#PhenomenalFriday: “Know Your Why”
Coming into a new school year and environment, I wanted to set a tone. To do that, I wanted the kids to understand that they have to “Know Your Why.”
Before they found out what their why was, I introduced the 10 Phenomenal Rules.
1. Honor Your Parents
2. Always Say Thank You
3. Be Gentlemen and Ladies
4. Be Helpful
5. Keep A Positive Attitude
6. Encourage Others
7. Don’t Seek Affirmation (Be Intrinsically Motivated)
8. Be Open To “Constructive” Criticism
9. Do What You’re Supposed To Do
10. Be Phenomenal!!!
An interesting moment came when I was explaining rule number 9: Do What You’re Supposed To Do.”
I told the kids that most people don’t do what they’re supposed to do. That’s why they have most of their problems. So, if you’re supposed to do something, then do it. You’re supposed to behave. You’re supposed to do your work. You don’t get rewards for that.
For example, if your morning work is on the board, then you should do it without the teacher having to tell you.
One of the students got up and grabbed a book. (That was the morning work.)
After breaking down the rules, I had them fill out their “My Why” graphic organizer. Then I shared a bit of my story. That I struggled in adulthood until I figured out my why…working with kids….tone set.
As the week progressed, the kids displayed that they were ready to buy intoThe Phenomenal Room. They worked hard, got in the groove with Word Power and enjoyed welcoming others to the room.
To close the week, I called a few parents to update them on their child’s progress. One of them touched me. She told me that her daughter wasn’t looking forward to returning to school, but she likes me as a teacher and thinks I’m “funny.”
Now, her mood has changed.
I “Know My Why.”
I leave you with one thing.
1. What’s your Why?
Be Phenomenal, Mr. Short
The Phenomenal Student 