The second day's harder than the first for an elementary teacher. On the first day, he wakes up with energy and vigor, but on the second day, he's tired before he even gets started.
Everybody showed up on time, Friday, for our day-long lesson about first impressions, friend-making, and respectful behavior. We got into some of our school expectations, but for the most part our focus was on personal relationships, with an emphasis on making other people feel like they are important. One of our conversations concerned the award-winning short film, Validation (with one word muted).
Everybody showed up on time, Friday, for our day-long lesson about first impressions, friend-making, and respectful behavior. We got into some of our school expectations, but for the most part our focus was on personal relationships, with an emphasis on making other people feel like they are important. One of our conversations concerned the award-winning short film, Validation (with one word muted).
This film follows a man who loves to build people up. We see the affect that his behavior has on the people around him. We also observe as he is affected by another person and "broken" down himself before finally being restored.
How do we do that? How do we build people up? And in doing so, do we also build up ourselves?
Do people like this man find more people who want to be his friends? Why is that? I suppose it's because he is genuinely interested in the other people. They feel validated by his approach.
Can we replicate this type of behavior in fourth graders? I've seen many cases in recent years that indicate that it's very possible. Those students who can look people in the eyes, offer firm handshakes, and conduct a mature conversation (sans silliness), amaze the people around them. And when they take those skills (and others, of course) out the school doors and into the community, they might just find their lives made a tad easier.
Let's strive to validate one another, this year. Make people believe that you care about them. And see if people want to be friendlier to you in return.
Do people like this man find more people who want to be his friends? Why is that? I suppose it's because he is genuinely interested in the other people. They feel validated by his approach.
Can we replicate this type of behavior in fourth graders? I've seen many cases in recent years that indicate that it's very possible. Those students who can look people in the eyes, offer firm handshakes, and conduct a mature conversation (sans silliness), amaze the people around them. And when they take those skills (and others, of course) out the school doors and into the community, they might just find their lives made a tad easier.
Let's strive to validate one another, this year. Make people believe that you care about them. And see if people want to be friendlier to you in return.
That said, I'm happy to report that every family of every girl in our class has downloaded
and signed up for ClassDojo. We only need six more of the boys' families to sign up.
and signed up for ClassDojo. We only need six more of the boys' families to sign up.
