DISCUSSION QUESTION #7: "Position your
content as if it's amazing!"
"If you can't explain why someone should pay attention to what you're saying, maybe you shouldn't be saying it." (Burgess, 62) What do you do to help keep your enthusiasm alive?
"If you can't explain why someone should pay attention to what you're saying, maybe you shouldn't be saying it." (Burgess, 62) What do you do to help keep your enthusiasm alive?
Reply to two others.
I am constantly on the go and see students in different districts. Most of the time I only see the students a couple times a week. I always start the same with each student, a big smile on my face and ask how they are. I think that sets the tone for our short session together. I have encountered many different things with different students and try to keep the atmosphere happy and supportive. Some of my students know they struggle at a particular subject and are reluctant to try new things or even work hard at that subject. However, I counteract their dismissive comments with positive ones. Then when they do something on their own, I make a big deal out of it. One student in particular said he couldn't do something, that it was too hard. I told him that it might be hard but he couldn't say I can't to me. I was there to help him when he needed it but I knew he could do it. After doing it, I had a huge grin and told him, "Look you just did it! I told you you could do it. It may have been hard but you worked at it and did it!" He got a smile on his face. His attitude changed dramatically! I think rewarding those moments when the students worked hard, helps keep the students in a positive light and coming back for more.
ReplyDeleteI like to make a big deal out of their accomplishments as well! If m students are struggling with something and then they have a success I make a huge deal out it and make sure that they know I'm proud of them!
DeleteI agree that it is important to help our students gain confidence in themselves by guiding them to do things independently and then praising them for it. I love hearing when a student is proud of themselves or has a smile on their face because they did something for the first time all on their own.
DeleteMany of our students need that confidence builder, we are their cheerleaders, many times we are the only ones on their team. Great message and thanks for sharing.
DeleteA smile, high five, or sticker, can give a student major confidence that they can do it again.
DeleteIt's very hard to keep my enthusiasm up. Sometimes I just need to let loose and have a little fun in my classroom. Some days we listen to music while we work, other days just being happy and having a positive attitude can make a world of difference. I like to be a little silly sometimes and have a laugh or two with my kids. I prefer a relaxed atmosphere in my classroom. My motto this year is" It is what it is."
ReplyDeleteI agree with it being hard to keep up the enthusiasm. Some days faking happy is as much as I can do. I think that is being enthusiastic at a mild level. :-)
DeleteI agree that it is good to sometimes just relax with our students and get to know them. When are silly and have fun they have fun and it creates rapport.
DeleteStudents like it when teachers have fun, too!! They will remember those fun times a lot more than they will all the facts and information you taught them!
DeleteI love the idea of music in the classroom! I know that many students respond to teachers who let them choose (appropriate) music to play in the classroom, especially during work time.
DeleteLove the motto! We sometimes take ourselves to serious and can only change somethings in our lives and our students. We have to give some of it up.
DeleteA teacher in our building has the best laugh. At lunch when she laughs, I see students laugh with her - even if they are clear across the lunchroom and have no idea why she's laughing. Positive, good will and fun goes a long way to motivate students.
DeleteLaughter is contagious....something to remember ! I have a student who rarely responds to anything...loud noises, people, etc. But, sometimes this student gets to laughing and it is so good to see... Today was one of those days and we were all laughing, as the joy was contagious.
DeleteI have frequently stopped teaching for a day or two and be spontaneous with the kids and do something that is off course of the subject in order to keep my classroom exciting and at least half way fun to be in. I have a really quiet student who is very uninterested in school and it is a work in itself to keep that person motivated.
DeleteI agree it is do what we need to kind of business we are in. There are days, we know kids are not going to do what they are assigned and we need to empathize with what support do they need today.
DeleteKim-
DeleteI like your motto and have already used it several times this year, haha! I think in our field, we have to be able to adapt and just roll with whatever comes our way.
The kids help me keep my enthusiasm alive. No matter how difficult it may to work with a parent or others; just remembering that I love working with kids keeps me going. I love when the light comes on for them and they learn something for the first time. That is what keeps me going. I also love making learning fun and creative. Putting my craftiness to hand when it comes to teaching makes it more fun for me.
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to your message Michelle. You take the difficult and continue to look at the positive. The love for children and your love for learning makes you an awesome teacher, I am sure of this!
