Celebrate a shared outcome by noticing different contributions

Testing, planning and maintaining materials can matter as much as presenting the finished model. Invite optional recognition of concrete contributions without turning the celebration into a ranking of who was most valuable.

Recognise practical and less visible contributions as well as prominent ones. Participation should not need a public award to be valued.

Notice the less visible work too

Name the shared outcome. Notice varied contributions. Invite optional reflection.

Planning, testing and tidying can each support the project.

Avoid inventing awards that compare personal value. Which contribution helped the process?

Offer private acknowledgement.

Resources

• Friendship Conversation Cards — Choose neutral prompts, permit passing and offer private or nonverbal responses.

Further reading

• ACECQA — play, leisure and intentionality

Read next

• Perspective-taking leaves room for more than one explanation
• Leaving a shared activity can include a useful handover
• Discuss a kind action without labelling the whole person

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