For most schools across the country, the 100th day of school has arrived or is quickly approaching. This is a great time to get to know a little more about your students. It is also a great time to bring families in to further create community.
If you are like me, as a primary teacher, I assigned a 100th day project to my students. They had to bring in 100 things of their choice. This might be 100 pennies, 100 toothpicks, or even 100 tally marks on an index card; this way everyone was able to participate no matter family circumstance.
Over the years I was able to find out just a little more about each student; with the choice of what to bring, there was always 100 percent participation. Sometimes I learned it was 100 Matchbox cars because they were into cars. 100 buttons because they were collectors of buttons large and small. 100 pictures of dogs because they loved helping the family train dogs. 100 wishes because they recently lost their home. All helped me know better and be able to engage at a higher level with my students, which of course helped me create a better caring learning environment for them.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for families to be involved. I always invited families to volunteer for or to attend the celebration. My grade level team, and sometimes multiple grade levels, would have a 100th day tour to visit multiple classrooms to see what students brought to share. Family members would volunteer as chaperones, tour guides, or would provide snacks for after.
In my experience, families want to participate and help but often don’t know how. They are afraid because they’ve had a bad experience as a student, with another teacher, or at a prior school. Each time we can provide a welcoming experience for the student and their families, we are helping to helping to create a partnership and a more caring community in which all can thrive.
How does your school celebrate the 100th day (I especially would like to hear experiences at the middle and high school levels, since, even with my own children, I’ve not seen celebrations at these levels)?