Gratitude in the Classroom: October

 

October: Week Four Challenge

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. 

-E.E. Cummings

The focus for October is growing personal strengths. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to empower our students by recognizing and affirming their individual strengths and gifts.  By focusing on a child's positive attributes, we can help them increase their self-esteem in authentic and powerful ways.  We can even help our students recognize certain qualities in themselves that others have never affirmed. In addition, find an opportunity to reflect on your own strengths and talents - it's healthy to be grateful for your own gifts, too!

Some things to think about as we enter the final week of October:

• What are some of your personal strengths? These might be strengths in various roles you play - as a friend, partner, parent, child or sibling.  What strengths are evident in how you approach projects, groups, new experiences, or big tasks? (reflection on p. 20)
• Numerous studies have shown that students from marginalized populations often don't rise to their true potential due to institutional or educator biases that focus on their deficits instead of their strengths.  How can you initiate or continue to encourage underrepresented groups to engage in school?  (reflection on p. 24)
• Can you recall someone in your life who has recognized some of your personal strengths and shared them with you? Consider writing about what it felt like to be affirmed in that manner. (reflection on p. 26)
• In your experience, how does helping students identify their strengths promote their self esteem? Can you reflect on a specific student who really blossomed after you helped them appreciate their strengths? (reflection on p. 26)

Note:
The first 5 certified staff that text me a photo of their journal (doesn't have to be your reflection, but it can be) will get a fabulous prize!