Today we danced. All that negativity the students were spewing in their recent essays got me thinking about my part in all of that. I mean I would be naive to think the way kids are feeling about school has nothing to do with me. I may be only one of 8 teachers they see during the day but even so, I'm a part of their self-described daily drudgery.
Years ago I heard of a 90 year-old woman who offered her perspective on the secrets of her own longevity.
"Well," she began, "every morning we all wake up to the same choice. We can greet the day with a smile or a frown. I always choose the smile."
Today I started with a smile and did what I could to keep it there all day. If that meant doing a little dance-now known as the Done Dance- when students turned in their finished English projects, then dance we did. Sure not everyone felt like dancing. But, even those who chose not to acknowledge their own class success with a few happy moves still smiled at the idea that they could.
18 hours ago
My first graders and I take smile breaks, where we all stop and smile at each other, for just this reason. Choice is important to remember, too. Thanks for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteBut, even those who chose not to acknowledge their own class success with a few happy moves still smiled at the idea that they could.--And isn't that the crux of it? I enjoyed reading this. thank you
ReplyDeleteI so needed this bit of wisdom today. My students have a terrible case of spring fever as do I. What's worse is that we don't have a real spring break at our school. We just do four day weekends. Now that all of the surrounding schools are having spring break I think we are all getting a little bit grumpy. I'll have to remember this next week.
ReplyDeleteSo did you dance, too, Mary? Hope so! You've got MOVES.
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