Three positives and a negative

If you walk into my classroom toward the end of a class period, you will likely see this little "game" I play with my students. I have to admit, I stole the game from another teacher. But, I think it's an effective tool.

Before the students leave the room, they must tell me four things. They must tell me three positives about class that day, whether it relates to the subject content or even my teaching that day. They then must give me one negative, and again, it can be over anything that pertains to my class or its subject matter. I think constructive criticism and continuous feedback is good for a teacher. It's worked for me. I've taken it outside the classroom too. During dinner, Katie, Aaron, and I share three positives about the day and one negative. Katie and I use the quirky game as a gauge of each other's emotions that day, and Aaron just thinks it's fun to play. If you've never done it, just try it. In this world, there are a lot of positives. There are also a lot of negatives. You shouldn't have any trouble.

My three positives-

Out of all my classes today, only two students had less than a C on a pop quiz. (This is worth celebrating)

I got to eat lunch with my beautiful bride today.

While I still go to school tomorrow, there won't be any students.
(I love my kids, but I also love Christmas vacation)

My one negative-

I came home, and Gracie wasn't here.
(I'll tell you the truth, that's my negative on most days)