DeleteThe kids are the main reason we do what we do. I find that even if the day isn't going well sometimes just stepping back and working with the kiddos puts everything back in perspective.
DeleteI think everyone likes to be recognized for a job well done, or at least for their good efforts. Adults are no exception to this.
DeleteI agree that the kids are why we do what we do, and we have to remember that during all meetings with parents and other adults.
DeleteKids do make my days enjoyable, and sometimes I need all their positive to cancel out the negativity of other teachers.
DeleteI keep my enthusiasm alive daily with my faith in God! I have had many trials in my life, in fact my own children want me to write a book, because they are amazed that I am still alive and I have a love for life still. He has helped me in every way and through so much.
ReplyDeleteI connect with my kids in class, because I have had experience that I can totally relate to many of them. I want them to realize that no matter what cards they are dealt, there is always something positive to find in each day! I love to come to work, I love to inspire kids and I get excitement that builds and it spills out where ever I am or whomever I am with. It also helps to have such great paras that have the same mind set and enjoy kids and are there to inspire them as well. We are a rock solid team and have fun daily! The kids and many of the other students in the school ask to be in our room, which we allow if they are needing help or a different place to work! I love being a teacher!!!
That's great that those you work with also have fun and enjoy working with the students. That really helps the students know you are all there for them and they look forward to working with you as a team. It also says a lot when students ask to come to your room!
DeleteI love your statement, "there is always something positive to find in each day!". I try to do the same with students - regardless of their disabilities, behaviors, etc., there is always something positive and good about each students. When I gather information for IEP meetings, the first question I always ask teachers is, "What do you see as this students strengths?" Then I make them give me at least three. I think this helps put some focus on what is good about the kiddo, not just what we need to work on. Great message - thanks for sharing!
DeleteChris, It sounds like you have a great team and are having an enjoyable year. It makes life so much better when we have those happy work times.
DeleteI love this about you Chris! You have got to be one of the happiest teachers I have ever met! Every day is an adventure!
DeleteI agree with you!I want my students to come into a positive environment in my classroom. These kids want so much to be like the other kids and I want to help them along the way. I want my students to feel comfortable. I sort of have a saying "Fake it until you make it" So I start each day with a big smile...and pretty soon, everyone around me is smiling too! I love my job!
DeleteI think I just get excited by the content. I love history and literature, so when I start reading a book with a student, I get pretty excited. I start thinking of connections and questions about it. I think when I'm excited and I get into the content, the students are more likely to as well.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I just love my job. I love that I can work with students who (usually) want to be challenged and dig deeper. So, with my excitement and their desire to learn, we can usually find some interesting content.
I agree Jessica! I have the best student! Seeing their desire to be successful and grow helps me be positive. Their excitement in life spreads to others and overrides the negative!
DeleteOver the years I have created a small class-set library of books for my reading classes. Each year I plan what books each grade will read during that school year. 2 years ago one of my classes read "The Giver" for our science fiction genre. The next year I really did not have a clue as to what book for them to read for science fiction so I asked my students for any suggestions. An 8th grade girl suggested "The Maze Runner". She had seen the movie and wanted to read the book. After some research on my own I ordered the books and we ended the year reading, actually listening to, the book. Everyone one of my classes loved it, including myself. I told my daughter about it and she read the entire series in only a few months. That gave my class a big boost of enthusiasm! In fact we are finishing up book 2 this school year and will probably read book 3 next school year. Sometimes teachers try so hard to find the "hook" for the students that if we will just listen to them they have their own "hook" and they will gladly let us reel them in!
ReplyDeleteI love your idea of having students select group or class books! I have found that many students are more willing to read one of my recommendations if I've read a few of their selections with them.
DeleteI try to start my mornings with my husband and kids as positive as possible - have as much ready the night before and by the door, wake up early enough to take a nice shower and have plenty of time to get ready, wake my kids with songs (I make songs up for them, including a modified version of the Good Morning song), and try to spend a few minutes loving on my cats. I have found that if I am in a good mood it makes our mornings go much smoother and it carries over to work. I walk in the door to school in a good mood (not cranky, rushed, angry, etc,) and I see kids right away. I say good morning to EVERYONE I see - parents, students, custodians, secretary, etc. Sometimes I have to fake it like Dave Burgress says, but it if my day starts out great, I can usually handle all the things that are thrown my way. I also suffer from anxiety, and my calming techniques I have learned to deal with that help me stay positive. It is super easy for me to slip into that negativity - I try to surround myself with positive people, and limit my exposure (although I do have to work with a few!) to the negative people.
