Hedgy's Guide to Blog

Toni Morrison Quote for a Positive Classroom & Household

Like many of you, Oprah Winfrey had a BIG influence on my life. I watched her every day after school and into my adulthood. There were many episodes and moments that stuck with me, but this one changed my teaching and parenting forever. 

It was on May 26, 2000 and Toni Morrison, author of The Bluest Eye, was on the show. She asked the question, "When a kid walks in a room, your child or anybody else's child, does your face light up? That's what they're looking for." Oprah said that when she heard this, she had an aha! moment and I DID TOO! 

"Everybody just wants to be appreciated or validated." - Oprah Winfrey From that day on, I made a conscious effort to light up when I saw each child and student. Remember I taught hundreds of children in a week, and taking a couple of minutes to acknowledge and validate each child at the beginning of each class made a world of difference in my classroom dynamic, atmosphere, and management. My students trusted me and wanted to be in my class with me and I felt the same about each of them. It reminded me of the videos I had seen of Princess Diana greeting her sons; she lit up!! When I had a child a few years later, I continued to "light up" whenever I saw her. 

Believe me, we had our challenging moments throughout the day, but after we had been separated for whatever reason, I made sure I "lit up" when I greeted her. It was conscious, yet sincere. 

Teachers and Parents, I challenge you to "light up" every time your students and children walk in a room. Make note of how your classroom or household energy and atmosphere changes. It truly only takes a couple of minutes and can me a game changer. 

This is a mindful action that will not only let your students and children know that they are each appreciated and validated, but YOU will also feel appreciated and validated. It's a WIN WIN! 

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Toni Morrison quote