Thoughts on RAK... by ERIN RAHMAN https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh Made with a purpose and love en-us 2017-11-03 13:19:47 UTC 2025-11-12 13:55:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203440645 Watching kids get something that they really like, that genuine joy. And when they realize or know someone picked out something specifically for them.]]> 2017-11-03 18:41:59 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203440645 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203441350 Maybe instead of every year, each student will get one gift throughout their three years here? So it will seem random.]]> 2017-11-03 18:43:50 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203441350 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203442051 What if we asked students to participate (their choice) and they commit to some kind of RAK in their community, home, school, church, and instead we have a way to display all the good they do in the month of December (or more than that month). Of course we can participate and show students that giving RAK is a lifelong thing.]]> 2017-11-03 18:45:30 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203442051 Last year we gave every student a note at some point in the year in the form of a postcard that was sent home -- that was very meaningful to many. Maybe the kindness we show isn't in the form of a gift, but a personal note? https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203442321 2017-11-03 18:46:05 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203442321 lawillis1 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203443568 Positive intention ~ all students matter and we know them enough to pick out something meaningful.]]> 2017-11-03 18:49:13 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203443568 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203443930 It is getting harder and harder to afford meaningful gifts for all students, $5-$10 doesn't buy a lot these days.]]> 2017-11-03 18:50:12 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203443930 Give students a way to show kindness lawillis1 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203444196 Use brown paper grocery bags (go green and save hours wrapping gifts) to wrap gifts with a note that suggests all sorts of things the students could do to give back using the bag (put old toys, books, clothes, food, garbage, create artwork with bag and give it away, etc.). Showcase student kindness at Friedell (selfie with their bag and how they used it to give back.)]]> 2017-11-03 18:50:52 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203444196 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203445335 I hope we are teaching that RAK is more than buying or giving gifts.]]> 2017-11-03 18:53:51 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203445335 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203446720 After being apart of this amazing tradition for so long I can't imagine not doing it, I think as hard as it is, it is a wonderful tradition and all the kids we touch feel the love. I think we should emphasize more on RAK With the kids so they truly understand . ]]> 2017-11-03 18:57:26 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203446720 I think every student should still be involved https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203449209 2017-11-03 19:05:40 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203449209 Maybe we could do the traditional RAK from our side (each child gets a gift) and then we challenge students in the month of January to do a RAK for someone else and we somehow highlight that -- create a RAK tree ? They write down their RAK they did for someone else? Simple as help a neighbor shovel their snow. https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203449349 2017-11-03 19:06:12 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203449349 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476201 I think the name needs to be changed. If we continue to give something to each student, it isn't very random.]]> 2017-11-03 20:57:10 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476201 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476270 If you participate, it forces you to learn about your students. You have to know something about them before you buy them a meaningful present.]]> 2017-11-03 20:57:39 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476270 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476569 I like it the way it is.]]> 2017-11-03 20:59:22 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203476569 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203526611 What ever we decide to do I think it will be great because what makes it so special is that it shows how much we care about our students and want them to feel special and loved. I really enjoy finding the perfect gift for the kid who maybe feels most days that people don't really know them. Seeing the look on their face when the gift is perfect for them is really the best. ]]> 2017-11-04 12:24:11 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203526611 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203526884 Our students are old enough to be able to be included if they want to be. Science shows that the giver is happier to give a gift than the receiver is to receive a gift, so let's let them become part of the giving side. The students could help us learn more about other students by giving good suggestions for gifts or experiences (gift cards) that they might appreciate.]]> 2017-11-04 12:28:57 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203526884 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203668410 It is great publicity for Friedell.  We've gotten in the news for this several times.  I'm sure the community sees us as a community that cares about it's students.]]> 2017-11-05 19:04:01 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203668410 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203668533 My son is in 11th grade right now and he still remembers what he got all 3 years. I think it means a lot to the students.]]> 2017-11-05 19:04:56 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203668533 What if we had a big range of gifts (unwrapped) and let each student pick one out? https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203844577 2017-11-06 13:06:47 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203844577 We need more time to prepare-perhaps starting in October? It gets very rushed and stressful and takes away from the joy of giving. https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203844873 2017-11-06 13:07:37 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203844873 stellefson https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203852247 Everyone should get the same gift. ]]> 2017-11-06 13:25:00 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203852247 I think we should adopt a rotating charity every year instead of getting every student a gift in RAK. For example, one year it could be for The Salvation Army, One year it could be the Ronald McDonald House, one year it could be Paws and Claws. Students and staff could be encouraged to either give a monetary donation or offer to volunteer at these charities. I think this would be better for all involved to understand that the season is about what you can give rather than what you can get. https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203882192 2017-11-06 14:20:03 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203882192 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203883897 I don't think everyone should get the same gift. The random part of this kindness to me is that the students don't know who gave them the gift. 


