Run Into the Fun

I was at my grandson's birthday party recently, and the excitement was contagious. But something else caught my attention.

As children began filing into the playground, my grandson greeted each one with such enthusiasm. He was genuinely glad they were there.

And something happened.

Even the shyest child smiled and then ran into the fun.

As I thought about it later, I was reminded of our September theme: belonging.

I wonder how many students walk into school each morning without anyone seeming particularly glad they showed up.

And I wonder about the students who haven't yet developed the skills to connect easily with others. Maybe because of their experiences at home, in their community, or simply because connecting is hard for them, they walk through the doors without a smile, without a greeting, and without that feeling of I'm glad you're here.

What if we could change that?

This Week's Solution Focused Challenge

Send this idea below to your teachers!

The idea is to encourage your teachers to watch for the student who walks in quietly. The one who avoids eye contact. The one who looks grumpy. The one who never says good morning.

And then encourage them to do something, anything, that lets the student know they were noticed.

Solution focused work reminds us to look for what is already there, what is possible, and what we want more of. A few words can begin that shift.

Try:

• "I'm glad you're here today."

• "I saw that smile! That makes me smile too!"

• "There you are! I was hoping I'd see you today."

The goal isn't to force a smile. It's to create a moment of connection where one might not have happened otherwise.

Because sometimes belonging begins that simply:

Someone noticed me.
Someone was glad I came.
Someone saw something good in me.

And here's the bonus: when that student finally smiles, chances are the teacher will smile, too.

A little motivation gets sprinkled over both of them.

And maybe, just maybe, they both get to run into the fun of school together.

Monday Question

Who is the student in your classroom who may be waiting for someone to show them that they belong?

Find them this week.

And let them know you're glad they came.