Teaching More Than History
My 8th Graders end their Middle School career with a Promotion Assembly and a Party, which typically occurs the second-to-last day of school. The actual last day is usually a day to relax and enjoy one another's company. I like to provide my students one more opportunity to capitalize on their feelings of good will and nostalgia by writing a short thank you note. I start class asking them about the events of the day before, and point out that the day was all about them, and they deserve to celebrate. I then point out that today, before they leave school for the last time, they might want to take a moment to thank a staff member (coach, secretary, bus driver, teacher) for something before they leave. Gratitude is affirmative for the giver, as well as the receiver. Students are always receptive and some even ask for more than note. It's a really good full-circle moment for them, and a chance to think outside of themselves and share appreciation with others. I never assume I wi