Crystal Jones joined ‘Teach for America‘ in 2003. She was assigned to the 1st grade of an Elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia.
This school had no kindergarten. So, most kids couldn’t read or write and some couldn’t even hold their pencils. This had to change. But, how do you show a room full of 1st graders where you want to go? And that it’s going to be worth it? In language they can understand?
So, Crystal devised a clear Destination Postcard ‘By the end of the school year, you will be 3rd graders ‘.
This postcard was carefully chosen. Firstly, she believed this could be done. And secondly, this was very inspiring.
Do you know the feeling you get when you admire the grace and power of an Olympic athlete? That’s the feeling 1st graders get about 3rd graders. They are bigger, smarter and cooler.
Next, she called her student’s scholars to have a culture of learning and have them behave like scholars. They gradually began taking their scholar very seriously. By springtime, the kids test scores had reached 2nd grade levels. So, Crystal conducted a graduation ceremony before spring break and they now began calling themselves 2nd graders.
And by the end of the year, they had reached 3rd grade level. All thanks to a clear and inspiring Destination Postcard.
We can call it ‘clear vision’, ‘begin with the end in mind’ , ‘Destination Postcard’ or anything else we may please. It’s importance can’t be underestimated. Let’s just make it a habit to use them starting now.. :)
Here’s to using Destination Postcards in our lives this week!
A Learning a Day 