#200

As an educator, as a parent, and as a citizen of the world, I believe that education, in the true sense of the word, does not focus solely on academics, but rather embraces and celebrates the whole.

With this in mind, I prioritize practices which celebrate those within our learning communities.

Within the classroom setting, I very much like celebration jars. Class members write on a piece of paper not just their achievements and accomplishments, but also reference the lifelong skills and qualities such as resilience, mindset, kindness and compassion which they have demonstrated. Each celebration is then placed in the celebration jar. Be it at the end of the term or the school year, the celebration jar is opened and all members of the community read the ‘celebration slips’. I love this as it allows everyone within the classroom community to celebrate their individual successes and those of their learning community with regard to extracurricular activities, academics, social-emotional learning and more.

With colleagues, I like to write notes or send cards. I refrain from simply saying thank you. Rather I share my appreciation for what they have done. I explicitly acknowledge the impact of their action(s) on our community at large and highlight how their actions have meaningfully impacted upon my practice and/or how I will take what I have learned from them moving forwards.

Celebration is not just for students and colleagues. Many educators (myself included), keep notes, cards, emails written by students, families and colleagues. Aside from the ego boost these can provide at the time when given, these informal, yet meaningful celebrations of our practice are - especially when facing difficulties or feeling less confident - wonderful reminders of what we can do and how we can best serve and support those within our communities.

How do you celebrate those with whom you work?