This week we as a school bid farewell to our graduates. It was a moment of pride, joy, and to some extent some sadness. The best part of our ceremony in my opinion was when the graduates gave their own speeches. It was nice to hear from them, and I believe their parents needed to hear some of what they had to say. Having seen these students at their best and at their worst, and knowing the types of difficult relationships some of them have had with their parents the speeches gave them a chance to show their gratitude for their families. I enjoyed hearing about how they have seen themselves grow since coming to our school, how they have overcome different obstacles, and what they want in their future. One student made it a point to explain how even the smallest act of kindness can create the biggest impact in one's life when we don't even know it. I found this to be a beautiful statement and also very true. Often times as a teacher, I need to remind myself that all that I do and all that I say to my students will have some kind of impact on them. If I were to be too negative with a student, then there will be an outcome to their disposition in my class. Everything we say matters. Every thing we do matters. This was a great reminder for all of us in the room. I think sometimes we need to be reminded that even as one person, we can have an impact on the community.
The more I thought on what this student said the more I began to think of this in my teaching. In what ways have I influenced my students' behaviors with my own behavior? I'd have to say that there have been times where I may have let something get to me too much and perhaps took it out on a student without realizing it. We are not perfect beings and in those moments, I have made sure to conference with the student privately. For the most part, I make a great effort to always try to influence my students' behavior in a more positive way. For example, I've had a student who comes in regularly in a bad mood in the morning. I have found that commenting on the mood does not help the situation; rather it seems to set the student off more. I now make sure to greet him positively and give him a few minutes of space until he comes around. This simple act of "Good morning, I am glad to see you here today" and then leaving the student alone instead of asking him if he's OK or needs to talk makes all of the difference.
When I heard the graduate speak about our behaviors impacting others, I thought of how important it is for me as a teacher or anyone for that matter to be aware of their actions and words when interacting with those around them. In the society we live in everything is so quick and on the go. It seems as though we forget that one small act can truly influence someone else. We all have the power of impacting those around us; how we choose to do it is up to us. What small act will you do to make an impact?
Love it. In this world (especially New England) we rush everywhere and want everything NOW and sometimes many of us FORGET that what we say/how we say it can effect people--both positively and negatively. Like the saying (Plato, I think) "Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle". A little kindness and positivity can go a LONG way in today's world. I've found with all students, a little kindness, positivity and understanding can go a long way--even if you follow up a direction with "thank you"--it can de-escalate volatile situations fast and make them feel respected. In my personal life, I try to be polite to cashiers/waitstaff and strangers. Simple uses of please, thank you and smile can really make an impact (which is actually kind of depressing--what does that say about the state of our world).
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