The Power of Doughnuts
Doughnuts invoke feelings of warmth, comfort and greetings. In recent years, showing up with a box of doughnuts represents gratitude. It was perhaps W.C. Fields that once said “Don’t ever underestimate the power of a doughnut”. He was totally right!
The first people you want in your corner as the year begins are the secretaries, cooks and custodians. Unfortunately they are often overlooked and unappreciated-- Though I think we can all agree that our schools would not function properly without them. You can’t imagine how much influence these people have on your students.
Here is the plan:
1) Have five or six of your best singers learn a quick a cappella tune (unison is just fine).
2) Buy some fresh doughnuts.
3) Before school one day, have the students present the doughnuts, sing their song and wish each group a great school year.
The power of food and music together is something that will blow you away! Does this have anything to do with teaching music? YOU BET! When the support people start talking positively about your program and the great kids, everyone wins. It will make things a lot easier down the road if/when you need a favor from one of them. Here is the key: don’t just try to impress your administrators – that comes later.
What is your metaphorical doughnut?
Sometimes its a box of chocolates or baked cookies. Presenting sweets as a sign of appreciation is an honored tradition. What ideas have your groups come up with to "spread the love" are the school? It doesn't have to be edible or even physical. The gift of music alone is magical.
Alternatively having a simple song-o-gram program in place to honor the support staff works wonders. Follow the steps above (forget the carb fest) and but your student put together a little song for each of the groups. If there is a special birthday, work anniversary or community service project or award, this is also a great opportunity to put your song-o-gram to work.
Everyone likes to be recognized and appreciated The gift of music alone is enough to brighten someone's day and put a smile on their face. At first your students might be hesitant or shy so you may have to start the ritual with your more outgoing singers. With time, if this tradition catches on, you will have willing volunteers and a great extra circular activity program.
