We All Can Be a Superhero
In my classroom, there is a banner that states, “One kind word can change someone’s entire day.” The opposite of that is also true. “One mean word can change someone’s entire day.” With kids, it is very easy to hear kind words being used, but sometimes we also hear the opposite – not so kind words.
At assemblies in the beginning of the year, students shared ideas on how to make our playground a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. One of the expectations we came up with is, “you can’t say, ‘“You can’t play.’” In my classroom, it is the same when students choose their groups. We can’t say, “You can’t stay.” So, if someone wants to work with you, then you have to allow him or her in your group. Not only does this simple act allow for no hurt feelings, it is an early life lesson involving inclusion.
I remember the day I decided to start the Kindness Club. It was toward the end of last school year when, in one of my classes, another student just didn’t think before they spoke and the words from that student truly affected the other involved. We immediately stopped class and gathered in a circle to discuss how we can be kind to one another. At that point, I didn’t care about finishing my plans that I had for the class period. All I wanted was to have a serious discussion with my students about the power of one word. That day, instead of learning Spanish, all the students in my class shared one way we can be nice to one another.
During our discussion it was amazing to hear how much the kids really do understand kind acts. All have been on the receiving end of kind acts and have also seen the value in reaching out to others. Beyond that, the students have reported seeing how others treat their friends when a kind word or act brought comfort or a smile. Encouraging my students to look for the positive and to spread kindness are important objectives for me as an educator.
I remember the day I decided to start the Kindness Club. It was toward the end of last school year when, in one of my classes, another student just didn’t think before they spoke and the words from that student truly affected the other involved. We immediately stopped class and gathered in a circle to discuss how we can be kind to one another. At that point, I didn’t care about finishing my plans that I had for the class period. All I wanted was to have a serious discussion with my students about the power of one word. That day, instead of learning Spanish, all the students in my class shared one way we can be nice to one another.
During our discussion it was amazing to hear how much the kids really do understand kind acts. All have been on the receiving end of kind acts and have also seen the value in reaching out to others. Beyond that, the students have reported seeing how others treat their friends when a kind word or act brought comfort or a smile. Encouraging my students to look for the positive and to spread kindness are important objectives for me as an educator.
In our daily conversations with our kids, let’s be sure to model positive behavior. Kids are great observers and learn a lot by watching and listening. Remember, that we are all superheroes with the power of words as our shield. Let us be sure to use them in a positive, uplifting, encouraging way to support our friends and spread words of kindness.
After all, kindness is always in fashion.
Señora Rojas has been teaching Spanish since 2013 to students in Middle School and currently in Lower School. Before teaching Spanish, Señora Rojas was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua from 2011-2013. While in Nicaragua, she taught English to high schoolers, started a reading group at the local library and led a variety of workshops. In 2011, Señora Rojas graduated from Christopher Newport University with her Master's of Arts in Teaching, and in 2010 graduated with her Bachelor's in Spanish and Minor in French from the same university. While studying at Christopher Newport University, Señora Rojas did three study abroad programs. She traveled to Costa Rica, Spain and Switzerland. While doing student teaching she taught Spanish to lower school students at Balboa Academy in Panama. Señora Rojas is married to a Nicaraguan, whom she met while in the Peace Corps. Her passions are teaching, traveling, learning new languages and doing community service.
After all, kindness is always in fashion.
Señora Rojas has been teaching Spanish since 2013 to students in Middle School and currently in Lower School. Before teaching Spanish, Señora Rojas was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua from 2011-2013. While in Nicaragua, she taught English to high schoolers, started a reading group at the local library and led a variety of workshops. In 2011, Señora Rojas graduated from Christopher Newport University with her Master's of Arts in Teaching, and in 2010 graduated with her Bachelor's in Spanish and Minor in French from the same university. While studying at Christopher Newport University, Señora Rojas did three study abroad programs. She traveled to Costa Rica, Spain and Switzerland. While doing student teaching she taught Spanish to lower school students at Balboa Academy in Panama. Señora Rojas is married to a Nicaraguan, whom she met while in the Peace Corps. Her passions are teaching, traveling, learning new languages and doing community service.
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