I have been learning that I create my own perspective with the words I say and the thoughts I think. So I have been teaching myself to choose my words carefully. Rather than say, "I have to grade these quizzes," or, "I need to clean the bathroom,", or, "I should fill out that document," I am re-training myself to say, "I would like to..." Try it - it relieves a lot of the tension in the situation.
It works for my students, as well. If I say to one of them, "Do your work," or, "Sit here," especially if I demand immediate action, I am bound to only make the situation worse. What produces much better results is this: "You have a choice. You can do your work now, or you can finish it at lunchtime." Or, "Would you mind sitting over here?" When students are having trouble remembering the expectations for classroom behavior, I no longer say, "You need to raise your hand," etc. My response is, "I only call on students who are quietly sitting in their seats and raising their hands." These kinds of statements make for a much calmer, cooperative classroom, and I can tell my words are sinking in. One of my students got upset with me a little while ago and said, "You always give me choices!" If that's his worst complaint, I'm fine with that. Another student at the end of the day was choosing someone to help with a classroom job, and several students stood up and called out. He responded, "I only call on students who are sitting down and raising their hands." It brought a smile to my face.
Instruction, classroom management, and everything pertaining to my job are gradually improving. I'm still putting in tons of hours, and my progress can best be described as two steps forward, one step back. But I see a huge difference from the start of the school year until now, and my bosses are noticing the change as well. The last thing I did before leaving school yesterday (to start February break, hallelujah), was to meet with my principal. She noted that my commitment is obvious, and she is very pleased with my progress. What a great way to start vacation :-)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9
