School is wrapping up quickly and students are excited for a break. You likely are too! It is amazing how much can go on during this time of year. Depending on what you teach you may be inundated with preparation for final exams, closing out reports and projects, preparing for graduation, or finalizing end of the year meetings. Before we know it the year will be closed out and we will be catching our breath to get ready for next year. Recognizing the rat race you may find yourself in, I pose this challenge to you: Take a moment to appreciate, and give your students the opportunity to do the same.

For you: I’m a runner. Not a particularly fast one, but one who enjoys the trials of training, the fresh air that fills my lungs, and the thrill of crossing the finish line. This crazy season of teaching can often feel like the end of a long race, using all of the adrenaline we’ve stored up to just make it across the finish line. As you see that finish line in site, instead of putting your head down and blindly pushing forward, take a moment to look at your surroundings and appreciate. Find three things today that you are appreciative of. It may be a checked-off to-do list, a clean counter, finally making a connection with a student, or laughter with your class. Make a note of what you appreciate and post it in clear view.

Identify a person you appreciate, who has helped you out this year. Take five minutes to write them a quick note expressing your appreciation and thanking them for their encouragement or guidance. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple hand-written note. They are precious gems in our crazy world of emails and Facebook updates.

For your students: Take the last fifteen minutes of class and provide your students with a blank card or sheet of paper and an envelope. Have students identify one teacher/coach they appreciate, who has helped them out this year. Empower your students to express their appreciation as they write a note of thanks. Students can place their notes in a sealed envelope, and you can slip them in the teachers’ boxes before school gets out. Not only are you teaching your students a valuable lesson on being appreciative, but you just might give a fellow colleague the encouragement they need to cross that finish line with their head held high!