Lead By Example

The power of a calm tone and a level head is unspeakable. It is so important that as teachers, we respond with kindness instead of disgrace toward our students, and to one another as human beings. It is even more important that we respond with calmness and a controlled demeanor because that speaks volumes for our students on how to handle tough situations, adversity, extreme emotions, and other unfavorable things that may come their way. As adults we model in everything we do. The biggest eye opener since starting this profession has been finding out that controlling the sometimes inevitable and overwhelming chaos of the first year teacher's classroom (and life) is easier done with calm composure than with raising a voice or losing one's cool.

I have never been one to raise my voice unless I am incredibly excited or telling an animated story, but when I step into the classroom, the most gentle side of myself can be seen. I have found that in getting kids to 'buy into' this whole thing that we're pushing for them (that is, their education and general well-being), the adage 'you catch more flies with honey than vinegar' absolutely holds true. And even more so when they see the potential for you to use vinegar, but that you instead choose to use honey. I believe that it is in the human spirit to be most responsive to kindness and caring, compassion and love.

My kids who sometimes expect me to yell at them for a mistake or a poor choice are instead met with a calm reiteration of my expectations for them, and my everlasting and sincere belief that they can and will do better. I take this approach to everything in my classroom: from my students lining up shabbily to them completing work haphazardly or being unkind toward neighbors. I have been able to control the atmosphere of my classroom environment by making clear what the expectations are, but more importantly modeling how my kids can respond in tough, tense, overwhelming situations. With this practice, I have gained a great level of respect and rapport with my kids and a healthy understanding of the roles and boundaries of my classroom-- and I didn't even have to be louder than them to get their attention with this one! It has been truly fascinating to see the positive student response.