In my opinion, teachers have always had one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs out there! I feel that 20 years ago, it was a lot easier to focus on the children in every aspect; mentally, physically, and academically. As the years have progressed, there has been an increase in the demands placed upon our teachers - to say their plates are full is an understatement. Between administrative duties, extra-curricular activities, marking, and emails to parents, I’m surprised that they have anything left to give to their families or themselves at the end of the day. Let’s not forget about the ongoing pandemic, which has only added to their responsibilities with sanitation, partitions, distancing, masks, and the fear of catching the virus.
Now, let’s talk about the students! They are suffering from worry, fears, and anxiety as well. In addition to the mental impact, many of our children are increasingly bored due to their normal activities being cancelled. This can often lead to unwanted behaviours. The pandemic has had just as big of an impact on them as it has us. Which in turn, causes certain behaviors that stem from emotions, and unfortunately, teachers don’t have the time to dig deep and find the underlying emotions behind the behaviours.
My heart goes out to all of you! I just wanted to share some tips that will help provide a calmer classroom, form connections, and provide a more compassionate environment. If you make these activities a part of your regular classroom day, I assure you that you will see a difference. The day will be calmer, flow more smoothly, and will be enjoyed more by all. The key is they must become part of your daily routine. Consistency is key!
1. Start the day with presence – this means greeting the students as they walk in the door. This way, you can see and feel how their morning started. If they’re upset, you can gauge where their head and emotions are at. If I witnessed a child come through the door upset or angry, I would take a little extra time to talk to them and see how they were feeling.
2. Breathing – the most important way to start the day. Depending on the age, I would start with 2 minutes of breathing after morning announcements. Have them seated in their desks, sitting up straight, eyes closed. Put some calming, relaxing music on, and just let them breathe naturally. As they get used to it, you could increase the time. The beauty of this exercise is it allows them to become grounded, centered, and release anything that may have happened before they arrived. It centres them for the day.
3. Journals or writing exercises – Incorporate gratitude and affirmations into their daily writing program. I realize that you still have the regular curriculum to follow. You could ask them to write three things they’re grateful for on one day before you start. On another day, ask them to write three affirmations. Ex. I am brave, I am enough, I am in control of my feeling. It’s fun to share with the class either their affirmations or gratitude list. It forms empathy, compassion, and connection. Both of these exercises help with decreasing stress and increasing self-esteem. It should only take five minutes out of their regular writing program.
4. Meditation/Visualization (call it what you’re comfortable with) – After they come in from lunch, read them a five-minute meditation. They sit in their desks, close their eyes, and listen to the story you read. Again, it settles them for the afternoon, calms them after recess, and gets them focused for the afternoon. There are many meditations in my book.
5. End of the day – As they leave, ask them to tell you one “joy moment” that happened to them. Something positive that made them feel good! It’s an excellent way to send them home and helps them to feel good about themselves. You may also end the day with a class discussion, asking students to share a “joy moment” with the class.
All of these strategies will only take 15 minutes of your teaching day! I promise that if you make this part of your regular classroom routine, you will notice a calmer, more compassionate, and enjoyable day for both the students and teacher. Additionally, you’ll form meaningful connections with the students, which I believe is key when teaching anything!
There are many more ideas for teachers in my book, Empowering our Future! In the book, you’ll also find more detail on the exercises mentioned above, as well as different techniques and strategies to implement. The book ends with a classroom outline for teachers.
Until next time…thank you teachers!