Chapter 1: The Big Picture - Attitudes and Strategies
I remember few details from the New Teacher Orientation meetings I attended in 1988. But one thing I will never forget was something my elementary supervisor said. She spoke to a room full of new recruits - about 85 of us entering the profession in that large, Maryland school system. In her loud, energetic voice, she said, "there's something I want you to be sure you do the first day of teaching - let the kids know you care about them and can't wait to spend the year with them! Make them want to come back. Smile and have fun!" She went on to say that if we did those things on day 1, we were sure to have a great year!In Chapter1, Mendler calls attitude the "fuel that makes the engine go." He goes on to suggest that "we can choose how to be with our students, colleagues, and parents, no matter who they are or what they do." That supervisor was talking about the same thing, back in 1988: attitude. Will you choose to find the positive in the challenges of a new school year? Will you delight in the thrill of teaching a new group of students or will you complain about their lack of skills? Will you roll your eyes when a colleague struggles with an issue or will you offer help?
What role do you think attitude plays in the overall success of our school? What do you think about Mendel's suggestion that we Play, Make Their Day, Be There and Choose Your Attitude?
I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Stephanie
Chapter 1 makes a really good point about taking one day at a time. I think the pressures within the classroom as well as those that surround us daily can easily affect our attitudes. I find it difficult sometimes to keep a positive attitude when paperwork is piling up, there are numerous unanswered emails to attend to, and then when planning time finally comes around, yet another meeting or situation arises. It really can be a "roller coaster" of daily pressures, and attitude has a huge impact.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to make excuses for having a poor attitude, but it's important to think in terms of our students' attitudes. Trying to teach students with a poor attitude is very difficult, while those who approach their struggles with perseverance and a smile are those we love to be around. The bottom line is positive attitudes are contagious.
I like the acronym BEEP (belief, energy, emotion, and passion) and look forward to reading problem solving and coping strategies to reawaken my BEEP.
We are blessed to have a job that so deeply impacts the lives of our future generation. Complaining about our students and pressures of the job is toxic. We have to be careful to eliminate this from meetings and from the conversation in the lounge.
I like the idea of adding fun to daily learning, and will work on ideas to integrate this into my teaching.
You said positive attitudes are contagious. I agree! A positive person can greatly influence the attitude of others! Thanks for sharing, Lori!
DeleteStephanie
I agree w/ you Lori on the "toxic" part about complaining...meetings...lounge area....
DeleteOne year I gave up "complaining" for lent, it was such a challenge and I'd like to say I was successful but more likely not, though it made me really focus more on what I was saying, how I was saying it and just what I was paying attention to and focusing my energies on. This is something we can all work more on, maybe have a symbol "C" with our hands reminds us "no complaining".....????
I am enjoying reading the book, I must say so far it reminds a lot fo William Purkey's "Invitational Education/Invitational Counseling" as well as the entire concept that Relationship is everything! If you have a positive relationship and have to deliver a negative content message it will go over in a way that keeps things moving forward as oppose to becoming an obstacle (Jim Faye, Love & Logic).
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to work on my attitude towards a certain furry pet in our house who apparently decided to read the book as well, I can only say my copy has a little different "look" to it, "chew style".
Attitude is everything in so much we face. If we could let go of some of our beliefs that is all has to be a "certain way" or everything has to be the "same" or "fair" and look at each situation to evaluate what is best for that student or in that particular case, to laugh at something, like the example of hearing the student make maybe an inappropriate comment, name may be a better choice sometimes in moving forward than to get into a power struggle. Not to say students do not need to be respectful, but sometimes if we try to see it from the other persons view it changes our on attitude or choice of responding. If we can keep focused on the goal to encourage students (or colleagues,etc.) to grow in positive directions that is what matters.
