How do you inspire your team?
What do you purposefully do to create a sense of enthusiasm, investment, and collaboration?
As I think of my young team of students, I currently do the following to foster a sense of team.
1. Regular and readily available news and updates. Students can quickly access class news to see what we've done, what we are currently doing, and what's ahead.
2. Mix -it-Up. Everyday is not the same, special events and promotions are woven into the schedule to create a sense of enthusiasm and excitement for learning.
3. Asking questions. I often ask students, what do you need, what do you want, and what do you desire? I let their needs, in part, lead our days.
4. Showing personal interest. Looking into their eyes, I notice what matters to them, or even what might be bothering them. We then talk about it, and make change if needed.
5. Straight talk. Sometimes students have to do things they don't want to do. When this happens I share the rationale, struggle, and questions related to the task. This share sometimes results in investment, and sometimes results in a better idea which replaces the drudgery with a process, strategy, tool, or material that does a better job.
6. Something to look forward to. We have a number of nice events to look forward to, and sometimes thinking about those more interesting and engaging events gets children through the more challenging, dry events.
7. Everyone Matters. I plan the lessons for all children, and try to meet everyone's strengths and challenges somewhere in the curriculum as often as possible. If you matter, you are more apt to want to be in school.
8. Relevant, responsive, meaningful curriculum. Inspiration also profits from crafting curriculum that is eye opening, challenging, engaging, and meaningful. By embedding the standards into learning experiences that interest children in these ways, you create investment.
What do you do to inspire your team? How do you enlist their enthusiasm, investment, and effort into the daily learning experiences?
Are my efforts perfect? Never, we're always striving to do a little more, and do a little better. I'm sure there are children, like me, who wouldn't mind an extra cozy day at home while hills of beautiful snow surround our homes and community. But in general, the children like to come to school, and bring their joy and enthusiasm each day.
