It's Cool 2B Kind

Just the other day in the copy room at Camden County Vocational Technical High School. a flyer was found. It's title was "It's Cool 2B Kind". It shared information about a competition that was to take place the month of January. The idea was to "write kids up for doing good things." It says that it is up to each teacher or staff member to decide which Acts of Kindness (AOK) are ok to write up. The flyer also talks about the importance of GENUINE acts and not just something to increase the numbers and win the contest. Each Friday, the results of the contest will be announced and posted and at the end of January, the grade level with the most points will get a dance party.

We affirm the school for putting the energy into this contest and hope that it generates enthusiasm and participation.

I have a few comments to add to this from DARE to AFFIRM's perspective:

1. If this in done for the month of January, what happens the rest of the year?

2. Do teachers and staff ever take the time to just tell the kids what they see that is "cool" and affirming?

3. I wonder if anything is ever done with the teachers and staff who are asked to do this for the students. I think about the PARALLEL PROCESS of "doing unto others what you want others to do unto others"?!

4. It is exciting for us to see that the "Catch them doing something right" message is for EVERYONE and not just for the early childhood field.

5. It is important to remember that the praise needs to be GENUINE. Have you ever noticed how children "tune out" when they are told they what they are doing is "pretty" or "good". It's always important to be specific. Try it. It works!