That is the response one student gave when I asked how it felt when they saw or heard a student in our class using putdowns rather than lifting each other with statements of appreciations. We discussed how putdowns break down our confidence far faster than appreciations build us and that we need to be always helping to build each other up to make the best community possible. I have an amazing group of students that are really becoming invested in the success of our little community. We shared our fears this Friday while a little puppy walked around the room trying to help one small boy with his fears. It was a huge success and so was our circle. So many fears shared from one to the next, big dogs, bullies, being alone, the dark. All things we have in common. Working to support and build each other is only one piece in the puzzle of building relationships. After our circle ended we decided we needed to show each other what we see that is good in them. Appreciations are so much harder to recognize and voice. I am not sure why that is but it is something developed in adults because these kids with there 11x17 capes taped to their backs were forming human chains of appreciations some 6 kids long writing wonderful things on each others papers. One boy who never shares and is often alone was moving towards his desk and I was worried that he would not be included. As that thought entered my mind another student shouted asking where he was and immediately ran over and started to write you are awesome on his back. In that moment I saw joy, like a light actually flipped on he grabbed his marker and joined in. By the end all the students had lists or things that others thought about them. Being cool, kind, awesome, having great hair or glasses. In that moment the bullying and putdowns were gone all that remained in that circle was positive energy and friendships. I hope to continue with this little experiment and move it beyond my classroom in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned.
Have a great week!
-Mr.G
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