“Who is Waldo?” Staff Development, bias, growth mindset, respect ALL students

“Where is Waldo? No, Who is Waldo?”

Something powerful to start the year off honoring all kids!

This very interactive staff meeting, workshop or high school student class activity is designed to help school staff or older students avoid their own biases and stereotypes and stay focused on a student/person rather than his “Deadbeat Dad,” “Alcoholic Mom,”” Low Socio-economic Status,” etc. This discussion and revelation reminds us that we are charged to help all kids, every kid, be successful; no exceptions.

Too often teachers and staff hear the gossip about a child’s background and prepare themselves to “deal” with this troubled kid all year long. Success is often, “Did I, the teacher, succeed?” rather than “Did he, the student, succeed despite……”

While a child’s background is important; we must be sure the child stays in the foreground and our biases, stereotypes, etc. take a back seat. This visual activity is fun at first and you will find staff smiling and laughing but soon they will realize the purpose and find themselves being reflective. Suddenly, before their eyes, Waldo just disappears and they see why. Try out this activity. It could be one of your most impactful staff meetings and it will help your staff figure out each and every Waldo in your school sooner. And, watch Waldo reappear.