07/20/2025
"A few weeks ago, I started the 'I need' box in my class, a way for my students to ask for help without having to come directly to me. They write their needs on a card and leave it in the box.
The first week, two boys let me know about a bullying situation. We got it taken care of. The next week, I changed the format a little and started having EVERY student put a card in the box every day. They didn’t have to write on it, but every student visits the box daily.
Since then, I’ve had a plethora of 'needs' submitted. They range from specific supply needs, seat changes, special handshakes when entering class, after-school help, bullying situations, and even hugs.
What’s even better is students are starting to come to me directly with issues/challenges they are having bypassing the box completely. I’ve been teaching middle school for 15 years, and I can honestly say this is the best thing I’ve ever done to reach my kids this early in the school year." ❤️
Credit: Julia Brown
