Powerful Positives

Parents should hear about the good things that are happening in our classrooms. My favorite principal was such a believer in this that his weekly bulletin always includes the reminder “Have you made a positive phone call this week?” Even though I’m a believer, I don’t always remember to do this after the school day has ended, so I was inspired when I heard Jeanne Tribuzzi explain how she not only does it, but does it in a way that is quick, fun, and really powerful: she makes the positive phone calls during class.

Here is what it might look and sound like. While conferring with Micah, I discover that he has just finished the chapter book he has been reading. This is a big deal because he has a history of struggling to find, and stick with, a good-fit book.

“Micah, we have been focusing on sticking with a book until the end, and you did it! I knew you could do it! I think we should call your mom!”

Micah goes over to the phone and dials the number. He can’t help but smile when he says, “Mom, my teacher wants to talk to you.”

“Mrs. Masterson, I just wanted to tell you that one of Micah’s goals has been to find a chapter book that was a good fit and to stick with it until the end. Well, he just finished Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Here is how his friends and classmates feel about it.”

I hold the phone out, and the class claps, cheers, hoots, and hollers.

“That’s all, Mrs. Masterson. We just thought you should know. Have a great day.”

The entire conversation lasts less than two minutes. Jeanne learned about doing this from her daughter’s high school math teacher and has done it herself with first graders through middle school students. She said it doesn’t take long before students start letting her know when someone needs similar recognition. “Mrs. Tribuzzi, Yonis just passed his multiplication test. I think you should call his dad.”

So fun! Jeanne said that if no one answers, they relay the news by leaving a message.

If you are looking for a way to bring some good vibes into your classroom culture, give it a try and see what happens. It is a quick and powerful way to pack in positives.