So many years ago, when this teacher herself was a student, a memory was formed. In my fifth grade, I had a teacher who would periodically make all the students spend 10-15 minutes writing down five positive things about the other students. I believe the person who was the center of attention was likely celebrating their birthday, and this was an alternative to making us write birthday cards to one another. It was called our Good Feelings book. Very 1970's.
I still have my book, although the cover was lost a long time ago. After school on MY day, I went home and looked through the pages with a friend. She and I labeled who must have authored each one, although some papers were signed, which made the process of identifying the writer a tad easier.
I LOVED the fact that my teacher had us do this for one another. When I was helping prepare for my (cough, cough) thirtieth high school class reunion a few years ago, I was surprised to find out that many of my friends not only remember these books, but also still have theirs.
This year in my classroom, I am altering the idea, and making Birthday Wishes books. In fifth grade, students are certainly more suave, and know whom they want to hang around versus who just plain isn't as cool as they. In first grade, I hear, "he/she said they aren't my friend any more," but five minutes later, I note everyone running and laughing together. Part of the curriculum I teach is about Social Emotional Learning (SEL). I think these birthday wishes books have been a wonderful addition to what makes my classroom atmosphere unique. I believe they also help my students learn how to expression their feelings, while being kind to others.
Birthday Wishes, circa 2018
Good Feelings, circa 1974-75
Reneé M. and Carmen H.
Terri Y. and Cindy C.
Ann T. and Richard H.
Kelly S. and Barb Ha.
Kevin S. and Debbie P.
Tracey T. and Loren C.
David P. and Mike S.
Unknown and Cindy E.
Christie S. and Pete E.
Kelly C. and Donna
Barb H. and Frank K.
Unknown and Unknown
Tom T. and Tom S.
Cindy M. and Carol
Our Teacher, Mrs. Hyle
Some things haven't changed. I went through a stage where I tried to blow dry my curls out in the late 70's, because I wanted to look like Farrah Fawcett. It wasn't until long after college that I finally allowed my hair to be it's natural self. But in fifth grade... I had not yet discovered hair dryers, curling irons, rollers, or make-up, so my curls were naturally noticeable. Clearly, I did not like Bob in the way the picture portrays, and you can see I needed to make sure I noted that! Oh, fifth grade me! I also wasn't clumsy with the baton, as drawn either. I don't know if my classmates knew, but the year before this, I had flown to Hawaii to compete in a world competition where I did get a third place medal for a solo performance in my age bracket. I would go on to twirl baton for the band in high school, but eventually I would learn to twirl a wooden rifle because rifle twirlers were the in thing. My dad was sad when I stopped twirling baton. He had hoped I'd attend Purdue and try out to be the Golden Girl. Purdue was never on my radar, Indiana University was calling my name, and days as a twirler were long over. I also remember the game that was popular with our fifth grade class at recess was freeze tag. My skills for being fast are noted again and again, and I am glad to see I was a good sport!
Today when I teach, I am aware that building community in my classroom is really one of the greatest gifts I can give my students. They need to learn to work with and respect one another. I hope they go on to have life long friends from their youth, just like their teacher.
~Lisa Kroll
