In an effort to celebrate small moments of engagement, hard work, and kindness this year, I have been giving out Bracelet and Paperplane Awards (BPAs). But these aren’t just any old bracelets and paperplanes. Oh no! My very own son and daughter make these during the week, which I turn around and award to my students on Friday. The BPAs represent my latest act of community.
How does a student earn a BPA? All the usual things qualify. Working hard. Showing up to tutoring. Helping peers. But there are countless other ways that students have earned one. One student was there for a friend in a time of need. Another potted our class plant during their free period. For another student, they received a BPA for no other reason than it being their birthday. There aren’t any formal criteria I have come up with for earning a BPA other than “being a good human and doing the right thing.” I award them spontaneously but thoughtfully.
Each week, one bracelet and one paper plane are awarded per class. In one of my classes, we’re building up to the idea of the students handing out the BPAs to each other. The thought of that brings me great joy. I hope we can get there.
Because the bracelets and paperplanes are crafted by the hands of my very own kids, the BPAs are a heartwarming crossover between my home and school lives. The personal and professional merge yet again. The awards are cheesy but loveable, and I think my students appreciate them. ∞
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