This document discusses the implementation of an "Appreciation Station" at an International Baccalaureate School. The Appreciation Station is a box in the staffroom with paper and a pen attached, where staff can write anonymous notes of appreciation for their colleagues. Notes are delivered regularly to boost staff morale. The goal is to increase positive emotions among staff by practicing gratitude, which is one of the character strengths and learner attributes taught at the school. Feedback so far suggests the Appreciation Station has been well-received, with some staff requesting it be used at meetings as well.
1. A way of showing gratitude to colleagues
By Siobhan Sinclair
2. A box that sits in the staffroom with a pen attached to it and pieces of
paper under it.
So staff can practice the character strength of Gratitude. Appreciation is
one of the Learner Attribute we teach at International Baccalaureate
Schools.
3. Staff write a note of
appreciation, either
anonymously or signed. Fold it
and write the receivers name on
the outside and drop it into the
box. The notes are delivered
most days of the week.
4. Yes, I thought so too!
Creating a Positive Institution as defined by
Chris Peterson and Dr Martin Seligman (video
lecture: the 24 Character Strengths and PERMA), I hope
the Appreciation Station will increase the
PERMA* of the staff at our school.
*Positive Institutions
Engagement
Relationships
Meaning
Accomplishment
So, how is it going?....
7. did a 10 minute presentation at
yesterday’s staff meeting and included
Shawn Achor’s TED talk (week 1
Character Exercises forum)
Then asked each staff member to write a note of
appreciation to anyone in the school and drop it in the
box on their way out.
8.
9. Today I spent all my recess bringing smiles to staff around the school.
Notes went mostly to primary teachers and teacher assistants, but also
to the cleaners, security guards, office ladies, principal and deputy.
Some staff have asked if the Appreciation Station could be present in all
staff meetings.
Someone has already put a new note in the Appreciation Station where
it stands in the staffroom.
10. As a Macro Structure I was pleased The Appreciation Station ticked
all the boxes:
Recurring – it’s a constant in the staffroom, and will now be part of our
staff meetings. Notes are delivered most work days;
Proactively Planned – Introduced so it can raise PERMA within the
school as a whole, both writers and receivers will benefit;
Active – by writing and receiving notes there is a tangible aspect to the
activity;
Aligned – Appreciation is one of the Learner Attribute we teach in
class and strive for as Life Long Learners.
