Mini Celebrations to Encourage Student Leaders

No matter how big or small, take a moment to celebrate your student’s accomplishments because a little encouragement can go a long way.

I wonder how many teachers went into the profession because they like the stage? They like the limelight, and the rapt attention of 30 sets of {mostly} eager eyes. 

I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

I'm probably late to the game, but this year I have stepped back a bit and let my students take more of leading role.

They stand up {sometimes on chairs ::gasp!::} to share, inform, and discuss. For one or two minutes that student gets to shine, and others get to view them as an expert. 

Typically, my students respond to their bellringer using the RTQT method. Since this type of constructed responses is new and challenging for my 8th graders, I highlight students who have exemplar responses.

This student is typically shy, but I told him how amazing his response was, how it met and exceeded the criteria, and how it would be extremely helpful for the class to hear it. He agreed to share, and became an instant expert and go to person for how to write RTQT responses.

Read more about my RTQT method here!

We clap. We encourage. We smile. It's almost magical.

I encourage you to make your students leaders. Give them a voice and a stage {or a chair}