May You Find Joy this Holiday Season (and Always)
This first quote brings connection to gratitude from the November PBIS Tip-of-the-Month:
"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful." ~Anonymous (savingjoyfully.com)
Check out the following joy-related videos:
Joy vs. Happiness: Understanding the Difference
(2 minutes 20 seconds)
How Playful Approaches Can Bring More Joy to Teaching
(3 minutes 15 seconds) - all levels represented
How the [2023] National Teacher of the Year Brings Joy to Her Classroom
(3 minutes 12 seconds) - perspective of a high school math teacher
Wishing you a joy-filled December (& rest of the school year)! ~Melissa
Melissa K. Wurth
PLAEA School Psychologist | SEBH Consultant | PBIS Coordinator & Trainer
Building & Supporting a Positive School Culture
PBIS Apps Teach by Design ~
The November PBIS Apps Teach by Design article, Are Schoolwide Tickets the Secret to Better Classrooms? Here's the Truth, connects to gaining insight on feedback and acknowledgement systems which includes high school level perspective. The insights captured in this article are applicable to all levels. Four main ideas described include: 1) Get the Adults on Board, 2) Spread the Praise Around, 3) Carry Pocket Reminders, and 4) Add Some Peer-to-Peer Praise. As you reflect on the information in this article, connect to what you currently know about the types of acknowledgement students in your school find meaningful. Is there more to uncover?
Edutopia ~
The following are a few additional resources related to the importance of effective feedback to create strong, safe learning environments.
Article: How to Improve Classroom Behavior Without Public Shaming
Article: How to Set Up Collaborative Learning to Boost Intrinsic Motivation
Video (4 minutes 2 seconds): Building Communication Skills with Peer Critique
Quote ~
"What you focus on, you get more of. So when you focus on the positive, more of that flows into your life." ~Niki Spears
"On the Road" & Action for Happiness
May you find joy each day in what matters most. May you experience joy in what you know is possible, even if it is still a work in progress.
"On the Road" Video (5 minutes 48 seconds):
"Kindness 101" explores self-confidence
In this video joy is experienced by one young man in what may seem an unlikely place to others.
Action for Happiness Calendar:
Do Good December (December Kindness 2024)
Quote:
"True joy results when we become aware of our connectedness to everything."
~Paul Pearsall