Joan Moser
I love Starbucks. As a matter of fact, I might even be a bit addicted to it. At my local Starbucks, I recently noticed a young, brand-new employee. She slowly and carefully put my drink order into the register and then painstakingly wrote the lengthy order instructions on the cup. She even asked me to repeat it two or three times, just to make sure she got it right. (If you’ve ever heard my coffee order, you know this was no small task.)
The next day, I couldn’t help myself. I went back to Starbucks and cheered on this new barista as she endeavored to become more proficient. It was slow going, and she seemed almost paralyzed with anxiety that she would do something wrong, but she was clearly making progress.
Just a week later, when I returned to the same Starbucks, I was startled by the change. That same employee took my order, but the similarity stopped with her physical appearance. Gone was the shy and reticent rookie. She now spoke with confidence, quickly and proficiently capturing my drink order, and pulling coffee shots without so much as a blink of an eye. Her furrowed brow of concentration had completely vanished and was replaced with a beautiful smile.
As I watched her work, I was amazed. Then I noticed that she was also training the latest new hire. Patiently and competently, she explained to the new barista how to make my coffee and where the important tools of the trade were kept. Then she even coached her on cash register codes.
Watching that barista, I started wondering about new students who perhaps view themselves as less skilled than others. What if all teachers, administrators, and staff members could help change students’ perspectives of themselves? What if we designed a classroom and school environment in which the norm would be for all students to have the chance to offer help or mentor their fellow students, just like that Starbucks barista? If we work together to provide a variety of opportunities for our students to shine, it’s quite possible that we’ll see them develop a greater sense of confidence and self-worth as well.
Do you have some clever ways you provide students with opportunities to shine? We would love to share ideas. Head on over to the Discussion Board and let’s put our heads together.
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