How do teachers use this in the classroom?
Higher Order Thinking/Analogies: I present this as one of my first reading lessons on deeper meaning, or meaning that goes beyond the literal.
Writing Reflection: At the end of the week or on big projects, I have students reflect on whether they truly gave the task their best effort.
Behavior: When the class is going a little crazy, I ask them what degree they think they are living at. This can reset their focus as they all begin to respect the 212 philosophy. This has the most impact if you purposefully label behavior or work as "212" on a regular basis when they do achieve it.
Role Models: Throughout the year we nominate people to put on the 212 poster. These may be celebrities, book characters, or historical figures. When someone has a nomination, we must come up with several examples of what qualifies that person as 212 degrees. We vote and decide whether the person is a worthy role model. This keeps students on the lookout for 212 behavior all year long. By the end of the year the 212 poster is littered with names of role models on sticky notes. People we have included in the past are Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr., Lance Armstrong, Oprah, Mark Deldin (our superintendent), Brian Robeson (character in Hatchet). Last year we actually voted to take Tiger Woods off of the wall. Great class discussions are often sparked by this key poster. Own It: We truly own the 212 philosophy in Studio 24. Much like the Notre Dame players who touch the "Play Like a Champion" poster before each and every game, we touch the 212 poster each and every time we enter the room. I tell them they may only touch it if they truly are trying to live it. A great consequence I have offered in the past is, "You are not allowed to touch the 212 poster until you show me your behavior has improved." You would have thought I canceled this kid's Christmas. That is how much we own and respect 212 in Studio 24.
How Students Can Apply 212 Attitude onto School Life
- Turning Work in on Time
- Exemplary Behavior Everywhere
- Goes Out of Their Way to Help Peers
- Good Grades and/or improvement; Always Shows Effort
- Active and/or Involved in the Community
- Leadership Accomplishments: Academic, Athletic, or in the Community
- Attendance (School)
- Positive Attitudes Toward Others
- Honest and Trustworthy
- Cooperative and Dependable
- Helpful to Teachers
- Positive Attitude Toward School
- Considerate of Others Feelings
