ROO WAAG for Week #30 !
March 10-14, 2025
Objective: Participants will learn to give a professional handshake and practice greeting each other.
Group Size: Any
Time: 3-5 minutes
Directions:
- Take a few minutes to teach your class the art of a professional handshake. Say, "A handshake is more than a simple gesture; it's a powerful tool! Here are some pointers for a great handshake:"
- "Always shake with your right hand."
- "Give two to three shakes."
- "Then let go!"
- "Lean in slightly."
- "Make eye contact."
- "Smile!"
- "Have a firm grip."
- Etc.
before the timer ends. You'll have two minutes. Be sure to say 'hi,' use their name, and give a good
handshake. Ready? Go!"
Processing Questions:
- "Who was someone who did a great job greeting you? Tell me more!"
- "Did that take any of you outside of your comfort zone? Why?"
- "Remember, leadership is not about you. It's about what you can do for others. When you're in a conversation with someone, how can you ensure they are comfortable?"
- Say, "Pretend you're always interviewing. A good handshake is a great way to impress someone!"
What's the Buzz
Launch: Summarize the main points and takeaways from the day's lesson, clarify any commitments to action steps (homework), and share a meaningful, positive, powerful message.
Directions:
- Display the following quote by an unknown author: "Words are like bees; some create honey, and others leave a sting."
- Have students reflect on the meaning of this quote.
- Make the comparison that honey is pleasant, but a sting is painful.
- Ask students to describe things they can say to others that are affirming, motivating, and encouraging.
- Omitting the details, ask students to explain how it made them feel when someone's words stung.
- What does it tell you about someone who uses words that sting (hurt)?
- How can you make sure your words are motivating and affirming to others?
Courage bolsters our well-being.
- Adolescents higher in courage report greater satisfaction with their lives. And later in life, greater courage is related to a greater sense of purpose and life satisfaction.
Courage helps us to navigate social and emotional challenges.
- Greater courage in adolescents and adults is related to more active use of coping strategies (e.g., seeking social support and engaging in positive problem solving). In other words, the practice of courage helps us to adapt in difficult situations (rather than avoid them)—and to work toward reaching our personal and professional goals.
Courage prepares us to take academic risks.
- Rather than avoid an assignment, students who engage in “academic courage” learn to persevere through a difficult learning task despite their fear, leading to more positive academic outcomes.
Courage emboldens us to stand up for our beliefs.
- Courage is related to a willingness to speak up at work. When we have the courage to question the status quo (e.g., norms and policies), we potentially effect change in our institutions.
Courage undergirds authentic leadership and collegial trust.
- Theorists link courage with authentic leadership and trust-building between leaders and employees. In other words, school leaders who courageously demonstrate openness and vulnerability with their staff help foster a trusting school culture.
