jL | In Practice - 1/7th of your Life…

In the classroom:

We’ll focus this week on reminding routines and expectations.  Kids will go through a rollercoaster of emotions about being back in school.  Some moments they’ll be full of joy and others they’ll look like you just asked them to walk on broken glass.  I have to constantly remind myself that I’m there to create a great experience for kids.  If they respond negatively or don’t respond at all, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s my fault.  Don’t be so selfish to assume that every reaction is a reaction to me. (Learning this from Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy - great refocus of priorities).  Also, a great opportunity to gently remind the staff to look for opportunities to frame everything possible thru the lens of student experience.  Avoid using the phrase “I need you to…” from the podium.  As a great mentor taught me years ago, most kids aren’t nearly as interested in the adults' needs as they are in things that impact them.

Behind the scenes:

Setting the tone for a great semester is my opportunity.  Yes, the staff should and will help, but I have to be the joy I want to see in the classroom.  I also need to be prepared for the annual conversation about a new class because little Timmy has ‘lost his passion’.  Most of the time, this isn’t about me.  Coach the ‘why’ behind them finishing the race, but don’t take it out on the great kids if they get their way and figure out how to quit.  

Additionally, I’m tweaking my schedule to ensure I’m building in time to study, grow, and prep.  Fight the addiction to the simple (inbox, calls from the front office, copies, etc) - work on the ‘big ticket items’ DAILY.  Future self will thank you!

Remember: Monday is 1/7th of your entire life (+/-6 days 😛), so make it count!