Today was just one of those days. My kiddos are squirrely and ready for spring break and a few are so upset about not being at school for a week that their behavior is not fun.
Whenever I have "one of those days" where I can just feel myself starting to freak out, I always read this quote that I have hanging on my board. It's so powerful and true. When I came across this as a first year teacher, it brought tears to my eyes. I thought you might like to read it too!
“I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in
the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate.
It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a
tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a
tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or
heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a
crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or
dehumanized.”
― Haim G. Ginott
― Haim G. Ginott
The thing that strikes me the most is that it is my daily mood that makes the weather... How true is that?! I have a sweetheart this year who has, at times, given me a run for my money (and sanity!) but when that kiddo has an off day, it is because I have set a bad tone or because I don't feel like I have the energy it takes to give that student the attention they need.
That couldn't be more true! Very well put! :)
ReplyDeleteI love that quote! I am copying and pasting (hope that's OK).
ReplyDeleteI started a journal... for the good, the bad and the ugly. It is all a reflection on my behaviors, not the kids.
It has made me realize that I am only human :)
My Second Sense
I love that quote - thank you! I am going to print it off and post it in my classroom. I'd love for me and my classroom staff to read it daily!
ReplyDeleteKara
Spedventures
Love the quote! Definitely a good reminder :) I, too, have a special little friend (don't we all???) who gives me a run for my money. I constantly have to remind myself to breathe before I respond to his behavior. This should help me breathe easier next time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Natalie
TeacheryTidbits
After having "one of those days" myself, this quote was much needed. Thanks! I gave you a shout out on my post tonight!
ReplyDeletehttp://msborganizedchaos.blogspot.com/2012/03/one-of-those-days.html
I agree with the others about your quote. Plus it is so true about kids NOT wanting a break from school. For some kids, we are the only stable thing in their lives. We are a safe house away from boredom, bad language, inappropriate tv shows, and fighting. Plus we give them an orderly clean environment where things can be found when they need them and they get food for breakfast and lunch. They get someone saying nice things to them and get to feel wanted. It's sad that I can say this, but for some, not all, kids this is very true. Those same kids know when a break is coming, and they react they way they do because Thayer can't control things at home. Just breathe....and breathe, ....and breathe.
ReplyDeletePatty
Hi Christina:
ReplyDeleteThe last time I read that quote was over ten years ago...
What a LOVELY and timely reminder.
I'm so glad I stopped by!
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
Looks like the quote was a winner for many ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so sharing!!
Lory
Lory's Page
Thanks for sharing! That is a great quote and so true.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
I absolutely love this quote. How true it is! I'm going to post this by my desk as well ( and on my refrigerator at home...I think I need this reminder with my own kiddos at times at home) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKrista
stellar-students
Thank you for sharing that quote!! It is a wonderful quote and so very true!!! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I needed that reminder today.
ReplyDeleteThis quote came at the perfect time for me--thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have this quote taped to my computer. :) I love it!
ReplyDeleteSecond Grade Sugar and Spice
I've been teaching for a long time...I totally agree with that quote. I plan to post it in my classroom. We often do not know what really goes on in a child's home life so I have decided that school may be the good part of a child's day. It is my responsibility to see that it is the very best place to be. Thank you sharing!
ReplyDeletemike
mike69361@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing this quote!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
The First Grade Dream