Highs and Lows

I found myself at the end of the day today needing a little time filler.  We had gone outside for play-time, and I brought them in about 5 minutes earlier than I really needed too.  I guess I’m just not used to this nice weather, that we don’t need to worry about getting boots on, and hats and scarves, and gloves.  Plus, they were kindergarteners, so because it wasn’t Friday (Friday folders) and wasn’t Monday (“homework” packets), extra things didn’t need to go home. 

So, sitting around on the carpet, we went around and everyone shared their favorite thing about the day.  It’s a great way for kids to learn to respect one another, and to learn more about one another.  There may be someone that liked the exact same thing you did that you wouldn’t have thought they would! 

Of course, you’re probably thinking “oh, I can’t do this with my high schoolers…you just did this with kindergarten, of course you could get away with something like that.”  But why not?  Are high schoolers any more likely to respect each other than kindergarteners?  Shouldn’t they be reminded on how respect is properly shown?  Now, I didn’t have time to do the “low” points of the day, but if we did, this would be a perfect way to resolve some issues, as well as find out a little more about each other.

We did “highs” and “lows” at the end of each day when I taught in China, during our teachers’ meeting.  It was a really great way for our group leader to know how to better serve us, as well as to get to know each other.  And we were college age!  So, this activity knows no bounds, and no time limit (although you might want to set one if you have a chatty group!).