ReplyDeleteI taught with a girl a long time ago who was given some advice about positive versus negative people at school. She was told to stay out of the teachers lounge! There can be alot of negativity in that place! I try to avoid negative people too at school, it just makes a challenging job even harder!
DeleteA good morning routine that starts the night before makes for happy days. I love that you wake your kids with songs you've made up for them...how special that must make them feel.
DeleteI love the way that you start your morning each day. I bet that helps make the day great for everyone at your house. I agree with you, sometimes I have to fake it...pretend that I am happier than I really am. It seems to work, because the kids never know the difference. :)
DeleteEnthusiasm can be contagious, we can spread it or put an end to it! Which we as teachers to both. It can keep our student moving or stop them. Sometimes a bad day is changed due to a student who has such a positive outlook that we catch it! Try to avoid negative thoughts, people and situations! Students can read people very well and realize sometimes we all have the "bad" day, but not the "bad " outlook all the time.
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard to keep you enthusiasm High at school. There are so many kids out there that come to school with a negative outlook on teachers and school itself and they get our attention in a negative ways that spreads to other students, that makes our job that much more challenging. We cannot not give up hope and success for this young people, we may very well be the only hope and chance that they have.
DeleteLike Dave Burgess says "fake it until you make it". One person can start a positive tone for the day.
DeleteWhat to do to keep the enthusiasm alive in Kindergarten can be easy. Jump up and play a quick game, play I spy, make funny sounds and sing silly songs. Do a quick draw lesson and remind the kids you are NOT the art teacher. Just the little things like using gummy bears as the game piece that they can eat when done makes it just that much better.
ReplyDeleteThe littles are fun because they can brighten your day so easily. Someone in the class is usually ready to give you a hug or draw you a picture. I recently spent some time in the 2nd grade class room and had a little boy tell me at the end of the day that he loved me !
DeleteI try to look at the positive in the world. There's so much sadness, I do not want to focus on that. I want my classroom to be a place that allows students to be happy and proud of their efforts. Constant encouragement is probably what I do most to get kids to continue to be enthused. Also, I kid and joke with kids about my 'old age', at some point they learn to dish out some good quality joking. I think a little humor goes a long way to make things seem brighter.
ReplyDeleteHumor is key! You have to be able to laugh to get through life. There is a fine line between that and sarcasm. Alot of students do not know the difference, some teachers too!
DeleteI like the positive attitude, but I will admit that it is sometimes hard to stay positive. I agree that humor is a great way to loosen the mood in the room. I sometimes wish we could keep the outside out so the mood is never broken, but then that wouldn't relate to real life.
DeleteThere is much sadness in the world. A lot of our students have difficult lives. Sometimes we just need to listen and say I'm sorry. Sometimes that's what the students need. Always put a smile on your face and pretty soon the students begin to smile also
Delete
ReplyDeleteBeing positive is the key in being enthusiastic for me. I too, try to limit my exposure to negative people as it is so hard to turn that around. I try to give lots of encouragement when asking a student to try something new. I also try to remind myself that it may take many tries to accomplish a new task (as in more than one year with my functional students). Often, the student surprises me with success. I try to make a big deal out of celebrating the small, positive steps along the way.
Yes, celebrating those small steps that happen are just as important as celebrating those bigger gains. It is very important to be positive and stay positive, even when the situation is not a positive one.
DeleteThere have been times when I have found it really a challenge to be enthusiastic. Those times have been when my case load was overwhelming and there just weren't enough hours in the day to get it all done. This year is NOT one of those. I am loving every minute of every day. I have a planning period this year! How many of us can say that very often? Feeling as though I have time to plan and prepare for my classes has helped my enthusiasm level tremendously. It is fun to come to work when your students are wanting to learn, you have good paras, supportive administration, and whole host of other positives. I am feeling extremely blessed this year and more upbeat and energized than I have for a few years.
