When most people think of school spirit days, they picture children wearing school colors, shirts, or jackets so that each student can show their pride in the school. In elementary school, this is used as a way to encourage children to show support for their schools; in middle or high school, it is usually a way to show support for school sports teams.
At Kids Village, however, we look at spirit days a little differently.
The Kids Village Philosophy: Show Our Love for Our Students
At Kids Village, we believe that one of the most significant aspects of our school’s atmosphere is the feeling of love, support, and positivity that our teachers and staff create toward our students within the village.
“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”
– Peggy O’Mara
We believe that whatever we believe of our children is how they will think of themselves. If we believe they are loved, smart, capable, beautiful, and wonderful human beings, that is what they will believe of themselves! If the adults around them believe–or worse, say–the opposite, then those harsh words will become their inner voices. We have personally seen and experienced the impact that a caretakers love and belief can have in the confidence of a child, so our spirit day is committed not to asking our students to love us, but reminding them that we love them.
Every member of the Kids Village staff is handpicked for their commitment to our philosophy that when we show children that we believe in them and support them, their confidence in themselves and their abilities grows. We believe that with this supportive, positive, and enriching environment, every student—regardless of natural academic prowess—can develop skills, mindsets, emotional intelligence, and knowledge for lifelong success.
Kids Village Loves Me
At the beginning of each school year, each student receives a gift from Kids Village as part of their orientation. This gift is a t-shirt that says “Kids Village Loves Me.” During the school year, students are encouraged to wear this t-shirt on Kids Village School Spirit Days, which fall on the 5th and 20th of every month.
Instead of asking students to show their love for Kids Village on spirit day, we take the opportunity to remind each student how much Kids Village loves them!
Spirit Day reinforces to students that every teacher and staff member of Kids Village loves them and believes they have the potential to accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Confidence & Acceptance in a Learning Environment
At Kids Village, school spirit days reinforce an environment of self-confidence and acceptance. These mindsets are integral to a positive learning environment for children. Not only does this make the school environment happier in general, but it also contributes to the success of each child within the school.
A positive, confidence-building environment helps:
- Encourage a genuine passion for learning. Children naturally seek out places where they feel comfortable, safe, and loved. By developing an environment in which children feel supported, they become more comfortable and excited about coming to school every morning.
- Increase confidence to try new things. A preschooler is learning and trying new things every day! It can be scary to do something new for the first time. A positive, supportive environment helps your child feel more comfortable with new activities or experiences.
- Greater likelihood for class participation. Students participate in class activities relative to their level of comfort and confidence within a class. In an environment where they feel supported and loved, children are more likely to participate during class which leads to greater engagement and overall learning.
- Enhances development of creativity. When children feel vulnerable, they are is less likely to think outside the box or take risks with their problem-solving. In a safe environment, children feel more comfortable stretching their creative muscles.
School Spirit Days 2023-2024
School spirit days fall on the 5th and 20th of every month. On these days, we encourage our students to wear their Kids Village Loves Me t-shirts (if they want to!).
School Spirit Day Begins at Home
Helping your child understand the meaning behind school spirit day starts at home. As you help your child find their “Kids Village Loves You” shirt, help reinforce the philosophy behind the day by telling them how loved they are by you, by their teachers, and by the other important adults and role models in their life. Read their shirt with them and restate, “Oh, isn’t it so special to have teachers who love you and believe in you?”
Let them know that we all believe they are important and that they have the ability and confidence to do anything they want to do. We all feel so lucky to be along for the journey of finding what their talents and passions are.
Kids Village Loves our Parents
A note to parents:
Thank you for everything you do in supporting your child through their early childhood learning years and for everything you do to support Kids Village. We wouldn’t be where we are without all of you. Kids Village loves you!
