The ‘I Need’ Box
It’s a different concept! The person who posted about it on Facebook did not - in the text I read - reveal the origin of the idea. (I have since found an article about this novel initiative which explains the background, and provides more valuable detail. By all means read if you like!)
I have never taught middle-school students, so I have no experience with it, but I can imagine that it involves some real challenge. Particularly in the early classes of the school year, when establishing rapport must be one of the first priorities.
More below.
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Admitting that there are things that we need can be difficult for even more mature adults. There seem impediments to asking for help, so we may not even devote energy and attention to articulating those needs, or even accepting them within ourselves, if there is little prospect for help.
So what happens when a teacher places an ‘I Need’ box in the classroom, into which anyone may put a card at anytime, asking for what the student needs?
According to the teacher, in the first week, two boys put a card in the box informing about a bullying situation. Thanks to the notification, it was quickly addressed.
Wow! I remember when I was that age. There was a neighborhood bully whose … company I just did not enjoy. I don’t recall asking for help about it with anyone, not even my Mom and Dad. Maybe I did, I don’t know. But I know it went on quite a while, and is not, to this day, one of the more pleasant memories of childhood.
What might it have meant to have anonymous recourse for that situation?! I can’t even imagine! But I do think it would have forever impacted - in a most positive way - the idea of asking for help when needed. Not tattling, not whining, just being forthright about what is needed.
But, since ‘submissions’ to the I Need box seemed slow, the teacher changed the format, asking EVERY student to place a card in the box EVERY day. It was fine if they put a blank card in, but everyone had to put one in.
That seemed to open the floodgates a little bit, and notes about ‘specific supply needs, seat changes, special handshakes when entering class, after school help, bullying situations, and even daily hugs!’ WTF?!
I don’t have any more insights into how the class went, but it sounds absolutely marvelous!
And, it sounds like we’re all in this together. The best way, I think, to approach life in the world.
On to tonight’s comments!
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From lynn47:
Comes this nice comment by BeeD on getting along on Daily Kos.
Highlighted by Juvenal 2018:
Is this comment with a button created by EstaW. Twitler doesn’t do well.
Highlighted by txdoubledd:
Is this sarcastic comment by Coznaffect about their inability to govern responsibly.
Highlighted by AlyoshaKaramazov:
Is this comment by Darmok about Gaetz’s BS ‘apology.’
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