Thursday, December 20, 2018

Patience is a Gift

It's the time of year where we count our blessings, love our family and friends, and appreciate the wonderful season of the Holidays. But, after the lights are down, the holiday food is over, the real challenge can often begin. It can even be harder for our children of all ages.

The first of the year can be a challenge for our students as they return from a holiday break that might not mirror the love and hope we experienced in our home. They return to school with needs having been unmet. We come back to school and there are many days of learning back to back to back. So, what's the best gift you can give your students to the start of 2019?

Patience.

You can give patience.

Yes, we have been in school for a semester and they should know what to do.
Yes, it should be no surprise that students are expected to work independently during independent work time.
yes, we should be kind to our peers and to the adults.

But, let's face it that is not always the reality. When those moments occur that disrupt the 'natural flow' of learning, give patience. It's not something that is guaranteed or promised to anyone. But, I promise giving patience can make the difference between a great day and a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!

Try these three strategies to give the gift of patience for the new year.

1. Breathe deeply. There are moments in our classroom where we may have to repeat ourselves several times or a student says something they should not to you. Resist the urge to jump on your emotions. Take three deep breathes and determine the choices you can make. Three deep breathes can make the difference in how we deal with a student issue before we make a mountain our of a mole hill.

2. Laugh often. See the humor in circumstances. When a little child decides to skip in line instead of walking down the line as she should, chuckle to yourself. Be appreciative that she has that much joy and love in life that skipping sounds so fun. In fact, try letting everyone skip. See what happens. Lots of smiles. High school friends - they may not skip in the hallway, but there are some great one liners kids say. Enjoy them and call them out!

3. Give Options. There are some 'battles' not worth fighting. If a student needs a pencil and doesn't have one, have options ready. Perhaps it's a borrow basket, ask a friend, or use a pen. A student asking for a pencil means she/he is wanting to work! Celebrate the small things. Anticipate options that allow choice for students to ask. When we have options its easier for us to practice patience.

Give patience as a gift. If you don't, who will?

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