"This Day Makes Me Feel Better"

Ever have one of those moments where you feel like a complete failure?  One of those days?  Weeks?  Years?  I've had a couple several moments where I wasn't at my best, and wish I could go back in time to change my response.  Here's an example, a few years ago, I was frustrated with a difficult behavior.  I clapped my hands and talked louder to make my point, and when I did, the child flinched.  I felt terrible.  I wish I had the skills then that I have now.  But even with new skills, I have to breathe and be aware of my own brain state before I can help a child.  Yesterday, was not a good day...for me or a particular student.  I wish I could go back and redo it, but all I can do is try again and keep working to improve. Today, I praised more of what I wanted to see (what you focus on is what you get) and I gave short, assertive commands.  It made me calmer and allowed me to ask, "Why is this behavior happening?"  It allowed me to realize that the child is missing a skill and it's not about me. IT IS NOT PERSONAL!  As we were walking up the hallway he said to me, "This day makes me feel better."  This simple comment brought tears to my eyes.  He expressed in words what we both felt.  It was a better day.  Today, I was a real teacher.  Today, I taught the social emotional skills he was missing.  Today, I was more present and intentional about making connections.  I know not everyday will be a good day.  I know that we will have more days that we struggle individually and together, but today, in many brief moments, we made progress.  I taught.  He learned.  Isn't that what we're here to do?  Life is so much more than "just" academics.  

Magic Play Dough?

I think for many (teachers, students, and parents alike) the first day of school is stressful, and I believe this is heightened the younger the child.  I teach Pre-K, and for so many of my babies, it is the first time they have been left by parents, especially for the whole day.  I have learned a few tricks through out the years, and I thought I'd share them with you.  

 Acknowledge it is difficult for the whole family. 

• USE TECHNOLOGY!  I have the Remind App, and I have parents sign up at open house before school starts.  This allows me to send individual pictures throughout the day and parents can check in on their children.

• HAVE A PLAN! In the past, I have had students color, decorate a name tag, and play with toys.  These have worked well.  This year, however, I decided to change it up.  I saw on Play To Learn where they had magic play dough the first day.  It's colored play dough wrapped in white play dough (so the kids think it's a white ball of play dough).  I told them I had magic play dough, and if it changes colors, it's going to be a great school year!  They bit the hook.  I didn't expect just how curious this would make them.  The all eagerly sat down to see what would happen.  They were happy, interested, engaged, and most importantly, calm.  This eased the parents and allowed them to leave feeling like their child was going to be okay.  I will forever use this for all ages.  

• STAY CALM! The first day can feel overwhelming.  Parents are dropping off supplies in your room, filling you in on things they
  
  forgot to tell you at open house, children are nervous to stay, and parents are nervous to leave.  There's a lot of people in the classroom all at one time along with a range of emotions.  In the background, I had slow ambient music playing and soft lamp lights glowing.  This calms me (find what calms you).  Remember to breathe.  Parents and students will feed off your emotions.  It doesn't have to be perfect or smooth, just be yourself.