Staying Positive

Now that the excitement of getting back to school is over and the weather has changed to grey skies all day long, it starts becoming harder to stay upbeat. The worst thing you can give a student in a  “I don’t want to be here” funk is a negative teacher. This is something I have found myself struggling with myself the last week or so because I was taken from my favorite time of the day and put in a tough situation. I am trying to remedy my reaction because I know this new boy I work with could really use some positive influences, so here is my teacher checklist on How to Stay Positive.

Make your room a happy place to be

Not just for the kids but for yourself. Bright colors, comfy chairs, organized desk. The better the atmosphere the better the attitude. I even like to dress cheery because I feel it forces me to play the part. You can’t look too mopey when you are wearing neon pink of a sweater with a poodle on it.

Try to avoid the teacher’s lounge

The teacher’s lounge can be a great place to visit with other staff members and share ideas but it is mostly used as a place where Negative Nancys and Debbie Downers go to vent. Although it seems helpful, venting can cause you to project negative ideas of students on to others, look bad to other people, and continue the downward spiral.

After Work Activities

Find something that you enjoy doing and that gives you some fun time with adults. I take zumba and yoga classes right at my school. Yoga is really relaxing and zumba is just plain fun! I also got a small part in a community theater play.

Make Mondays fun days

Pack your favorite lunch or save your favorite show for Mondays. Getting yourself excited for mondays makes starting the week off a lot more fun.

Save the happy moments

Keep a box or binder full of pictures and notes you got from students and their parents that remind you why you love this job so much.

Don’t let mistakes get to you

I am working hard at this. Students and other teachers will criticize at times but your biggest critic is you. Mistakes happen. Don’t dwell on them, fix them and move on.

Tomorrow is a new day!

Take a breath, get a good night sleep, and try again tomorrow.