one student said..."That is a lot of rules!" Another student said, "What if everyday we were nice to someone, just because? What if everyone did that?"
After the student said that comment....it really got me thinking about what is important in teaching for me. So I started to think about my "What if Everyone Did That?" top ten list as I was driving home from work. My top ten are inspired by real events!
10. A teacher said, "I'm glad you are here today _________. We missed you." What if everyone did that?
9. An administrator stood at the front door at recess giving students high fives as they came in the building. What if everyone did that?
8. A teacher went into the hallway when a student didn't show up and said, "I need you in my class. How can we make that work?" What if everyone did that?
7. A teacher called home at the end of the day because a student didn't show up for school and genuinely wondered where they were. What if everyone did that?
6. A teacher who took time to thank student for something little (like taking off their hat or helping them with something around the school). What if everyone did that?
5. A teacher took time to sit with some kids and help them work on unfinished assignments. What if everyone did that?
4. Two colleagues worked together to help students solve a problem using restitution so they could go back to the group strengthened. What if everyone did that?
3. A teacher adapted to a student's needs so that the student could feel SUCCESS, as well as, RELEVANCE in their learning. What if everyone did that?
2. A teacher created an engaging learning experience for students even though it took more time. What if everyone did that?
1. A teacher made a call to a parent to share some positive news about their child. What if everyone did that?
So many teachers in our buildings and around the world are already doing these amazing things that make school so much better for students. It is so phenomenal to see and hear. I know that as teachers the work is never done. There is always something more to do or another thing to learn. It can often be overwhelming. BUT, what if everyday, every teacher did ONE of these things? Just one. What if everyone did that? I KNOW something amazing would happen.
"Treat everyone like it's their birthday."- Kid President
After the student said that comment....it really got me thinking about what is important in teaching for me. So I started to think about my "What if Everyone Did That?" top ten list as I was driving home from work. My top ten are inspired by real events!
10. A teacher said, "I'm glad you are here today _________. We missed you." What if everyone did that?
9. An administrator stood at the front door at recess giving students high fives as they came in the building. What if everyone did that?
8. A teacher went into the hallway when a student didn't show up and said, "I need you in my class. How can we make that work?" What if everyone did that?
7. A teacher called home at the end of the day because a student didn't show up for school and genuinely wondered where they were. What if everyone did that?
6. A teacher who took time to thank student for something little (like taking off their hat or helping them with something around the school). What if everyone did that?
5. A teacher took time to sit with some kids and help them work on unfinished assignments. What if everyone did that?
4. Two colleagues worked together to help students solve a problem using restitution so they could go back to the group strengthened. What if everyone did that?
3. A teacher adapted to a student's needs so that the student could feel SUCCESS, as well as, RELEVANCE in their learning. What if everyone did that?
2. A teacher created an engaging learning experience for students even though it took more time. What if everyone did that?
1. A teacher made a call to a parent to share some positive news about their child. What if everyone did that?
So many teachers in our buildings and around the world are already doing these amazing things that make school so much better for students. It is so phenomenal to see and hear. I know that as teachers the work is never done. There is always something more to do or another thing to learn. It can often be overwhelming. BUT, what if everyday, every teacher did ONE of these things? Just one. What if everyone did that? I KNOW something amazing would happen.
"Treat everyone like it's their birthday."- Kid President