Basic Reminders:
- We do not want to overwhelm the student with questions! Use a small sample of questions at any given time.
- We can categorize celebrations as 1) high value/low probability (i.e., really strong or unusual examples that are not too likely) and 2) lower value/high probability (i.e., not so striking examples that are done frequently). In the celebrations interview, we want to prioritize celebrations of category 2. We want to ask about things that were almost definitely done!
- Some skills lend themselves to category 2 celebrations more easily. These include self-care, joyousness, productivity, fortitude, kindness, and conservation.
- Sometimes it's easier to think of what was not done. E.g., conservation (do you have any money that you did not spend today?), nonviolence (did you not hurt any animals today?), or self-care (did you not step out in front of a bus today?). And sometimes students can get a chuckle out of these.
- We want to make safe assumptions about the student's life. Not every student, remember, has a lot of friends, and friends may be a touchy subject. Similarly, not every student likes to talk about school, and not every student gets along well with family members. If we ask questions like, “Did you play with friends today?” or “Were you nice to your sister today?” or “Did you do well at school today?” the truthful answer to each may be no – making these potentially risky.
Sample Questions for the Celebrations Interview
Productivity:
Did you do any work today? Any chores? Homework? Yard work?
Did you clean anything up today?
Did you go to school today?
Joyousness:
Did you have some fun today? Did you smile? Laugh?
Did you do something you enjoyed, like reading something, or making something, or watching something?
Kindness:
Did you do anything nice for anyone today? Did you try to help anyone?
Did you help out around the house?
Did you hold the door for anyone?
Did you compliment anyone, or say something nice to someone?
Honesty:
Did you tell the truth today?
Did you answer people's questions truthfully?
Fortitude:
Did you do anything you didn't feel like doing today? Like maybe at school, or at home?
Did you have any frustrations that you had to handle?
Was there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get a chance to do?
Good decisions:
Did you make any good choices today? Even little ones, like deciding to get out of bed in the morning?
Nonviolence:
Did you not hit people today? Did you not throw things at the wall?
Respectful talk:
Did you talk to people nicely today? Did you use a cheerful tone of voice?
Friendship-building:
Did you do anything nice with other people today, friends or family? Did you hang out with anyone, or have a conversation with anyone?
Self-discipline:
Did you work towards any goals today? Did you maybe avoid a temptation, like the temptation to watch TV all day or eat all the cookies in the box?
Loyalty:
Did you do anything for the people who have been good to you today? Like being nice to the people who have been nice to you?
Conservation:
Did you turn off any lights today? Did you turn off water when you weren't using it? Did you recycle anything, or reuse anything?
Did you save any money today? Did you not go on a shopping spree, or not gamble away money?
Self-care:
Did you take care of yourself today? Did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth? Wash your hands? Eat good food?
Were you careful around sharp things, or stairs, or the stove?
Did you look both ways before crossing the street?
Did you avoid hitting your head on things?
Compliance:
Did you follow any laws today, or any good rules? Did you maybe follow teachers' instructions, or do what a parent asked you to do?
Positive Fantasy Rehearsal:
Did you have any fun imagining good things in your mind? Like maybe daydreaming about fun things?
Did you practice anything in your mind before you did it? Did you rehearse something for a sport, or imagine yourself handling a situation?
Did you use your mind to help you relax?
Courage:
Did you do anything you felt a little nervous about today? Like a project or something at school? Or talking to someone new?