The art teacher at West Columbus School responsible for the ‘FED’ pottery program needs help with another quest for her education journey. Jennifer Sams teaches kindergarten, first, and fifth through eighth grades at WCS, and she’s launching the ‘Power of Positivity’ in her classroom. The idea is to teach her youngsters what the positive effect of respecting each other can do.
“The art room is the one classroom in all of the school where there are technically no wrong or right answers, so long as you’re being creative and respectful of yourself, your classmates, and the classroom,” said Sams.
She wants to give the students an incentive for these qualities throughout the school year by implementing a “stamp” system where they earn stamps for each day they exhibit positive classroom behavior. A completely stamped card will earn them a choice of prize from the treasure chest.
In addition to earning prizes for their positive behavior, they will have access to fun sticky notes to post words of encouragement on bulletin boards and classmates’ desks. Dry erase boards and markers will allow them to give positive feedback on displayed artwork in the classroom, and students will be encouraged to participate in team activities, strengthening the team atmosphere of the classroom.
“I want my students to feel the joy of spreading joy,” she expressed.
To be able to launch her program, she needs Post-it Notes, writing instruments, art supplies, and team building tools. She has started a DonorsChoose account, and so far, she has collected $308 of the $482 goal.
If you would like to donate to the art teacher’s project, you can do so by visiting https://www.donorschoose.org/project/power-of-positivity/7604793/.
