If you need to talk, I know a repurposed animal cracker jar willing to listen. Sure, I could have spent a bit more time making it pretty instead of just slapping a poorly-cut index card over the label, but I’m not that kind of teacher, sorry. Pinterest is not my thing. Hold the gasps, I think it’s cool if it’s yours.
I am, however, the kind of teacher that thinks this jar is pretty amazing. The school psychologist suggested I offer it as a way to help students settle down after recess and lunch without needing to tell me fifty million stressful things.
Today, day one, I think it worked. Hand in the air? No problem, write it down and put it in the jar! Students did not protest, I was able to get to my lessons faster, and everyone got to eat a whole lot of animal crackers, success! I also read some pretty interesting comments, including:
“I’m really happy because I have two little hamsters.”
“I’m so excited Christmas is next week.”
“I’m scared of oranges.” {Huh?}
“I’m scared.” Followed by later in the day, “I’m calm now because I talked to the school psychologist.”
I’ll spare you all the so-and-so’s are being mean… Those will get old fast, but at least the students now have a place to put their thoughts and I have a way to redirect their energy without having to stop to deal with it on the spot. I’d say I got 20 or so comments today and learned more than I usually would about my students in the process. Not bad, not bad at all.
Have anything for the feelings jar?
It’s open for business.
oliviaobryon 
This is one of those moments … how does this happen? I’m bursting, but just can’t share it here. It’s just beyond too much at the moment.
Perhaps a good entry for the jar? 😉
The jar’s not big enough. 🙂
Love this!!! I want to make one for my own apartment (where only I live)!
I think that’s a great idea! A friend sent me a happiness jar idea, where you put happy moments from the year as they happen and then dig through them at year-end. Cute idea. Easy to adapt in so many great ways!
Does the feelings jar have a mailing address? 😉
Why yes! 😉 Actually, I bet this kind of jar would be great to have in a house full of kids too. It’s amazing how much they love it… Makes you realize how many thoughts they want to get out, even if it’s just to say they’re happy about a couple of hamsters… Gratitude at its finest 🙂
Awesome; it also teaches them a life long lesson, perhaps keeping a journal to let things out, etc., I am thinking of how I can adapt this idea for preschoolers.
Agreed! I’ll be curious what you come up with for your little ones– maybe pictures instead of words? 🙂