Quicksand or Lift-Off? Totally Up to You…

by: Karen Clark

Fri May 07, 2010 at 16:21:28 PM CDT

It happens to all of us.  It might be an event in our life, physical illness, or just because our system is temporarily a little out of whack.

What we must remember is that, as humans, our words, actions, and body language affect everyone around us whether they are family members, pets, colleagues, or perfect strangers.  

As teachers, our words, actions, and body language can have a profound effect on our students.  It is important that we use strategies to keep ourselves positive so we can provide the most nurturing and effective learning environment possible each and every day... even in the midst of spring fever.

Fake a smile
Seriously, try it right now.  See if, even after you fake it, the sides of your lips don't curl up a little on their own.  Uh-huh... see what I mean?

This works great if you are alone, and if you fake a smile where someone can see you, especially a student, you get bonus points, because you just helped make their day a little brighter.  And, they might even pass it on.

Make a plan to affect specific students positively today
Of course you want to affect all of your students positively every day, but sometimes, if we choose one or two students, or even one student per class period to give special attention, we can have a greater impact not only on the student, but on ourselves.

Ask yourself and answer one of these questions on your way to work and then, follow through

• Who am I going to be sure to help today?
• Which students will I make a point to give specific praise to today?
• What are the strengths of my students, and how can I help them acknowledge it?
• Which student(s) will I share a smile with to let him/her know I care?
• What am I going to enjoy today?

Throughout the day, stay alert and aware of your communication... all of it
Only a small part of your communication is through words.  When you work with students, they are more tuned in to your body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and overall emotion than they are in your words of wisdom about the U.S. Constitution.  

Stand tall, keep your facial expressions soft and a little upward curl in your lips, maintain a light tone in your voice, and emotionally emanate that you are happy to be where you are.   You will have a profound impact on your student's learning experience.  However, the impact you will have on yourself is an excellent bonus.  These physical behaviors are natural occurences when you are truly happy, and the response can work in either direction.

If four areas of personal awareness is a lot to think about, especially while explaining physics, just concentrate on one at a time.

Even if you feel fabulous this week, give these a try.  We can always use a natural positivity boost.

Have a fabulous day!