]]> 2017-11-06 14:22:42 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203883897 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203885787 It was really fun to see the surprise in the faces of students.]]> 2017-11-06 14:25:18 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203885787 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203887742 There could be an electronic format for students to self share what they have done to share kindness in their school, home and community. It would have an adult to approve the post. "Share Kindness" padlet board in order to promote a positive climate and anonymously share the good things that are happening. ]]> 2017-11-06 14:27:57 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203887742 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203891086 All students are included but the gifts are wrapped in Christmas paper. How does this make our non-Christian students feel? It isn't meant to be a "Christmas Event" but feels more so this way. I like the idea of utilizing something more supportive of the vast cultures we have in the building to wrap gifts if this piece continues. ]]> 2017-11-06 14:32:20 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203891086 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203895438 Definition of kindness

1:the quality or state of being kind 
  • treating people with kindness and respect
]]> 2017-11-06 14:38:24 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203895438 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203895735 A RAK challenge could specifically be added to each gift as an idea for students. There could be something that encourages students to pay it forward, a visual reminder.]]> 2017-11-06 14:38:49 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203895735 I love the pay it forward idea. I am personally involved in a charity that uses anyone willing to help. We could send groups there to volunteer and who knows, maybe it would be something they would continue doing? https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203897476 2017-11-06 14:41:21 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203897476 loringen https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203953535 The cost makes RAK difficult, but I enjoy giving kids a personal touch that lets us know we know them. I wonder if there is some other way to share this. A handwritten note with "I noticed..." when we see them do something awesome, a phone call home, a Selfie & positive message that is Tweeted out are all great ways to let them know we're paying attention to them.]]> 2017-11-06 15:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203953535 I agree that we should do the same or similar gifts for all. It's hard to see some kids open giant gifts and others open really small ones. Especially since they are opening them up in front of peers https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203961087 2017-11-06 16:11:16 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203961087 I think that it will be hard to change the tradition, I think that kids really like it. We can still give something little and also have them give back. https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203962156 2017-11-06 16:12:57 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203962156 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203973910 The kids who get a generic gift realize it. ]]> 2017-11-06 16:30:55 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203973910 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203976260 I dislike using prep and team time for gifts, and when everyone goes to do that you can't not go without looking like grinch.]]> 2017-11-06 16:34:49 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/203976260 It is mentioned that RAK can be rushed and stressful. What if each person, wraps their own gifts https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204028228 2017-11-06 18:03:12 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204028228 I think it is a little late in the year already to make any changes to RAK. Some staff (and outside contributors) have brought items for students. Remember, this is staff voluntary. If someone feels that they cannot contribute with a gift, people in our building make no notice of it. batointon https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204350448 2017-11-07 14:16:14 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204350448 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204437335 I like RAK as it is. I do not see any way to pick a bunch of kids for gifts without hurting many others that need to know someone loves and cares about them. Why break something that is working so well. Nothing like a student coming back to visit and hear their memory.  This happens often.

]]> 2017-11-07 16:23:49 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204437335 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204440296 I live it as it is. Why change something that works so well for the students and the staff.]]> 2017-11-07 16:28:02 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204440296 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204441021 My family has already asked what we should be doing. Everyone gets involved!]]> 2017-11-07 16:29:14 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204441021 https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204517319 We shouldn't give everyone the same gift--that makes the gift not special any more. If you want to set a price limit, that might help some students getting bigger and better gifts than others. It is nice to give a gift tailored to the specific student.]]> 2017-11-07 18:34:21 UTC https://padlet.com/errahman/tzw7jfzmfbh/wish/204517319