Each August a new group of students enter the classroom as second graders, for the very first time. As I welcome the new group of students into a classroom, my goal is for each of them to grow as students and as humans. As I look at them, the following questions circulate my brain, “How am I going to foster positive relationships with these new faces? How can I hold these students to high expectations, yet show them that I care about them deeply? How can I make them feel welcome?”
One way that I have been able to form strong and trusting relationships with students during my years as teacher is by doing one simple act: taking the time to write them positive notes. These notes are commonly known as a ‘Bobcat Brag’. During the first few months of school I am intentional about identifying positive behaviors and student growth for each student in our classroom. Then, I take the time to write students a short, meaningful note about what I observed, and how proud of them I am.
Over the past few years, students have truly enjoyed receiving these notes, as have their adults at home. After I sent a positive note home earlier this year, a student came back to me the next day and said, “Mrs. Ehlen, my mom hung that note up on our refrigerator. I hope I keep getting those. She is so proud.” In that moment, I remembered just how powerful positivity can be. Each day I strive to find the good and prioritize making the time to send the positive notes. As I continue to foster relationships with my students and their families, I remind myself that you never know how much kind words can mean to someone else.