Creating a safe environment that's also fun

I just flew with Southwest Airlines on a flight to Florida. I love this airline. They embody everything I believe about how to do things right in a classroom. They have a serious business - transporting a large group of strangers safely to their destination. We have a serious business - educating a group of children to prepare them for their unknown destinations.

What sets Southwest apart is the way they conduct their serious business. And no one can deny how serious the saftey of flying is in this post 9/11 world. Southwest uses humor and kindness to get their message across. They interact with the passengers as soon as they enter the plane which may help quell the fears of some of the more timid passengers. Same in the classroom. That first day...or even the first few days...are very scary for some kids. A personal kind word at the door...or even a kind look...goes a long way in removing that nervousness.

Throughout the flight, Southwest crew members use humor to convey their very important safety regulations. They are aware that many people don't pay attention to the various safety features of the aircraft. But by having surprises mixed into the content, people hang on the edge of their seats waiting for the antipated comment. "In case of a loss of oxygen, pull down those little margarine cups and place them over your nose..." They're the "LUV" airline! Talk about connection!

Do we have enough surprises mixed into our content? Do our students sit with that look of anticipation on their faces? Mine did when I incorporated these techniques into my teaching. Those eager looks surprised me at first because they didn't have it before I changed my teaching method. I used to own a business that I modeled after Southwest Airlines. Thinking back on my teaching career, I now realize that I modeled my teaching method after Southwest as well.

I'm looking forward to my flight home. Who knows what surprises await me as I take my journey. Let's make our kids feel that same anticipation.

National High Five Day

Anyone who was in my Strategies for Success classes knew that we started each class with a high five. It was fun, it cheered us up, it help us feel connected, it put our bodies into a positive physiology, and it general it just made us feel good. Not a bad way to start a class every day to be sure.

It actually is National High Five Day today. Take a moment today and high five someone to tell them how great they're doing. If high-fiving is a bit to energetic, just share with someone that they're doing a great job. Your words will mean a great deal. Especially a student.

This email is my high five to you...to wish you a great day, to thank you for being part of my life, to celebrate that although there will always be challenges in our lives, there are many successes that we deserve to pay attention to.

So consider yourself high-fived. And pass it on!