ReplyDeleteI agree. My caseload this year is just outrageous, and I feel like I don't have time to be creative and come up with enthusiastic ways to get the kids more engaged. I feel like when I have more time to really think about the lessons and the student's goals, I can incorporate some more creative ways of teaching those lessons and be more enthusiastic about them.
DeleteWhen I teach a lesson I do my best to not speak in a dull monotone voice, I do try to speak with some enthusiasm. And after reading this chapter I need to do more. As I read this chapter I thought I could use more enthusiastic words to keep or get my student's attention. If I turn up the enthusiasm 2 or 3 more notches can get more involvement. Also I do really need to do better explaining relevance in the topic that I teach. I have always been good on my feet at improvising or thinking outside of the box when I'm outside of school, I'm still working on or searching for that instant wow factor that I have been racking my brain to come up with at school. Yes I have had some great ideas I have come up with at school but not the one that can be a real game changer.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking with enthusiasm, even when you're not enthusiastic about the topic, can make it much more enjoyable. I've often felt that teaching is a lot like acting - you have to make a bit of a performance out of it. The more theatrical, the more likely students are to remember what you're talking about.
DeleteI love this! I suppose being theatrical comes easier to some than others. I think it is about being a little silly sometimes or dramatic for effect.
Delete"Position your content as if it's amazing!"
ReplyDelete"If you can't explain why someone should pay attention to what you're saying, maybe you shouldn't be saying it." (Burgess, 62) What do you do to help keep your enthusiasm alive?
When I read to my younger students I try and use voices for each person in the story. That allows me to get them interested and keep them there. It also lets them distinguish between the different characters in the book.
I also use the board a lot to write out the stuff I want my students to know. This keeps them from doodling and not paying attention. I also get them involved and working on the board. I have found that if I do all the talking and just tell them what to do I lose them fast. If they get to help with the lesson, then it means something to them. There are days I feel like I haven't accomplished anything, then there are days that I remember why I'm doing this.
I have found, particularly with vocabulary, science, and history, that "doodling" can be constructive. If they make a picture that explains to them what the notes are about, they are more likely to remember it. The key is to have the students generate it, not just copy it from the notes.
DeleteI have even found high school kiddos enjoying voices as we read. What a great way to engage your students!
Part of keeping my enthusiasm alive is finding ways to make it fun for myself too. If I don't enjoy what I'm talking about, or if I think it's boring, how can I make it engaging for my students? How can I expect them to think it's fun too? A lot of times I will try to attach a story to what I'm doing to make it personal, or find a funny YouTube clip. The best way is if I can get the students involved: if they can come up with fun ways to present it, why not let them?
ReplyDeleteHey, we need to have fun too right!
DeleteI know this is going to sound similar to my other posts, but I do try hard to relate it to the student's lives. Also, I try to find interesting ways to present, such as games, puzzles, maps, videos, etc. It is so hard sometimes! My least favorite subject to teach is math (I love doing math, just not teaching it) so I have to reach sometimes. Fortunately I can find some fun activities.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy teaching math the least. I have found that when I incorporate multiple the intelligences into math it is more enjoyable for my students and myself.
DeleteSince the dates are approximations....
ReplyDeleteMy computer is being a pill... I am a goof. Even if I'm not super enthused about a subject I act like its the best thing they are going to learn all year. They get excited and don't mind learning about it. If I'm being silly it's a lot more fun to teach the subject and the kids have a good time as well. We laugh and have a good time.
DeleteI like to try new things from time to time. Through the kids off and do something fun and unexpected. Find new ways to teach simple concepts that they struggle with.
ReplyDeleteHave new activities to learn new concepts
Right now, I feel like I am living minute to minute. I am excited to change things up soon though when I have a little more time to think about lessons. At this point, I have had to change things up spur of the moment. Occasionally, we will go outside to do our work, or we will use different materials (something other than pencil and paper).
ReplyDeleteI love going outside as well. The fresh air and the space to run around is great for the kiddos energy! I think being able to change things up on the spot is an important quality for teachers!
DeleteWith my caseload being what it is this year, I feel like I live minute to minute many days of the week. I am frequently changing things that I had planned just to get through what we need to do. It's been kind-of a crazy year. I like your idea of going outside. I have one student that frequently likes to find different locations to do his work. :)
DeleteMixing things up is great. I have found that my students do like to have a routine but not the same thing day in and day out when it comes to curriculum. I like that you take your students outside and find other ways to have them learn.
