The Disney Effect

What if schools operated more like Disneyland?

It is impossible not to be swept away when you enter the Happiest Place on Earth. Besides being known for its animated movies and iconic characters, Disney prides itself on its hospitality. As we were visiting the other day, I couldn't help but wonder if this concept could transferred to a school environment. Is it possible to make a school enchanting place? I think it's possible and it wouldn't require any pixie dust.

1. Business Model- Disney employees are referred to as Cast Members. When Cast Members are working, they are "on set." I have often thought of this profession like acting. Essentially I put on a show every period as teaching junior high can be a tough audience. I could easily tell if my "act" was engaging and stimulating enough by the behavior and the energy. My energy and enthusiasm had to be infectious. We do hard work but adding a spoonful of sugar helped us power through. This means turning learning into a game or finding a high- interest article. Students always asked, "What are we doing today?" Every day was similar but in many ways different. They were looking forward to what new trick I had in my bag.

Cast Members are giving authority to reward customers. Once my son wasn't tall enough for a ride and they gave us a front of line pass for when he was. Another time we received a special D button because we were model citizens. What if we gave our students the authority to reward others? Now will there be corruption? Maybe. Will it promote a positive school culture? Most definitely.

2. Attention to Detail- Disneyland can be stimulation overload but is is also a 360 experience. From the decorations to the music to even the smells, you are instantly transported. What if our classrooms captured this sense of wonder and excitement. Decorating is one way. I know its not popular at the secondary level but it sure does create a tone. If you have papers falling down or hanging by a corner, it really sends a message. The last time we visited, we ate at the Lamplight Lounge. Everywhere you look, there are Pixar references from the iconic yellow and blue ball to a wall of quotes from all our favorite movies. Even the door handles look like something from Monsters Inc. It all related to a unifying theme. Honestly, it felt inspiring. The kids' menu had early illustrations of Buzz Lightyear and a lesson on sketching. What if we created this atmosphere in our classrooms? Sure, we are all busy with grading essays and entering work. Why not start a classroom design committee? Just like designers decorate for story windows, these students would be in charge of updating the walls and posting. Think of it like your own Public Relations department.

3. Epic Music-When you are walking down Main Street or in any part of the park, there is always some sort of peppy music in the background. You are taken to another place or time period. What if we incorporated more music during passing periods, before and after class, or even during the lesson? Once I made a playlist when we were reading Edgar Allan Poe's Tell-Tale Heart and while students were working or between transitions, I played the Police's "Every Breath You Take," "Madness" by Muse, and "Disturbia" from Rihanna. I noticed students' were dancing and moving but altogether......... happy. On Fridays, I would play feel good music to start the class or during their Warm Up. Music has the capacity to change your mood and Disney captures that throughout its theme parks.

4. Customer Service- What if we treated our students more like guests? When it's your birthday, you go to the Town Hall for a button and your name is hand-written, along with a Mickey Mouse ears. You are then the most special person in the world because Cast Members will tell you Happy Birthday. What if we treated each student this way? It's virtually free and easily duplicated. Also many Cast Members refer to kids (and even adults) as a Princess or Jedi. Now this won't apply but the concept is easy. What if we referred to our students as learners, scientists, mathematicians, writers, musicians, artists, and historians.

5. Change- They say Disney has 3 seasons: Summer, Winter, and Remodel. It is always freshening up the place. If you haven't been since you were a kid, there are some recognizable attractions but in most cases, it does not look like opening day in 1923. With the new Star Wars Land and updates to California Adventure, it is always evolving. Yes, Pirates of Caribbean is intact but Johnny Depp is hiding throughout the ride. Disney is always thinking ahead-- new rides, new restaurants, new ways to capture and engage its audience. Does your classroom look like it did decades ago- Rows of desks, facing the front? They say students are positioned in the direction that is important. We are in the 21st Century. We are in the generation of creators, innovators. Have you evolved your practice to reflect this or do you need a Disney remodel?

When I go to Disneyland, I escape the pressures of being an adult. I can't help but feel wonder and joy. What if school were more like this? Just a thought.

Remember to make something every. single. day. This might include adding a little magic to your next lesson.