Positivity

Teachers,

Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday. 

Positivity—

We are at the point in the year when students feel cooped up inside because of the cold weather, rain, possible snow, and “Dinner and a Movie” time during lunch. It is important to take an extra 5 seconds and breathe before ‘working’ with a student that has made a poor choice. Right now is the time to build up relationships and let students know that we care. With the varied situations students come to us we need to give them someone to trust. We don’t have to be their best friends and we definitely need to help them do their work and hold them to assignments the best we can. How we talk to students needs to be firm, but positive. The tone of the voice can get in the way of the message that is said. Finding a solution and teaching two to be appropriate in situations where students are making poor decisions need to be the norm. Not just getting rid of a behavior, but teaching how to replace the behavior with a positive one. I catch myself not making a good decision when talking with students and I have to back off and come back to them with a better plan of action. They are learning. They are young. In some cases they are unlearning what they have been taught since birth. It will take time. Being positive about and with all students will make a difference in their lives. We may never see it, or we may have a student tell us 10 years down the road that we made a difference in their lives in that one year they were with us. It only takes the one to make that comment and it makes it worth it. For every one that makes the comment, there are 100’s more that think it and live the lessons we teach. 

Quote I’m pondering —

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. -- Oprah Winfrey

What’s Happening This Week —

Tues., Jan. 29 - Jennifer Throndsen Observation Day

Wed., Jan. 30 - Jennifer Throndsen Training Day

Sat., Feb. 2 - EdCamp at Tonaquint Intermediate School 8am-3pm. Show up and learn. No cost. 

Favorite Article This Week —

Ryan Speedo Green: From juvenile delinquency to opera stardom

All it takes is a little love and a reminder that we should not let a bad moment in time define who we are or define the students we work with.

A Big Thank You —

Thank you, Fourth Grade, for all you have done with your students. They have shown great growth this year and are moving and grooving with the programs you have put together. We have seen a change in their attitudes and behavior and it makes a huge difference in the lunchroom, on the fields, and with their academics. You are making a difference in their lives. Thank you for all your planning and work together. We appreciate all you do for the students and for the school. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.

I appreciate all of you and your hard work.