I remember the FISH book we read several years ago as a staff, the DVD and the "flying fish" at Staff Meetings :). I use the FISH philosphy in some of my other work and trainings. This was still a great reminder, especially the part about "play" have fun with the process, with those around you. I am constantly saying that everything you say and do affects those around you to our students and this is true for all of us, is what we are saying/doing in the moment making it better or worse... Sometimes again we need to change our attitude and see it from a differnt point of view, we don't always have to be "right" and its not all about "me"/"you". I agree that attitude affects how we react, ....how we live and who wants to be around us.
Another great reminder for me w/ this chapter is the part about taking care of yourself! I am always sharing this w/ others and I so need to do a better job! I began walking today! Anyone interested in a 15min walk club after school 2 to 3 days a week let me know! :)
Blessings,
Susan
I like the idea of the walk club. I also like the "C" code. If we each could exchange one complaint each day for a positive word toward a colleague or student, can you imagine the impact that could have?
DeleteI still LOVE the FISH philosophy - even after all the years it's been since we did it as a staff. Every aspect of life can be made so much better when we choose to be present and positive about it. When the stresses of the day drive you to the point of tears why not laugh instead?!
DeleteToo funny that your "furry pet" got your book, Susan! He wants to read about being positive too! We know now that being positive and encouraging with students not only makes them/us feel good about themselves, but research has recently shown that it improves academic performance too.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI was not at FDES for the FISH staff development. I wanted to learn a little bit more about it after reading the book and comments on the blog. I found a website that you can log into for free and watch an 18 minute video: http://www.media-partners.com/motivation/fish_philosophy_video.htm
DeleteYou get to hear from the employees at the Pike Market. It was inspiring to listen to their committment to the philosophy, their jobs, coworkers and customers. "It isn't really about Fish at all!"
Thanks for sharing the website, Mary Beth. I look forward to checking it out!
DeleteYou are right, good idea w/ the compliments....
ReplyDeleteEverything is how you make it out to be. You can choose to be positive and have a good day, or you can opt to let the bad day win and let nothing appease you. Success takes a positive attitude, and I agree with Mendel's description of it being fuel for the engine. If we don't instill a positive attitude within ourselves and our students, none of us will be successful.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that has helped me is each morning I have a class meeting with my class to talk, go over their agenda, and listen to what their thoughts are of the day. Each meeting, I make it a point to tell them how happy I am too see them and how excited I am to be working with them today. I've found when I say that, no matter how I feel or frustrated I may be, my mood and attitude always lighten up.
I love the idea of the morning meeting, Skyfire. How long does yours usually last?
DeleteSkyfire :) I agree about the morning meeting. When I taught first grade I had one every morning. It set the positive tone for the day...they loved the chance to talk about what was going on in their lives,what our school day would be like, singing our morning song, and the anticipated joke of the day. I plan to have a meeting each morning with my third graders as well....
DeleteWay back in the early nineties, I had a psych professor at JMU that thanked us for coming at the beginning of each class. I can't say I remember a lot of details from that time period, but I do remember the way his greeting always made me feel. Right from the beginning I felt happy, relaxed, and appreciated. No other professor had ever done that and I took notice. Mendler says, "Often, just some simple acknowledgment that lets each one know that you think he or she is special does the trick." Needless to say, I never skipped any of his classes, I didn't mind doing the work, and I earned a good grade. Working in the psych field, he already knew what an impact "making their day" can have on students. The cool thing is, it is free and doesn't require extensive planning or time!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAmy...I had that same professor at JMU!!! He truly is the only professor I ever remember thanking us for coming to class too! I think I probably appreciate it more now as an adult than I did back then as a college student, but you are exactly right - he did know the impact "making their day" can have on students, and I never missed his class either! =)
DeleteLori, I combine mine with my calendar activities, so it takes about 10-15 minutes. :)