DeleteWhen I help a kid with classroom work, I'm usually saying "Oh Man, good Job, or Nice work, a fist bump, a pat on the back"; for anything positive. That's still #1 in my book and positive enthusiasm goes a long ways. I agree with Carol on avoiding the negative people who suck the enthusiasm right out of you. On the more difficult situations I still think about how do we get God back in school. If it's something that's not the most exciting in the world I say wait until you get to..... and let's get a little movement to get our minds working.
ReplyDeleteI had an administrator once that would say "if you act enthusiastic you will be enthusiastic." Man oh man that woman could drive you nuts. However, what she said is so accurate. Positive thinking can carry someone a long, long way. I prefer to stay away from negative people. It is amazing what an impact a person with a negative attitude can leave on your day. If I am having a bad day, I will find an early elementary classroom to pop into (preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grades are the best places to hang out). Little people seem to have the best perspective on life. They can take your worries away. Another strategy I have to keeping the enthusiasm alive is to go out for a walk around the building. It doesn't matter what the weather is like outside a walk is helpful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! Some times, if I had a rough day with some of my kiddos, I go hang out with some other students during my down time that I never get to see. It is nice to spend time with others and uplifting since they are usually excited to hang out due to the rarity of spending time together. I'll also just end class with a quick read aloud. I always change my voice and am super obnoxious but it makes the kiddos laugh, that always helps build up the enthusiasm for us all :)
DeleteI love this quote.
ReplyDeleteI have caught myself in the middle of trying to explain something and I just stop because I'm getting blank stares. I'll even say, ok this isn't working, were going to try something else.
I keep my enthusiasm by bringing in humor as much as I can. I also bring in music as much as i can. The kids love to sing songs that go along with what we're learning or rhymes to help them remember. I'll sing the songs with them and make up motions, but getting around moving and being goofy helps me keep my enthusiasm, as well as the kids.
I try to keep my enthusiasm up by remembering each day is a new day. I try to start each day with a smile and greet all of my students as they either enter the building (when I see them in the hall) or when they enter my room. I want them to know that they are welcome and that today is going to be a good day. There are definitely days lately (being that I am VERY pregnant) that I have to fake my own enthusiasm to help the kids. I think that we all do what we need to do to help our kiddos learn best.
ReplyDeleteI try very hard to incorporate the multiple intelligences into my teaching. Children need to be exposed to different approaches to learning. This may be singing during a math lesson or painting a picture from an illustration in the text we are reading. I find when I mix things up and my students get to use the other outlets for learning I am more enthusiast in what I am teaching because they are more engaged.
ReplyDeleteI try to always be happy and have a smile on my face even if I don't feel like smiling. I love to celebrate small increments. It is contageous...act happy and those around will try to be happy too. Sometimes it helps to remember how far the students have come since you started working with them. Students love to hear about their progress
ReplyDeleteLinda-
DeleteAnother teacher and I were JUST talking about student progress today! We have a 3rd grader who's been working on writing since PreK, and has been making minuscule progress the entire time, but just this year, he's written the ENTIRE alphabet! WOOHOO!!! At times, we didn't know if he'd ever get to this point, but YAY him!!! And we're definitely celebrating, as we had his staffing almost a month ago, and we're still talking about it, haha!
I’ve just come to the understanding that when I’m around students, there’s no other option. It’s become a fact of life that I’m going to be the most positive, smiley person they’ve been around all day. There’s enough negativity that our students (and just people in general I feel like) are exposed to, and I don’t want to add to that. If I’m super stressed out about something, I try to take a few minutes to put the whole situation into perspective. Usually, in comparing my “problems” to other happenings, it always turns out that I really don’t have it so bad after all. I also primarily listen to Christian podcasts when I’m driving or working around the house. It’s a lot more uplifting than soaking up hours of whatever’s going on in the news. Also, on a related note, but at the complete other end of the spectrum, I want to give a HUGE thank you (And apology!) to you select co-workers who get to listen to me rant about some situation when I don’t take time to just chill out before going off the deep end. Love you guys!!! ;-)
ReplyDelete