Fall 2012 Teacher Cadets: The Full Pot

To begin class, we had to answer the question “Should teachers have a specific dress code?” After a lengthy class discussion, we discovered that some people disagreed with the writing prompt. They thought teachers should have the same dress code for students. Other students thought that teachers should dress in a professional manner so students will take them seriously. Today’s lesson focused on self esteem. First, we had to identify our life accomplishments by going on a “shopping trip.” We had to identify our accomplishments as learner, individual, or community. We also discussed the effect self esteem has on students in the classroom. Mrs. Sutusky also told us about non-verbal gestures and the positive and negative impact they have on students. Finally, we read a passage titled “The Full Pot.” High pot symbolized good self worth, and low pot symbolized no self esteem. Each student personalized a pot, so the other students in the class could write them a “pot note.” We will write “pot notes” every morning to boost our self- esteem throughout the day. A “pot note” is a simple, positive message that comes from one student and is delivered to another.