Celebrating Perspective
This week has reminded me to question perspective. There were some things in my life causing me stress or sadness. I decided to write about them. Seeing things from a different perspective and questioning my perspective turn into lightbulb moments for me. I'm choosing to believe that everyone has a story and is doing the best they can. I'm reminding myself that I, too, am doing the best that I can.
With my students, we created mission statements to focus our perspective during class. I can't tell you how amazing it is to hear the words that they wrote being read aloud, every single day. Here's one class sharing their mission statement:
With my students, we created mission statements to focus our perspective during class. I can't tell you how amazing it is to hear the words that they wrote being read aloud, every single day. Here's one class sharing their mission statement:
We begin our time together reminding ourselves of our goals and our potential.
Yesterday started out as a dreary Friday. In my communications class, the first class of the day, there were yawns and sighs and not much energy. We decided to change our perspective. In the morning news, we heard that it was Random Acts of Kindness day. We brainstormed ways we've shown kindness or been shown kindness and we decided to share kindness in our school.
Yesterday started out as a dreary Friday. In my communications class, the first class of the day, there were yawns and sighs and not much energy. We decided to change our perspective. In the morning news, we heard that it was Random Acts of Kindness day. We brainstormed ways we've shown kindness or been shown kindness and we decided to share kindness in our school.
The students grabbed sticky notes and wrote compliments and positive thoughts on them.
We got up and snuck down to the seventh and eighth-grade houses and began to spread kindness.
It worked! When we returned to the classroom, there was a pep in our step. Students decided to spread kindness to the sixth-graders too! Even the most cynical student announced, "That was fun."
Watching the students find the sticky notes brightened the day and changed our perspective.
Watching the students find the sticky notes brightened the day and changed our perspective.
Teachers and students were finding sticky notes all day. Some created their own and added to the fun! I am a huge fan of Parks & Rec, so a teacher friend put these sticky notes on my classroom door.
What a day of sharing kindness! Certainly, something to celebrate.
Thank you to Ruth Ayres for providing this space to share our celebrations. Please join us and share your own!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea of spreading kindness in school. Another favorite point is you shifted your lesson plans to what your students needed - powerful teaching. Perspective was my OLW in the past and I have to say it stuck with me long past that year. Happy Saturday!!
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Instagram and fell in love with this idea. What a wonderful way to change everyone's perspective! ❤
ReplyDeleteA little bit of kindness goes such a long, long way. Keep spreading those things that matter!
ReplyDeleteHurray for Kindness, Michelle. Your idea to spread notes around school is a wonderful activity to spark a dreary day. I absolutely love your class' mission statement. How wonderful that you took an idea and allowed your students to be empowered by their actions.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to a podcast a few days ago that suggesting writing nice notes to colleagues to help create a positive environment. If it works for kids, it should also work for adults.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to change a day from gloomy to bright!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! Love the effect school-wide. There is a proverb I love: "Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (Prov 16:24 NLT) Your school is dripping with honey.
ReplyDeleteHow inspired! To notice the mood and to know how to turn it around. Bravo for your spirit and ability to channel your kiddos toward their best selves. Hugs to you Michelle!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun idea! I think this would be such a great project in any school!
ReplyDeleteSo enjoyed your post on the joy of sharing kindness. Your students' electricity and joy from acts of kindness was uplifting. I'm not sure what "meat tornado" means, but it reminded me of our staff lunch on taco Friday, which had me at taco beef, beans, cheese, and a tortilla!
ReplyDeleteSpreading kindness like glitter makes your kids and their school SHINE!
ReplyDeleteYou just know how to turn things around, bring out the positive. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteI love that you jump on a dark mood and move to make change, Michelle. It brings a smile to me all across the way. Love this day, and just think of those random acts that carried into the weekend. Nice to imagine!
ReplyDeleteYes! Sometimes all it takes is a change of perspective, and to get that change you sometimes need to physically shake things up and do something new, like spread kindness throughout your community! What a great idea, I'm sure the kids had a real blast. It's wonderful to encourage the idea that doing good can actually be a lot of fun, and can really make you feel good inside, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to get middle school kids to focus on others. They are so lucky to have you there! I think I need to initiate a project like this with our middle schoolers.
ReplyDelete"It worked! When we returned to the classroom, there was a pep in our step." Love these words! All because of making a choice to share kindness. Kudos to you and your students!
ReplyDeleteYou spread kindness in such a joyous way, Michelle, bravo!
ReplyDelete