We love to celebrate students in the classroom. And we do that through many avenues. But how can we celebrate in these virtual settings many teachers find themselves in? How can we share a reward or best give a shout out?
Badges
While we may not be able to have students earn tickets, we could create "badges" that students earn as recognition of hard work, doing something kind, etc. As students earn badges they can sue them to redeem something they may not have the opportunity otherwise: time with fellow classmates. You could have a special breakout room where a student and their friend can just spend several minutes catching up, a time for them to see and talk with each other. Or it could be a group of students who get to spend some time sharing what is going on their lives.
Badges can earn other things too- like extra points on an assignment, or a free homework pass. You could even let them redeem them for an item they can pick up at the school, or mailed home.
Postcards
I think snail mail needs to make a comeback. Sending a postcard with a shout out or a thank you note highlighting what a student did can have a major impact on them. Most students are not sued to receiving mail, making it all the more special. This would also assist in building that relationship with your students.
Newsletter
Another idea for celebration is to make a monthly newsletter. You can collect shout outs students want to share about other classmates, have a student of the month feature, really just a whole newsletter dedicated to celebrating the good happening with your class.
Balloons
This one is little more out of the box, but what if you knew a student deserved a little more of a special surprise? You can get a cute balloon filled at the Dollar Tree (and even find ribbon too). Tie that balloon (with a note or card) to the mailbox or the doorknob of a student's home as a sweet surprise. What a smile that would bring!
I would love to hear other ways you are making celebrations happen in your virtual classroom! Feel free to share here or on social media, but be sure to tag me on Instagram/Facebook-I am at Impossible Dreamers Teach.
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