In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Morningside Center offers this Circle-based lesson as an invitation for students and Circle keepers to reflect on the impactful teachers and “teachers” in their lives; what lessons were learned; and ways they’ve passed this learning forward. While educators deserve the utmost gratitude on a daily basis, this lesson zooms out to include the other teachers, or mentors, that show up in our lives: parents, family members, friends, neighbors, social workers, paraprofessionals, etc. and how they impact and inspire us so that we can impact and inspire others.
Opening Ceremony: Four Corners Quote Share
Post the following four quotes, one in each corner of the room:
- “They cannot stop me. I will get my education, if it is in the home, school, or any place.” - Malala Yousafzai
- “Teachers open the door, but you must enter yourself.” - Chinese Proverb
- “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.” - Maya Angelou
- “Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember who you are.” - Jim Henson
Explain that these quotes are all about the importance of education, specifically our teachers and the roles they play in our lives. Invite students to stand under the quote that resonates with them most, or they most agree with. Once students have made their selections, invite them to discuss with the other students standing under that quote why they chose that one and what it means to them.
Then engage in a whole group debrief by asking students from each corner to share either why they selected that quote or what their small group discussed.
Thank students for sharing.
Teachers in Our Lives: A Circle of Appreciation
Return to the Circle space and frame today’s Circle by inviting students to engage in reflection around the teachers and “teachers” in their lives, or the people that have changed the way they think or feel. Remind them that, of course, we invite them to think about their classroom teachers but also mentors, sports coaches, neighbors, family friends, or relatives that have supported them in some way, built their academic or overall confidence, or inspired them to pursue their dreams.
Give students at least two minutes of reflection time to make a list of the “teachers” in their lives. Then ask students to choose one of the teachers on their list and think of a time when they learned from or felt most supported/inspired by that person. Invite students to journal about this instance for at least five minutes. If students struggle to think of a teacher or a time when they learned or felt supported, name that it is okay not to have met your “teacher” in life (yet) and write, instead, about how you would want to learn from or be supported by someone in your life.
Once five minutes are up, invite students to finish their last thought and return to the Circle space.
Circle Round #1 Prompt: Now, pass around the talking piece and invite students to engage in storytelling and appreciation by sharing the name and role of a teacher in their life and the story of their impact as well as any life lessons they learned. As always, students may share at their comfort level or choose to pass. You are encouraged to share first to make space for authenticity, vulnerability, and comfort.
Circle Round #2 Prompt: Next, give students some think-time and invite them to share the ways they’ve shown up as mentors, teachers, or guides for people in their lives, e.g., a younger sibling, a peer, a child they babysit, etc.
Closing Ceremony
Close the Circle by inviting students to finish the following prompt:
- “To me, the best teaching is…”
Continue around the circle until everyone has had the opportunity to share or pass. Be sure to share as well.
Thank students for sharing their appreciation.
Extension Activity: A Letter of Appreciation
Invite students to write a letter to the teacher they shared about during this Circle-based session. In the letter, they may share their gratitude, the impact this teacher has had on their lives, and/or the lessons they’re carrying forward. If they have access to this person, they may send or give them their letter.
In honor of reciprocity, you may write a short note of appreciation to each of your students. You may read these aloud or privately gift to each.