A person always has the ability to change someone’s day for the better. Simple actions — saying hi, smiling at a person, picking up something that was dropped — this is the foundation for interacting and connecting.
Eighth graders gathered in the Middle School Forum Thursday ready to engage in meaningful discussions on how they, as leaders, can be those people who interact, connect, and leave a positive impact on those around them.
To begin, students were asked to think of an adult in their lives, someone whom they consider to be a role model. What is it like to spend time with that person? How do they feel in their presence?
Students and teachers shared their thoughts openly and before long the forum whiteboard was overflowing with feelings — including words like “supported,” “encouraged,” “valued,” “challenged,” “happy,” “safe,” and “important.” The other half of the board was designated to action — how can we turn these feelings into action? What actions can we, as a class, take to make people feel this way? Students were quick to shout out suggestions.
“Make people feel welcome when they’re around you. Ask how their day is — little things will make people feel valued,” said Mark (grade 8).
“As an eighth-grader, you have the opportunity to positively influence the Middle School community. Other people will feel a certain way in your presence,” said MS counselor Jacqueline Woods.
Choosing from the list on the board, students wrote down two ways they hope to make people feel in their presence. These words were turned into a “word cloud,” and Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Dean Kathleen Nicholson explained as she pointed to the word cloud, “We have the responsibility, power, and privilege of making this happen.”
The groups divided into groups for two activities. The first activity was called “helium hoop,” and students were instructed to place their hands lightly under a hula hoop while collectively move the hoop down to the ground. It sounds like an easy task, but it’s one that cannot be achieved unless the group works as a team. The second activity, called “magic carpet,” asked the group to stand on top of a tarp, then figure out a way to flip it over — without anyone’s feet leaving the tarp — so that every member of the group is now standing on the reverse side of the tarp.
Helium Hoop Activity
After each activity, the grade debriefed and discussed what team members did to positively contribute to the success of the group. At this moment, the morning came full circle. Students realized that if they encouraged each other, valued everyone’s individual roles and supported each other's actions and ideas, the task at hand was easier to accomplish.
Providing the students some with perspective on their activities, Woods reminded the students, “Putting our best forward on a daily basis creates a much larger impact toward meeting our collective goals.”
To view the album (MS Fall Trips/Activities), please click here.