Student Contributor: C. McLean
When students are absent, another student is the “Well Wisher”. The student will color a picture and write a note to the student absent, reminding them we missed them at school.
This tool is used as a supportive tool. Students are often missing days, and I wanted the first thing they come back to from being absent was a kind note on their desk. In our classroom, we really emphasize that our class is a family. This has been a great way for students to demonstrate ways to care for their peers. I have set it up that the “Well Wisher” is a classroom job. The person who has the job takes the “We Wish You Well” paper and colors it, and writes a kind note on it. Students always look forward to coming in and seeing a note for their peers. This job is done at the end of the day while everyone is completing their job. If a student is absent for more than one day in a row, the well wishes only write them one note.
This is in the supportive phase. I placed it in this category because it helps students to be kind to their peers. Students often do not naturally think of opportunities to extend kindness to their peers, so this is a way that the teacher presents an opportunity for a student to spread kindness in the classroom. I think that this tool can be used in other areas as well. It could be preventative if used at the beginning fo the year to set a precedent of how we treat each other in the classroom. It could also be supportive if a student is struggling to be supportive of peers. I think this is a great way to positively contribute to the classroom culture.
More Information –
Tool Source: Leanna Lehr 1st grade teacher
