When the Going Gets Rough

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Do you dread Mondays? Are you dragging your boots on Sunday afternoon, wishing you had just a little more time to brace yourself refresh and renew before you go back to face your class again? Have the Magical Moments of Learning become something more akin to Why Wasn't I a Business Major?

It's OK, admitting it is the first step.

I've created a little list of tips for teachers that I've been using these past weeks and it's putting a little more spring in my step when teaching. I adapted this list from Anne Voskamp's 10+ Real Helps for Really Busy Moms and I highly recommend her book and her website also.

10 Tips for Worn Out Teachers

1. Teaching is not an emergency. It's not an emergency if a couple kids don't get it today. Slow down and hug them anyway.

2. Wake up and look around. There are wonderful things happening in your classroom if you are noticing.

3. Going slower may actually get things done faster in the long run. Think of all those mistakes you won't make.

4. Laugh at least as much as your students do. Research shows most Kindergarteners laugh around 300 times a day. Do you?

5. Never forget that being a teacher is an incredible GIFT. Children are amazing and so are you.

6. Classrooms are about learning, not perfection. A perfect classroom is the one that is "animated, creative, authentic" and probably loud and messy.

7. Believe that you have what it takes to be a great teacher. And if you need help, ask for it.

8. Stop hurrying. Make adjustments in your schedule so you can slow down. The demands on our time at school can be overwhelming but as Ann says, "Hurry hurts kids."

9. Work on patience. Breathe before you speak. Practice being gentle with words and touch.

10. Celebrate a good day, and on a bad day, celebrate twice.

Good luck tomorrow!