Let’s be real. At this point in the school year, we are all tired. Even though we have dealt with the disruptions of never-ending COVID and severe weather, we are weary of the daily routine. Students know what buttons to push with each other and with us. Our colleagues are worn out. The administration is already planning for the next school year. We feel stuck in the middle, wondering if we will ever find our way out. COVID get through the Day
Take heart, dear ones. You are not alone in this liminal space.
This is when we must keep stepping…right foot, left foot. As we do, we discover what we are truly made of. My hope for you is:
Courage – standing up for what is right; facing your fears, Perseverance – sticking to it; not giving up, and Creativity – thinking of new ideas; dreaming of what can be.
When we feel trapped by circumstances, it is easy to become disheartened. However, we must intentionally remind ourselves that this too shall pass. Let us reframe the situation, and ask ourselves, “What do I most treasure about these young ones I am teaching?” This is Courage in action.
Lao Tzu, a 6th century Chinese philosopher said, “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
As we plan for meaningful interactions with our students, including time for academic instruction and relationship building, we are choosing Perseverance.
We will not simply bide our time. We will make the most of each moment.
Our commitment to maximizing our time and effort requires Creativity. Now is when we can tap into innovative methods and stimulating projects. What about challenging students to transform a historical period into an RPG (role-playing game)? Or assigning them the task of assembling the soundtrack for a novel?
During this transitional period, let us remind ourselves that our students are astute. They will mirror our enthusiasm for teaching and learning, not only now but in the future when faced with the inevitable lulls of work and family life. May we exemplify that the best way to deal with hard times is to push through.
Tips for Pushing Through the Day
For you:
- Daily walks outside. – Get fit and be inspired by nature.
- – Write out your frustrations. Then write about your plan to tackle them.
- Fun times. – Bundle up and gather outside for a bonfire.
For your students:
- Play games. – Spelling bees, math reviews, or even Heads-Up-7Up are fun ways to build a sense of family in the classroom.
- Outdoor learning. – Use the atrium or playground as your classroom for regular subjects. Or maybe it’s time to start a community garden.
- Movie review. – Comparative analysis of books and movies can help increase engagement. Take it a step further, by exploring cinematic techniques and inviting students to create their own movie trailers.