3 posts from 2008

     To the first years teachers who might be readng this.... the rush is probably over.  Its week three for most of us and things should be settling down as far as schedule changes and such.  Plus your adrenaline high thats been pushing you should be ebbing off leaving you looking for new sources of energy to keep up the day. 

     That energy comes from the routine.  If you keep the operation smooth and easy then your energy needs are lower and easier to maintain.  Its easier to maintain a constant than to have to mount the high level of energy to regain control over a wayward acting class.  Let the discipline ladder move kids where they need to be, but keep it moving.  Dont give 200 warnings. Give one warning.  When they say what for.. you say inappropriate behavior.

     Also establishing a rountine relaxes your mind.  You know what to expect.  It decreases mental stress which is what is really burning that energy up quickiest.  You might be feeling in it your feet, but your brain is tired.  So eat well and sleep well and try to do something to up the endorphins everyday.  Take yoga or something. 

     Plus the routine is can be an energy source.  If you plan ahead and have things ready then you will get excited about whats about to happen.  The routine is working out the wrinkles in behavior and now the routine is occuping the minds so they are not bored and ready to show out.  Keep up your routine or get a routine and you will do fine.    

     Well im off to my 6th year of teaching and I am having a blast.  New students and some new ideas.  Im not overly impressed with the cognitive ability of this group...maybe I shouldn't say that.  Lets just say its not the sharpest group I have had.  However they are a great group of personalities that show a lot of potential.  I think that we will have some real breakthroughs this year.  Remember that attitude is 99% of everything.  I look for the good in my students so thats what I find.  Sometimes I find other things...sometimes those things smell, but since I'm not looking for that I just let it go and keep digging for good useable attributes that I can impress more good attributes onto.

I suggest that you do the same.  There is no reason to weep over spilt milk or lament for that in which we will never have.  Use what you have and do the best you can and know that it is the journey that counts and not the destination. 

I repeat: attitude is 99% of everything.

I understand that many new teachers get caught up in the ideologies of education and the purposes for which they drag themselves to school everyday.  Let me take this time to overly simplify the situation.  In colleges and universities they will tell you what they think and the people from the state dept will throw their two cents in.  Their opinions are not any more worthy than the dali llamas is.  No offense to the dali.  Your job is to try to make their life better and you do it becuase you have a deep desire to help others.  Its called love.  You teach out of love.  Cant say that in colleges or state agencies becuase its not quanititive or measureable, but neither is any of the good stuff in life like laughter, joy, and friendships.  Most successful adults could not pass my 5th grade final exam so why is it important to learn about the Civil War or about U.S..presidents from over a century ago?  I dont know and dont ask me.  Curriculums change, society changes, people change.  My job is to teach stuff, my mission is to teach them to think, and my reason is becuase I care.  Strip away all the beaucracy and just look at your students.  They are kids.  Be a good role model, show them that people care about them, and teach them that learning is important and that they can be achievers.  Teach them how to think.  Do it because you love them.  If you dont then quit.