Too often this business of ours is stressful. Too often we get worked up over things that don’t really matter. Today’s post is about keeping the joy through it all. The longer I teach, the more I realize the importance of keeping joy. Here are some ways I hold on to my joy, even on the rough days:
- I go for a brisk walk and remember all the students I’ve impacted. I think back years ago and remember kids I haven’t thought about for a long time.
- I open my writer’s notebook and write about students. As I near the end of a story, I force myself to connect it to the bigger picture of education.
- I read professional books and blogs.
- I give a little extra time in class for students to share their writing. When I hear their words and their stories, my joy is restored.
- I make a choice to spend time with other teachers who are joyful in their work.
- I write down all of the reasons I became a teacher (and stay in the profession).
- I create art.
How about you? What do you do to keep the joy?
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Thank you…You are an inspiration!
To have personal joy is so important.. How can anyone bring joy, or have a positive impact on another person (children & learners) without inner joy and happiness? I think it is a choice. Choose to be possitive and to have joy. Leave everything else at home – while you are teaching its you and the learners. Be an inspiration – you will see how much joy it brings when you feel like you have a positive impact on your learners!
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What I do to keep the joy:
1. Hang out with my job-loving teacher friends.
2. Blog the funny stuff.
3. Pray. And pray some more.
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There are beautiful places I can walk to– I go to a spot that overlooks the river. I reorganize my desk. It calms and centers and clears the way for joy in five minutes. I listen to a beautiful piece of music while I do it.
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Your post really spoke to me. My middle school is a negative place to work: lots of griping all the usual (students, parents, administration, you name it), and I pretty much stay in my classroom and focus my energy on students and our learning adventures. Two routines bring me joy: I’ve hung onto “messages” my students have left on my desk over the years and I re-read a few at a time . These post its and scraps, written in true teen speak, let me know that I am making an impact, that those teachable moments (big and small) reverberate over time in the most remarkable ways. These messages let me know that I am making a positive difference…what more can one ask from ones life’s work? Second, I do as you do, I read professional books and blogs and connect with others who feel as passionate about teaching as I do.
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Just last week I was feeling exactly this way. Winter has been long and attention spans are short! I had lunch with some students and reconnected with them on a personal level. It really rejuvinated me! Glad to read other suggestions though!
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I take time to do something that is fun. I may read a children’s book, and have them rewrite the ending. Then I have them share their new endings. When I realize I am having a rough day, I make sure to compliment students, and give them a hug.
It’s not their fault I’m have a rough day. It’s how I respond to life’s circumstances, even if it’s my classroom’s situation.
It’s important to try to take a positive outlook of it all. Even if you are handed a rough group of kiddos, they are helping us become better and stronger teachers.Because of them, we are able to handle anything, and become more flexible.
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I couldn’t agree more with your post. I, too, do many of these things — especially reading professional blogs like this one to help me stay focused on what is important in education and in life.
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