Educators are natural reflectors who passionately take in their classroom environment each day, ponder the moments, and then act on how they will celebrate the successes or adjust their sails to improve something. This post is not meant to inject positive toxicity but simply remind ourselves what matters most as educators; this includes ALL staff! We are all educating students within building spaces no matter what your role is at this time and place.
Enter reflection...We do it because...
JOY ~ Yes, there are challenges (not gonna hide this fact) but when you consider the times a child will bring a true smile to one's face because a lightbulb went off with their learning, or they simply loved an activity done in class..that is true JOY!
Learning ~ Yes, teaching is what we do but learning is another layer that helps US grow and become better. Notice I included 'US'. We are as much the learners as our students whether it is preparing for something never taught, reading a professional book or article, or watching a webinar to learn new information. Much like students, we become better by increasing our learning and not maintaining the status quo.
Rewards ~ Intrinsic and genuine...say words often that praise and acknowledge with specific details! High impact whether addressing a student or adult!
A few things to think about as we move into 2022:
Be visible ~ Find times throughout the week to be present in your hallway and say 'Hello' to any student heading down your hallway. Consider stopping by and chatting for a moment with any of your parents who are standing in the hallway waiting for their children.
Wear a smile ~ Focus on the children who are sitting in front of you that need some cheer. Smile...even on the days you are facing adversity.
Maintain a soft, caring voice ~ This nurtures...enough said.
Most importantly is to go out and make this a great year to remember regardless of where you are in the journey of education.
Enter reflection...We do it because...
JOY ~ Yes, there are challenges (not gonna hide this fact) but when you consider the times a child will bring a true smile to one's face because a lightbulb went off with their learning, or they simply loved an activity done in class..that is true JOY!
Learning ~ Yes, teaching is what we do but learning is another layer that helps US grow and become better. Notice I included 'US'. We are as much the learners as our students whether it is preparing for something never taught, reading a professional book or article, or watching a webinar to learn new information. Much like students, we become better by increasing our learning and not maintaining the status quo.
Rewards ~ Intrinsic and genuine...say words often that praise and acknowledge with specific details! High impact whether addressing a student or adult!
A few things to think about as we move into 2022:
Be visible ~ Find times throughout the week to be present in your hallway and say 'Hello' to any student heading down your hallway. Consider stopping by and chatting for a moment with any of your parents who are standing in the hallway waiting for their children.
Wear a smile ~ Focus on the children who are sitting in front of you that need some cheer. Smile...even on the days you are facing adversity.
Maintain a soft, caring voice ~ This nurtures...enough said.
Most importantly is to go out and make this a great year to remember regardless of where you are in the journey of education.
