Reflect and Recharge
Alright…I have reorganized our mudroom and have everything ready to paint it next week. It has a whole row of cabinets, so this is going to be quite a summer project. I don’t know about you, but I always have way too many projects that I want to tackle over the summer. I actually have to schedule time to take a break and go have fun!
So as you are enjoying your summer break (or working yourself to death…take your pick!), it is a great time to reflect on your past teaching year. It’s also a fantastic time to recharge and decide what will stay the same and what you want to change.
Here are the things that you need to consider as you reflect. I know what you are thinking, “Oh my word, this woman even has rules for reflection! Yeesh!” But hear me out on this. It will be easy to think of all the things that went wrong. So, the very first rule is to be kind to yourself and try to think of all the positive things that occurred during your class time. This is a must, especially if you, like me, have had a particularly rough year. If I am seated near my laptop or pen and paper, I may physically write down the list of positives. This is extremely helpful and encouraging. Word of Warning: Do not let yourself wander into the negative. Here is an example of what I mean…”My Chemistry students were always in their seats when the bell rang. Of course, I can’t say the same for my Biology students. Oh, the tardiness problems and the absentees and….” Do you see how quickly we can turn a positive into a negative? So, yes, I have rules for reflection that are designed to keep me focused on the truly good things.
Once you have your list of positives (and try to come up with at least ten…the more the merrier!) now allow yourself to think about the things that did not go as planned. Maybe it was just a few lessons that bombed (like when we tried to calculate the calories in a marshmallow by burning it and smoked up the entire wing of the building) or maybe it was an entire class that was truly frustrating. Whatever the case may be, try to be very specific. In other words, do not list “terribly behaved Biology class”. Instead, try to think about the details. What exactly made that class difficult? Was it one student or a couple of students? If so, try to narrow down their behavior. What specific things did they do to cause chaos and how can you put procedures in place to try to avoid these occurrences next year?
As you are listing your negatives, glance back from time to time at your positives. This will provide much needed encouragement. And yes, I know I have used the word “encouragement” many times, but I really want to make certain you do not head down the path of depressing thoughts. My first few years of teaching had a Teacher’s Lounge that should have come with a warning label:” Positive thoughts will be sucked out of you as soon as you enter!” It was difficult to find a mentor because everyone was so depressed about their profession. You heard phrases like, “Teaching would be okay if it weren’t for the students!” and “ Well, everyone failed again…just like I knew they would!” I wanted to run out of there screaming! I promised myself that I would never become like that. I promised myself that I would try to see the good in every student and make the most out of every situation. I know that was over 30 years ago, but I feel that I have kept my optimism and I want to help others keep it, too! It’s why I started my blog!
So, take heart! Reflect and recharge this summer. And most importantly…look on the bright side!
Just a heads up… my next post will be about how to have a great first day of school! I will walk you through all the ins and outs of the most important teaching day of the year.