“Shows Kindness & Empathy Towards Others” Award
“Can we replace the perfect attendance award with kind kids awards already? Coming to school when you’re sick or need a mental break doesn’t deserve applause. Including others, sharing a lunch with someone hungry, and not bullying others absolutely deserves recognition.”
I couldn’t agree more. I will always (always, always, always) prioritize empathy over good grades and perfect attendance. I would be so proud of my kids if they brought home a “Kindness” award! I’d also be proud of myself because it shows that I’m succeeding in my goal to raise kids who grow up to change the world
“Persevered in the Face of Adversity” Award
If there’s one award that every single student in the entire world deserves right now, it’s this one. Children today face more adversity in the first five minutes of their school day than most of us did throughout our entire school year.
They’re dealing with a pandemic that’s completely changed when, how, and where they learn, and drills that teach them how to survive the unthinkable. They’re facing the greatest mental health crisis in generations, and exceedingly high expectations on top of all of that. The fact that they continue to persevere despite all of this deserves recognition, don’t you think?
“Enthusiastic About Learning” Award
Wouldn’t it be nice if we praised kids for their desire to learn as much as we praise them for how much they learn? I think that would encourage academic success so much better than punishing kids for poor grades, don’t you?
Honestly, grades don’t really even reflect how much our kids actually know. In most cases, they just reflect how well they memorize information. I’m sorry, but memorization and learning are NOT the same things. I would rather my kids show true enthusiasm for learning and bring home a C on the test than just memorize a bunch of random facts that they’ll promptly forget once they bring home the A.
“Outstanding Imagination” Award
I know it’s probably one of the most overused quotes ever, but I truly believe in what Einstein said about imagination being more important than knowledge because knowledge is limited by imagination encircles the world. In other words, imagination is boundless, limitless, and endless.
I believe that children should be praised for using their imaginations, especially in a world where they have fewer and fewer opportunities to do so
“Classroom Cheerleader” Award
We started with a kindness award, so let’s close with something similar. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to recognize the children that go out of their way to make others smile? I’m not talking about so-called “class clown awards,” which have a negative connotation.
I’m talking about kids who go out of their way to spread joy and optimism when they see someone having a rough day. The kids that always have a word of encouragement for kids they see struggling, or a “way to go” when they see others succeed. The kids who, to paraphrase Dolly Parton, see someone without a smile and give them one of theirs.