Take what you need...leave what you can

I put a new Bulletin Board is up outside of my classroom.  I think it is the perfect spot for the class when they are leaving my classroom, and can just grab one of the post-it notes that they might need.

​The post-it notes say anything from, “a hug” to “courage” to “coffee.”  Whatever a person might be needing on a particular day.
 

​Along with this bulletin board effort I have placed Blessing Boxes around the Art department in different locations the last two years.  The first year it was outside my classroom and I don’t think it was well used.  Last year I placed one by the main entry doors and filled it with portable ready to eat or easily microwaved food. I like this for two reasons, one the students know it is there, many of our art students are working in the building long hours, and they know this box is an option for them.  The second reason I like this is there is a way, a place for them to give back as well. I have found in my experience, when you give students an opportunity to “pay it forward” they will.  

​I am providing these Bulletin Boards and Blessing Boxes and I am happy to fill them up and contribute because it adds to the whole experience and can be a help for students in college, but I love that other students are contributing to them as well. This meme stated that, “You can’t teach Blooms until you take care of the Maslow stuff.” In reference to Bloom’s Taxonomy with moving our students to higher order thinking and learning skills, and Maslow Hierarchy of Needs.  Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs states that you can’t learn if you are hungry in class and your basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, etc. are not met.

​Something for us as educators to think about…