DeleteOkay...I'm going to try this once again....for some reason my comments won't post:((( As I was saying for the third time today (ha, ha) I also think that morning meetings are so important! This time allows for kids to feel welcomed, part of the classroom community, and like Amy said, appreciated and valued. This is so critical to establish in order for kids to show their best learning...setting up a non-threatening and caring community. I have to say, I remember feeling so pressured to start instruction, that I would skip over this 'sharing' time or say let's 'share at snack time'. The fact is that many important lessons can be learned from this time...listening, respecting others' opinions, being patient, eye contact....and these are things that children will carry throughout their life. I also take time at the end of the day to share concerns, funny moments, or questions about our day. I love this time and kids learn to do a lot of problem solving. Oftentimes, we end up discussing things like bullying or how we should react to certain situations that arise throughout the day. It gives me an opportunity to view the day through the eyes of a 'kindergartner' and hopefully send them home feeling good about their day, and eager to come back:)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you all, the Morning Meeting time is so important - it always sets the tone for our day! Farrah's example of the end of the day sharing time is such an important part of the day too. I always feel rushed to fit this in at the end of the day, but just like Farrah said, it gives us the time to review the day, maybe discuss certain "issues" that came up during the day, and hopefully send the children home feeling good about their day. Also, helps them to answer the questions from their parents, "So, what did you do at school today?" =)
DeleteIt's so true about attitudes and others responses to them. One of the things I have always been hyper aware of are people's moods. I had noticed at an early age and began to incorporate that into the way I handle myself in interpersonal situations. It has helped tremendously in my professional life as well. It keeps me in check and conscious of how my mood or attitude might affect other people, especially the kids. I think keeping this awareness and tuning back into it regularly helps so much no matter who I am working with. I personally feel that I have been able to reach more students because they see a more consistent positive attitude. I know that when I am tired or feeling flat I need to step it up if I want the enthusiasm returned. Enthusiasm is contagious! We are human so it's not always easy to come by but so amazing when we can!! I love when I can change a child or adult's mood just by showing them a smile or being excited about what we are about to do.
ReplyDeleteHaving a healthy attitude at work is important no matter what your profession is. One of the reasons I became a teacher was so that I could have a job that I enjoy. It has always been a high priority for me that the students have fun while learning. The more enjoyment they are getting the more enganged they tend to be and therefore the more they learn.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAttitudes are the most important part of my classroom. School has become less 'fun' over the years for students and trying to add more fun in the classroom is a challenge but I get my 25% everyday! I too watched the Pike's video but I didn't do FISH training through FDES. We did a section on it in one of my college classes @ Bridgewater.
ReplyDeleteI remember working as a phone-a-thon member in college and they always told us to smile when we were on the phone. I thought it was a little crazy but it's true that people can hear it in your voice. I love nothing better then doing a 'good phone call.' Sometimes the only time a parent hears from you is in a negative way, and when possible (esp. with difficult students) calling home after a super day and smiling with your voice makes such a difference- both to the parent AND the kid.
I got a late start to this book, but now I can't put it down. Coming fresh out of college, we have read so much about the business side of teaching, but it is so refreshing to come back to the pleasure side of teaching.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to know that I will be able to go into my very own class this year and set the tone. It is a dream to be able to connect with my kids and create a relationship with each of them without having to leave in eight weeks.
Honestly, I have been very nervous about my first year teaching but this reminds me of why we are all here.It does't take a lesson plan to connect with students and be able to laugh with them every day, in hopes of everyone leaving that day with a smile on our faces! :)
I really think going into the classroom with a positive attitude is the best way to go. Being positive is more enjoyable for you and your students. I know that sometimes behavior can turn a teacher from positive to negative quickly and I like how Mendler mentions being in charge and having clear procedures.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of a school year I demonstrate how I want my students to do everything. I "train" them on unpacking their backpack to walking down the hall, and even how to be polite in the lunch line. I found that this made the classroom a better place for everyone! We all knew what was expected and how to accomplish great behavior. If a student had trouble following any procedure they had a little "retraining" secession and they were given the chance to try again. My second graders really responded to this method because they knew exactly what I was looking for.
I also used phrases such as "I like how Sally is standing in line" compared to "Billy, keep your hands to yourself." The students would want to be like the model student I pointed out and any misbehaving was usually corrected without my needing to intervene. This method helped us keep a positive outlook on a daily basis.