11. Celebrating one another
We start by celebrating the beauty of God and the abundance of His grace. Then we must find ways of communicating that each person is an image bearer of God.
We need to help students to see that their giftings are designed to celebrate God and be involved in the redemptive tasks to which He calls us.
We must find ways to ensure that our students know that they are part of God’s grace to us and to one another.
It is important to constantly remind members of the school community, that the community is enriched by each person’s presence.
Be intentional about celebration; make it a habit.
Celebration calls attention to, or makes known, what is valued and important to the teacher and students in a class group.
Celebrate the completion of a unit of work. Celebrate progress made.
Celebration encourages us to see that we are part of community, rather than separate individuals
One dear teacher friend takes five minutes every couple of days to celebrate one of her students; thus, each person is celebrated each term. She tries to connect one of those celebration moments with that person’s birthday; when she can lead students to express gratitude and celebration of that person’s life and to thank God for them.
Initially she provided suitable questions and ideas to help these mini celebrations. This helped to create a culture of genuine appreciation and celebration.
How does having X in the class enrich our classroom community?
How does having X in our class increase our joy together?
What do you appreciate about how X relates to people?
What do you think is the greatest gift that X shares with us?
What would you like to say to X that would encourage them?
Her students, who readily entered this culture of celebration, insisted that she be celebrated each term also!
Blessings
Brian