Earlier this week, I shared my disappointment over a hard day at school. Since then, I’ve recovered, although really, things aren’t that different. Today I made three behavior calls after school and sent one kid to the office, which while improved from the six calls on Monday, still is not the place I want to be in the second week of school… I thought the honeymoon was supposed to last longer!
Even so, I feel much better than I did Monday, mostly because I’ve consciously forced myself to stay positive. Today, for example, when any kid started complaining or pouting or grumbling or what have you, I sent him or her outside to come back in with a positive attitude. I told the class negativity is contagious, and I meant it.
Mostly, it worked. Even my students that got in trouble today were fairly calm and took responsibility for their actions. What a nice improvement from Monday! It is easy to forget how much of a difference a deep breath and smile can make in a stressful situation, especially when thirty kids want your attention for different reasons after lunch while you’re also trying to set-up your lesson and give reading assessments… Wait, did someone say teaching is easy?
Thankfully, today brought a lot of little happy pick-me-ups to keep the positive momentum going. Here are a few worth sharing:
Though I know you weren’t the happiest with me in my timing of taking the photo, I’m so happy that it made your day! 🙂 Thanks for being a good sport and for all the inspiration you give me each and every day!! We are so lucky to be coworkers and now even better friends! No matter where your travels take you, and if you seriously end up moving to Portland, I hope we remain friends for a very long time. You have such a grace about yourself that I admire very much. Here’s to a great year filled with memories that can make us laugh harder than we did on our crazy road trip this summer! More bonding to come! 🙂 Big hugs, my friend! and Happy birthday!
Oh man, maybe it’s because I’m awake in the middle of the night and emotional, but you just made me teary. I’d like nothing better than that we always remain friends, and, of course, you really inspire me too. Thanks, as always, for everything you do to inspire me to keep working hard and teaching!