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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Why don't I do this more often? #SOL21


 

Join Two Writing Teachers and other teacher-writers as we share a slice of life every single day in the month of March. 

Do you ever do something and then ask yourself, "Why don't I do this more often?"

Like walking, eating better, cleaning, reading, writing, taking time for me, 

or writing positive notes to parents?

Each grading period, we are asked to write positive notes to parents. Today, we had early dismissal for parent conferences. Since I teach middle school, we typically don't have many conferences, but we still stay until 6:00. I took this time to write out my cards.

Looking through my list of students, I chose one who has had a complete turnaround since moving to a different period without his friends. He has worked hard and his effort has been amazing. Another student is a ray of sunshine in my day. She always has a smile and brightens up any room she walks into. The third one was a girl in my co-taught class. She has also worked hard and tries her best on everything, even when it is difficult for her.

After writing out the addresses, I thought about how good that felt to find those positive characteristics in my students. Some days, the students who act up or don't turn in work seem to make their way into my thoughts. But not today. Today those positive thoughts persevered. 

And I found myself asking, "Why don't I do this more often?"

3 comments:

  1. I love how you handwrote the notes. There is something so tangible about a card you can tack onto the fridge. I have written notes to students, but I love how you are writing to their families. Thank you for this idea. "Today those positive thoughts persevered." Wahoo!

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  2. This is a great idea, Leigh Anne! I want to remember this for when I have conferences next week.

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  3. Yes, this is something we need to do more often with all those in our lives. Imagine the ripple effect when the parent reads the note, says something to their child about the message, and the child returns to school and sees the teacher in a new light. Awesome!

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