Pat on the Back, Single 'File'

We did this "Pat on the Back" activity at our first staff meeting of the year, although it is an appropriate activity for anytime during the year. The activity is done simply by using a file folder with 2 holes punched at the top of the open folder. Use ribbon to create a "handle" that is put over the staff member's head so that the open file folder lays on the person's back. Then music is played while staff members write positive comments on each person's back -- thus the "pat on the back." The smiles and laughs that can be heard as staff member write are priceless, but the really wonderful part of this exercise is that staff members end up with a folder full of comments that remind them how wonderful they are. They can open this and reread those comments on particularly stressful days or whenever they need a pick-me-up.

Contributor:
Kim Cavanagh, principal, Mentone (California) Elementary School

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