Making All Children Feel Important

Giving that little bit extra, that lagniappe, as those from New Orleans would say, means so much when it comes to motivating children. Sometimes a compliment, or a happy note or email can make a great deal of difference in how children feel about themselves. There’s always something wonderful educators can say about every student.  An elementary teacher asked her students to send her digital drawings of themselves smiling and having fun—“pictures that will make me giggle and smile.” She told them, “When I see your picture, I’ll look at it every day and your smile will make me feel so good.” It’s not just elementary level children who need that something extra; middle and high school students can get down on themselves when things aren’t going well with school and/or friends. Teachers and administrators can’t solve all of the problems young people face, but they can do so much like that pat on the back, that encouraging smile, that time for extra help, that attention everyone needs and wants….