If you have a positive attitude you’ll believe and act as if
all students will be successful in your class. If you have a positive
attitude there are no losers in your classroom despite what you’ve might have
heard. Students will live up to your expectations. Think and act
as if students are trouble, believe me they probably won’t disappoint you. I truly believe that a teacher's positive attitude does cause a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. A teacher's positive attitude is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.
On a side note..... I am so excited this year to have my OWN group of kids once again. I truly missed my morning meetings with my kiddos! That to me played such a positive impact in my classroom~, en. From our joke of the day to our group discussions about what was going on in their lives always set the tone of the day. As they enter the classroom each day, I always try to say something positive to each and every student. I will admit, even with my most challenging students, it can be difficult at times and sometimes it takes awhile to gain their trust-but I wholeheartedly believe if you maintain that positive attitude it will win them over. I came across this little note to students on one of my favorite sites (Pinterest)...
Dear Students~
1. I believe in you.
2. I trust in you.
3. You are listened to.
4. You are cared for.
5. You are important.
6. You will succeed.
Love, Ms. Young
Students WILL live up to your expectations - glad you mentioned that, Laurie. Attitude certainly drives expectations. If you set expectations high and believe they can do it, they probably will! Great letter to your students! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
I agree Lori, I was involved in similar training w/ a Guest Relations Program I faciliated for a medical facility in human resources years ago....it's all about attitudes and relationships.
ReplyDeleteI like your Dear Student letter.....
Susan
oops I met Laurie, sorry... my fingers go faster than my brain....
ReplyDeleteLaurie, I love that Pinterest finding and was planning on posting that in my classroom. I think we all should make that our motto. I think that is what Learning for All Whatever it Takes is really all about. I, too, am looking forward to building that classroom community with my students this year like I had when I taught first grade. Whether or not we want to admit it, our students truly do pick up on how we feel about them based on our attitudes in the classroom. This reminds me of the saying: Children may not always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
ReplyDelete~Lori
Awwww...I love the note to students too! That is a great find Laurie!
ReplyDeleteI believe that we must have a positive attitude when working with our children and peers. Students need to feel that you believe in them and that you care. Your Dear Student Letter is a perfect way to show students just that Laurie!!!
ReplyDeleteAs usual Laurie finds the perfect words with her Student Letter. Bravo!!! Will steal this without a doubt! Perhaps an original poem about positivity and choosing a happy attitude each day is in order. :)
ReplyDeleteI too like Laurie's short and "to the point" affirmation to students. We should put this in own comon homework folder so they can read it everyday.
DeleteI agree, come on Laurie, bring out your fantastic "rhyme" capability and create us a poem like Amy suggested =) I'll stay tuned....
DeleteLaurie, I love the student note too. I also like Bev's idea of including it in our homework folders. I have to admit though, it does remind me of our favorite line from The Help..."You is good, you is kind, and you is important!"
DeleteAmy,
DeleteIf you ever bring in a chocolate pie, I will think twice about having a piece! However, I am looking forward to having a team with a "sense of humor", however warped it may be! I firmly believe belly laughing is important to one's soul!
The "carpe diem" message from Chapter 1 was definitely received, and I would love to see it infused into every aspect of the FDES working/learning climate. I feel that the SOL accreditation process can threaten our well-meaning intentions of a cohesive community as we get distracted by extraneous demands. Not everyone can be on their "best game" all the time, so I like the mention of having an "emotional bank account" and the notion of "give before you get". We are in this accountability journey together, so we need to work off the strengths of everyone and be there to fill in the gaps when others need help in reaching their goals. Incidentally, I think setting this example for our students will serve them well in the future as they enter the work force themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree that passion does inspire learning. It increases the chances that it will be received by our students. Energy level is imperative, especially if we want it reciprocated in the classroom. Think about all the professional development speakers we have had, and think about the ones who left an impact on you.
My favorite quote of the whole chapter was "The lens we look through determines what we see and affects how we react. Great leaders are able to rally people to a better future." (p.13) Perhaps Stephanie can purchase all "rose-colored" glasses, or more realistically, we could make it our mission to always find the "silver lining". Life presents frequent obstacles without us getting in our own way. In addition, communication lines must stay open among faculty members with a shared sense of trust that a solution to the problem is the common goal. Team harmony is crucial to productivity. Gossip and negativity is not only counter-productive, but it also creates misconceptions and low tolerance of others' differences. Diversity must be embraced if we are to enjoy coming to work every day and accomplish our mission.
Reaching students with varied dispositions must be a priority in the learning process or our efforts will be wasted and futile. Even though our pacing guides are already jammed-packed, somewhere in the resource section we need to include mutual interest, trust, and respect between students and teachers. I tried greeting my students at the door every morning this year with a cheerful hello, and even though I was received by some zombies, I know that I met someone's need for attention or affirmation that day.
Despite the economy, I do feel blessed that WCPS has supported us as far as obtaining the necessary supplies and materials. The latest example of this is the addition of the trailers to continue the low teacher/student ratio and maximize the learning environment for all students. In the past, I also feel that we have always been supported with parent/teacher concerns. In many issues, we have been shielded from unwarranted distractions to our responsibilities. For that, I am thankful. There are many blessings at FDES upon which we can dwell.
I welcome the practice of being a part of the new initiatives in our school. Change is necessary, but I agree that some mandates cause stress for teachers when the same result can be achieved through different avenues that perhaps are better for our particular students. I feel confident that we can embrace our knowledge and experience and share ownership in the decision-making process.
Well said, Bev!
ReplyDeleteWow! Great thoughts, Bev. I will look for the "rose colored" glasses at the dollar store - if only it were that easy! I appreciate your point about the importance of a team approach because we are in this together, and I agree that negativity and gossip are counterproductive. We don't have time for that!
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