Green pens are symbols of the structural frame. I use green ink when I'm writing in planners and on report cards. Green symbolized hope to me. It does not connote negativity like red and is more interesting than stately black or blue. When the teachers see me with a green pen in hand, they know I'm going to look at lesson plans.
I bring Dunkin Donuts every Friday. The Munchkins are a symbol of the human resource frame. They signify it's Friday! And hopefully, Mrs. Brown cares about us.
I try to use green ink and bring in Munchkins consistently. There was a lack of stability at my school due to all the principal changes in such a short time. The consistent use of these symbols has helped me to create more stability and more security for staff and for parents. These symbols don't mean anything outside my school, but they are significant for us.
I bring Dunkin Donuts every Friday. The Munchkins are a symbol of the human resource frame. They signify it's Friday! And hopefully, Mrs. Brown cares about us.
I try to use green ink and bring in Munchkins consistently. There was a lack of stability at my school due to all the principal changes in such a short time. The consistent use of these symbols has helped me to create more stability and more security for staff and for parents. These symbols don't mean anything outside my school, but they are significant for us.
Symbols are a great way to show the HR frame of caring. The key is the consistency. Everyone who doubts you are looking for you to slip. Keep up the good work and you can effectively change your culture.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of the green pen. I, too, try to refrain from using "the infamous red pen". It seems that it brings such negative feelings. Is there any particular reason why you chose green, over blue, etc? I love green. I am thinking about growth....That is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThe green pen is a great idea, as I'm sure it eases teacher's minds when they see you with it. It is kind of like the clipboard one of our APs carries as she comes into our classrooms...we know she is just walking through, not coming in for a formal observation. Very simple, but very effective!
ReplyDeleteI agree that red pens have become a symbol of negativity in and of themselves. Even before I read what has been written, I assume it can't be good because of the red ink...I realize it's just a mindset, but I guess that is the nature of being a symbol.
My staff jokes, "If she has the white clipboard, she is in coaching mode CWT. If she has the gray clipboard, she is being the evaluator."
ReplyDeleteHowever, they are not intimidated by either since I have always prepared them that I wear two hats and both are about reflecting on our practices.
They don't care about the color of the pens...but are careful not to use red for their students due to what we knew as students in many cases.