From late January until the end of March, working in a school always seem so much more emotional. Teachers are giving 110% to support kids yet students begin to show their need for help in some of the most unloving ways. I've been working in a school in one capacity or another for almost 25 years (what?!!) and I've seen it happen every single year.
As I've learned more about trauma informed practices, I've realized the field still has such a long way to go in remembering (and accommodating for) compassion fatigue.
Seeds of Happiness
I ran across a seed of happiness in a souvenir shop on vacation a few years back. I recalled how I had to have one and it made me smile. In thinking about additional tangible ways to share compassion toward our staff, we purchased a small set of seeds. Seeds of Happiness are about giving a smile to someone that might need one. (You can find out more about these seeds at: https://www.seedsofhappiness.com/)
They are sent to staff anonymously with the note card that comes with the purchase of each one. Sometimes we add an additional message and sometimes we don't. My secretary is the secret angel behind the logistics of sending these to those names I route her way.
Staff are then asked to tweet their seed, if they are so inclined, in an effort to support the project. I've been secretly over the moon proud of the few I've seen posted.
As I've learned more about trauma informed practices, I've realized the field still has such a long way to go in remembering (and accommodating for) compassion fatigue.
It's not enough to just say, "Well, it's March...that's what always happens in March." Our teams of educators need reminders to take care of themselves so that they can take care of others. The basics of that include eating well, exercise, sleep (my favorite self-care choice!), and trying to maintain balance.
Still, I think there are other ways we can boost these efforts. In our district, we've implemented two additional strategies for our staff. These include our Shout Outs and our Seeds of Happiness.
Shout Outs
We created a google form where staff and community can nominate anyone for a shout out. Those nominations are taken from the form spreadsheet and then posted to a padlet for everyone to see. The link is then sent to each nominee (and that nominee's supervisor) so that the compliment is widely known and celebrated.
Seeds of Happiness
I ran across a seed of happiness in a souvenir shop on vacation a few years back. I recalled how I had to have one and it made me smile. In thinking about additional tangible ways to share compassion toward our staff, we purchased a small set of seeds. Seeds of Happiness are about giving a smile to someone that might need one. (You can find out more about these seeds at: https://www.seedsofhappiness.com/)
Staff are then asked to tweet their seed, if they are so inclined, in an effort to support the project. I've been secretly over the moon proud of the few I've seen posted.
These are only two very simple ways to remind colleagues that we see them and appreciate their work. What are some of the inexpensive strategies you use to remind your staff that you see them and appreciate what they do?
Love Will Come To You (Indigo Girls): Seattle Ladies Choir
We LOVE our little seeds, and as they make their way around the district, everyone else does too, cause who doesn't love a smile?!
ReplyDeleteI give folks who look like they need a laugh or are under stress emoji stress balls. They have been surprised to find them in their mailboxes!
ReplyDeleteawesome idea!
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