I agree that the discussion about once-a-year gift cards overshadows providing real appreciation - which is found in building and maintaining relationships. In the examples you list, the appreciation is not a single moment, it's an ongoing connection between people. I always preferred the moments when the principal or coach would pop into my room because my students sounded excited & joyful and they simply wanted to join us. Being present in the relationship is how powerful appreciation is done.
Interesting perspective. I struggle with the oxymoronic perspective of wanting to be praised by my principal(s) and also literally never wanting them to step a single foot into my classroom.
I agree that the discussion about once-a-year gift cards overshadows providing real appreciation - which is found in building and maintaining relationships. In the examples you list, the appreciation is not a single moment, it's an ongoing connection between people. I always preferred the moments when the principal or coach would pop into my room because my students sounded excited & joyful and they simply wanted to join us. Being present in the relationship is how powerful appreciation is done.
Interesting perspective. I struggle with the oxymoronic perspective of wanting to be praised by my principal(s) and also literally never wanting them to step a single foot into my classroom.
There's a lot to unpack there :)