Hump day. Gotta get over that hump, and it’s all downhill from there.
Right?
Don’t we all get a bit tired around this time of the week? It’s simply part of the job. We get up early, get to school, and then run our shows all day for kids who sometimes seem interested and other times clearly don’t want to be there.
It’s so easy to let those feelings of tiredness, even exasperation at our situations, overcome us. But have you noticed the changes in your students’ behaviors when your tiredness shows? I have. When I’m off my game and not feeling great about being in the class, my students often make things even more difficult for me. This can start a downward spiral that can lead, eventually if left unchecked, to that negative mind set some many of us have seen in other teachers or experienced ourselves.
What do you do about this? How do you stop that negative downward spiral from getting its hooks set in you?
When I’m not feeling my best, either because I’m over tired, over worked, or simply under the weather, I tell my kids. Just the simple act of discussing this with my students has great benefits. My students come to understand me as a person rather than just a teacher. They understand that I also have a life outside of school that affects me at school- just like them! It helps us connect as a class and as individuals since I often ask after stating the condition of my innerspace how the students are feeling. They are surprisingly honest and forthcoming when I’ve shared of myself with them.
So try this little trick. When you’re feeling down or tired or whatever, talk about it with your students. I think this simple act of sharing will not only help you feel better, but it will encourage your students to be better behaved for you. And this connection will go a long way towards helping you enjoy your job…
…even on a Wednesday.
Darren