Deanna Lewis has a great idea to share. It was her first year teaching full time, and she wanted to do something different and impactful for her students.
Each of her students wrote a personal goal at the beginning of every month for each of their classes. She found they were really attentive and driven, because it was a goal they set out for, rather than the instructor telling them to get better.
At the end of the year she tied all their goals together and wrote notes back to them telling them: “Great job working towards your goals. I’m so proud of you. Good luck at competition!” The students were all so appreciative and let her know that they wanted to continue with this for the next year!
The cards are note cards cut in half and then hole punched. She bought a pack of 200 at the dollar store, so supplies were pretty cheap! She also bought the ribbon to tie them together at the dollar store.
Her encouragement: Just remember that for every bad parent and/or whiny and uncommitted student, you have so many that love what you do!
