I have started using a phrase this year with my students -- a phrase that seems to have great deal of resonance with them. When giving them 20 minutes to work on an assignment or project, I say, "I am investing 20 minutes in you and your work. What will be the return on my investment?"
It seems that this language shares some important truths to my students:
- I care about them and their success and I consider them worthy of an investment
- I have high expectations for them -- the investment is designed to bear a harvest
- We have regular opportunities as Christians to invest in others
I don't know if this language would be effective with lower grades, but I think it would be effective with middle school and high school students.
Let your students know you are investing in them! They are worthy of this investment.
Time is such a valuable and limited resource. I like this phrase, and plan to share it with my students. So much more positive than saying, "Let's not squander our time." Great perspective.
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