I got a lesson today in motivating my students. It’s Flag Day here in Canada, and that means our red and white flag turns 46. In an assembly on Friday I got a chance to mention this and urge people to wear read and white to celebrate the flag’s birthday. A few of them actually did.
To add to the fun, I’ve been spreading all the maple leaf flags that I can, as well as giving out red and white candy (cinnamon hearts and scotch mints) to whoever is willing to take them. I’ve been wishing everyone a Happy Flag Day! (or should that be Merry Flag Day?) and telling anyone who doesn’t know that the flag turns 46 today.
I have a feeling the kids may remember Flag Day this way far better than if I’d spent a week of class on lessons about the 1964 flag debates, Lester Pearson, John Diefenbaker and all the other personalities involved in supporting or opposing a new flag.
A little personal enthusiasm and some candy can go a long ways.