As a self-proclaimed introvert, I always had a way of identifying those same types of students in my classroom. I, too, was the quiet girl in the back of the room with my nose in a book. You can still find me with my nose in a book when I get a moment of free time. I internally groaned when the teacher put us in pairs. I wanted to eat lunch alone, (although I rarely could). The reason is because I needed my space from “peopling” all day. I was Rory Gilmore at Chilton when the guidance counselor said she needed to find more friends. (If you know, you know.)
Despite our aloofness, introverted students are what I call “hidden gems.” You have to gently break through the exterior, (without changing them), and you’ll find an amazing student full of hidden insights, talents, and abilities. Introvert students are often overlooked because of their quietness, easy nature, and good behavior. As teachers, our attention is drawn to so many pressing matters and to students who are exhibiting big behaviors that introverted students are sadly left by the wayside. I write all about how to connect with introverted students in authentic ways in a blog post that you can find here, and the biggest takeaway is NOT to change them.
Once you’ve forged relationships with your introverted students and gotten to know how truly amazing they are, it’s sad to see them move to another teacher or another school. Introvert students don’t like the spotlight oftentimes, so how do we say goodbye in a meaningful way to these precious “hidden gems?”
#1 Write Every Student a Handwritten Note
Introverted students, like I mentioned in our previous blog post, love to connect through writing. I would often write comments back to students’ bellringers or writing assignments to forge these quiet connections. Writing is a personable way to connect with an introverted student and an excellent way of saying goodbye. So as not to favor the introverts over the extroverts in the classroom, write a short note to every student.
With graduating eighth graders, I would purchase a pack of greeting cards with funny memes or sweet messages like “You Rock!” on them, and write a short, personable goodbye message to each student. It’s such a simple yet meaningful way to say goodbye, and it will be truly memorable for them. I still remember the texts I would receive from one of my principals offering praise for various accomplishments in the classroom. A personalized message is an impactful way to send off an introverted student.
#2 Create a Class Compliment Jar
Introverted students appreciate recognition that does not require them to stand in the spotlight. These types of students also love to express gratitude and compliments to their peers in more subtle ways that don’t make them feel awkward, such as through an email or text. Designating a goodbye class compliment jar is just the way to help introverted students express their feelings and receive recognition in a subtle way.
Give students slips of paper and tell them they can leave a compliment or well wish to every student in the class, or choose a student to leave one to. You could even have students pick a name out of a hat to ensure everyone receives a well wish or compliment. Doing it this way also helps those introverted students not be overlooked and will give you a surprise or two, as other students may praise a peer for something you wouldn’t expect, especially if they’re not super close with one another.
Students should put the name of the student they’re addressing on it. Have students slip their paper into the compliment jar. They can even choose to be anonymous. I have seen the most heartfelt praises come from the anonymous notes. (Tip: Read all the compliments beforehand, after school or during your break, before you read them aloud. There always seems to be a student who may use this as an opportunity to be not so kind.)
Read the compliments aloud, or in a more introverted fashion, pass out the compliment cards to each student, and they can enjoy reading sweet messages on their own terms.
#3 Create a Memory Book
Allow introverted students to express themselves in writing or art through a class memory book. Give students a memory book page to reflect on the school year. Some introverted students are especially gifted at writing or artwork, and this is a great opportunity for them to also show their gifts in a way that doesn’t place too much attention on them. Collect the memory pages and staple them together in a book to read aloud to the class.
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In our previous blog on introvert students, I write about how they do love to receive some sort of recognition, just in more subtle ways. Placing a student on the spot or asking them to stand in front of the class may incite a deer-in-the-headlights look, but helping introverted students be “seen” in low-key ways really boosts their confidence, since they are so often overlooked. A memory book read aloud is a perfect, yet subtle way for introverted students to express themselves and be recognized.
#4 Custom Rewards & Gifts
If you are required to do an awards assembly or end-of-year recognition, introvert students might internally groan, but there’s a way to make the process more impactful and meaningful for them. Create a uniquely personalized award to show recognition of the specific introverted and often understated traits that are, in fact, their super-strengths.
Here are some ideas:
- Deep Thinker
- Most Thoughtful Questioner
- Master of Calm
- Reader of the Most Books
- Reflective Writer
- Silent Strength
- Empathy in Action
- Creative Soul
- Steady Star
Grab our Personalized Awards/Gifts where you can even personalize the award to look like your student with over 80 unique designs to choose from.
#5 Your Footsteps Matter Activity
Task students with tracing their foot or shoe on a piece of paper. Next, write their name at the top. Then, spend some time writing a short, yet heartfelt message on how your students made an imprint (or footprint) on their classroom or contributed in a unique way. Finally, laminate and tape down the footsteps, creating a walkway for students to see as they come in the next day. Create a sign at the beginning that says something like, “Each of your footsteps left an imprint on our classroom path. Quiet or bold, every step mattered and shaped the journey we walked together.”
Introverted students will love that you see them, know them, and recognize how they left a lasting impression on their classroom family. At the end of the day, gently lift up the footprints for students to take home as a personalized gift.
Bonus:
*Don’t be afraid to have a sincere, one-on-one goodbye chat with introverted students. Try doing this during a naturally loud and bustling time, like yearbook signings or free time, so introvert students don’t feel like everyone can hear their conversation.
*Don’t be afraid to “differentiate” your goodbye. As teachers, we’re always finding ways to adjust our lessons to meet the different needs of our students. We tailor what we teach to our individual students’ interests and strengths. Why not tailor our goodbye to introvert students? One school year, I gifted my middle school students a fun summer novel as a goodbye.
Knowing this one particular student was especially ahead in reading and would probably find the book boring, I opted to give her a different novel, more suited to her interests. She was in her Jane Austin era, and I knew she had not read the particular one I gifted her. Later that week, her mother reached out to me and expressed how special it was to her daughter that I had given her a different book and how she felt known because I chose a Jane Austin one. I had listened to her and remembered, and that helped this introverted student feel seen. As teachers, we need to be inclusive, but also know it’s okay to veer off the path a little to say a special goodbye.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful, especially for our introverted students. Thoughtful, intentional farewells help all students, quiet or outgoing, leave your classroom feeling appreciated and remembered. By making space for different personalities, you foster a sense of belonging. This will stay with students long after the year ends.
