As we get ready to prepare for our class novel which has themes of gratitude, perseverance, positivity, and self-identity - I had students write down their definition of GRATITUDE on a sticky note. I was absolutely shocked to see that barely 30% of my students knew the word and what it meant. The 30% who did know, mainly associated it with Thanksgiving time.
We began discussing the word and then throughout the week we practiced gratitude exercises. We read short stories, poems, etc. We listened to/viewed a TedTalk and broke it apart. We wrote what we were grateful for here at PHS and what we were grateful for outside of PHS.
On Wednesday, I had students write a list of TEN things that they like about themselves.
It could be serious. Example: "I have overcome an abusive past."
It could be funny. Example: "My feet never smell."
It just had to be a total of TEN and all POSITIVE.
I was blown away, almost to the point of tears, when I realized my students could not think of anything GOOD about themselves. I had a few students able to write one or two things. I had students asking if it were okay for them to send a text to a friend or two. Throughout the course of the day, this was the norm. I literally drove home in tears. I had to (and I mean HAD to) figure out how to remedy this.
On Thursday, I had a heart-to-heart with my students. We talked about apathy vs. empathy.
I told them that it really bothered me that they could not see in them what I see in them. So in the spirit of my birthday coming up.... I wanted to give THEM a GIFT. I wanted to give them a list of positivity composed by those around them. I gave each student a list of names. This list contained the names of every student on my teaching roster this semester, the names of each teacher in the special education department (except me), the names of each administrator in our building, as well as our school nurse and paraprofessionals.
I challenged students to use the thesaurus and come up with something positive about anyone they know on the list. I challenged them to think hard and go beyond "cool" and "nice." I encouraged them to try their best to write something positive about each person in the classroom. I explained to them that I was the only person who would see the list.
I also emailed my dept. and asked them to write about any student we share. Their responses were amazing, and appreciated by all.
One student asked, "Mrs. Geib... why isn't your name on here?"
I explained that this is NOT about me.
This is my birthday gift to THEM.
I told them again that on Monday, when I turn 38, I want to give THEM a present.
On Friday, I returned the lists to students and they added in any additional words they would like before turning in their final copy. The kids were beginning to get excited for Monday and it really ended the week on a positive note. Listening to students chat in their peer conferences was THE BEST.
Over the weekend, I began composing their lists. The more I wrote, the more grateful I felt. I work for an amazing district. Our Superintendent often encourages us to use the statement, "I get to work here" and sometimes even uses it as a hashtag.
These kids poured their souls into this assignment.
Students wrote things such as:
"Contagious spirit."
"You make me feel like I am capable of great things."
"I love how well you listen to me."
"I can never be in a bad mood with you around."
"Being around you brings me joy."
"You always know just what to say."
"You can make me laugh."
"I am so glad to know you."
I woke up this morning super excited about coming to work. When my first class came in they were fired up! They were wishing me a happy birthday and dying to see their lists. I told them we had to get through our lesson first and then I'd distribute their lists. Each class came in wanting to see their lists. When I finally distributed them, I just stood back and watched them. Some students asked to take a photo of their list in case they lost it. Smiles all around.
After they had time with their lists, I asked them to write to me and tell me how it made them feel. Here are some examples of what was written:
"Dear Mrs. Geib: One thing I likes about the list is what you had said about me. I really like what you wrote. It made me feel really happy. I really liked this exercise. I think it was good to make people happy and brighten peoples days."
Other responses included:
"Dear Mrs. Geib: This made me feel good. Not just what others had to say about me but what I got to say about other people."
"There is more good about myself than I though which is good. Thank you. This will change me forever. I am feeling this in a grateful way."
"Mrs. Geib I want to thank you for what you do for me. May love and peace be in your heart forever."
"Dear Mrs. Geib: A thing I liked about this was not many people ever say nice things about me and I don't really get many compliments. I need to get over it. People said a lot of nice things about me and it made me glad."
Now... lets get this novel started!
To my students past and present:
You are incredibly important to me. Then, Now, Always. Continue to believe in the power of your dreams. Continue to reach for the stars. Please know that I am and will always be in your corner.
Love,
Mrs. Geib
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