Birthday 2

My first post about birthday was very ambitious. This post is about what we actually do in the classroom. (Side note: We aren't allowed to have unhealthy snacks such as cupcakes at our school.)

Students receive a birthday pencil on their birthday.

During morning meeting, birthday student stands on a stool/chair and we sing to them. Next, they choose three friends to give them genuine compliments.

Lastly, each scholar receives a handmade card that is signed by all of the scholars.

Sweet & simple.

Naming the Rows

I have named my rows after various schools at Rutgers.

• School of Engineering - "Engineers"
• School of Pharmacy - "Pharmacists"
• School of Communication - "Journalists"
• School of Environmental & Biological Sciences - "Scientists"
• School of Government & Politics - "Politicians" 

It is inspirational for the students because they get called throughout the day by these positive terms, instead of simply by their row number.

See the Good-8.29.13

Little things can make such a difference. A few caring words, some hugs, etc. can make the world of a difference. I appreciate what people do for me.

See the Good-8.28.13

Helping others is one of the greatest feelings ever. I know I recently posted about this but here's a super quick disclaimer: I have yet to go back to any of my posts and read them.

The reason I write these is so that when I am having an extremely difficult time in life, I can come back and remember why I love what I have chosen to do. Thankfully, it has not reached that point yet, so a lot of these may be repetitive.

Back to what I was saying - if we're trying to "accomplish" a ton of things during the day, anything that was done for other people jus reaches the top automatically. It's amazing. 

See the Good-8.27.13

Friends are the greatest. I had dinner with three friends who just made my night. I've been so happy since. It's unbelievable because I should probably be stressed out at this point in my life but I simply could not be happier. Thank you to them :) 

See the Good-8.26.13

Creativity is the key to success. (Context: I've been drinking iced cold coffee for a week because PD without kids can get tiring. I've been wanting to have protein shakes but it doesn't help keep me up. Well, I decided this morning to combine the two and it was absolutely delicious. Now I can just have this shake for breakfast instead of having cereal and then coffee. Yay. :)

See the Good-8.23.13

Hugs are great.

That's all.

Just kidding. Additionally, when people ask me how I'm doing and actually want to know, it makes me feel so loved. I feel that sense of belonging at my school and am so happy.