The other day, I went to a restaurant with my family, and I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and welcoming the staff were. Like most dining venues, the hostess greeted us with a smile, showed us to our table, and made sure we had everything we needed. But what really impressed me was that they kept saying to us, from the moment we arrived until the time we left, “thank you for coming”. It was such a simple but powerful phrase (when repeated) that made us feel valued and appreciated.
Welcoming Learning Environments
It got me thinking about how we can apply this idea of being welcoming and making a learning environment (ex. PK-12 schools, higher education, day cares, professional development etc.) where people feel that we are glad they came. After all, learning is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. How can we continue to create a culture of gratitude and appreciation in our classrooms, schools, and communities?
Here are some suggestions that I think can help:
Start the day with a greeting.
Whether it’s in person or online, make sure to say hello to your students, colleagues, and parents. A simple “good morning” or “how are you” can go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.
Acknowledge each student's presence and contribution.
Make eye contact, use their names, and give them feedback on their work. Let them know that you notice them and that you care about their learning.
Express gratitude often.
Say “thank you” when someone helps you, shares an idea, or does something well. Encourage your students to do the same with each other and with you. You can also use other ways to show appreciation, such as writing notes, giving stickers, or sending emails.
End the day with a farewell.
Before you dismiss your class or log off your computer, say “thank you for coming” or “have a great day”. This will leave a lasting impression on your students and make them look forward to the next session.
Same Welcoming Spirit for Employees
It goes without saying, this same idea of a welcoming spirit would be nice to feel as educators, employees. While I would never want to tell you or my fellow colleagues that it’s all on you change the culture; I do know that when I am not feeling welcomed in a work environment, or I read the room full of unhappy people, the minute I find a reason why I am happy to be there and express the same to them, there is a small, but positive shift in mindset. If I am talking to you right now, you are not loving your work environment, try saying out loud to anyone in the room or hallway, “Thank you for coming”.
By being welcoming and making a learning environment where people feel that we are glad they came, we can not only enhance their motivation and engagement, but also their well-being and happiness. And that’s something worth saying thank you for.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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