My first year in teaching at a South LA school, I once was so frustrated with a student that I picked him up over my head - while he was still sitting in his chair and screamed, "You will NOT break me!!" It definitely got my class quiet... but not in the way that any sane teacher would want... But what do we do for those moments, those classes when our sanity is breaking - our class is overwhelming and getting to 2:45 seems like Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance?
The first step is easy.....
1. Breathe.... That's it...breathe, smile, you're still alive, you'll make it and when the children see you take that little breath and smile, they'll know you still have control of all your faculties.
2. Give Every Child a Job: Jobs build self-esteem. They give every child a chance to do something well. Even my most problematic children want a chance to feel like they are valuable.
3. Compliment as Many Students as You Can: Everyone loves a good compliment. Make them sincere, honest and actually about something you notice your student doing - it will make a huge difference.
4. Get Your Students Out of Their Chairs: Their is an old rule that a child's attention span equals their age. So get them up, do some jumping jacks, have them walk around the class and practice greeting other students, make a quick game of Quiz Show Math.
5. Share Something Personal About Yourself as a Student: Remind your students that you are a person and at one time, you were even a child!!! This concept is always baffling to children. Share about the time you were sent to the principal's office, forgot your big project on the day it was due or didn't get picked for the kickball team. No one succeeds all the time and who better to demonstrate this to your students than you!
6. Take a Walk at Lunch: Get some fresh air... sunshine and a fresh breeze on your face that reminds you that there is a big world going on outside your classroom. Today is only one day, so eat your PB&J, get a good walk in and return to class with a smile on your face... and remember: Your day is almost over!!
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