I know, I know, now you are probably singing that song from Frozen and I am sorry about that. But I am not talking about Olaf and Elsa letting it go; I am talking about you, the teacher, letting it go. All that stress, all the pressure, those test scores....just let them go! I know it sounds easier said than done but do you really need to deal with all of that added pressure?
Teachers today are under just as much pressure as the students in their classrooms. They are under pressure to create lessons that not only follow the state standards but are rigorous, and don't forget fun and engaging. (This in itself is almost impossible.) Then you add in the fact that teachers also need to raise test scores, manage their classes, fulfill their extra duties, grade papers and tests, etc, etc, etc. It is enough to make even the most calm teacher crazy. Even when you wake up in the best mood, as your day goes on you find yourself drowning in to-do lists and deadlines. It all begins to feel a little overwhelming.
You try not to let the stress show but there is only so much you an take. Before you know it, you are walking around with the word STRESS written on your forehead in big, black letters. Although you may not realize it, this comes off in your classroom and can not only affect your classroom management but also the way your students perceive you. You tell yourself that you aren't going to let it affect your teaching or the way you talk to your students but it ultimately does. So what do you do to fix this?
LET IT GO! Just let it go. It isn't worth it to get yourself down with everything, especially things that are out of your control. Even if you think that what you're stressing about is the absolute most important thing in the world, in the end, it just isn't worth it at all. It's not worth the exhaustion, the hunger, the headaches, and especially the wrinkles (stress does show in your face after all). As hard as it might be, just remember that you must let it go, if not for anything else, but for your students. Remember that your classroom is a sanctuary and your students are there to make you laugh. So next time you are feeling stressed and that the weight of the world is on your shoulders simple close your classroom door, look at your students, and....LET IT GO!!
Teachers today are under just as much pressure as the students in their classrooms. They are under pressure to create lessons that not only follow the state standards but are rigorous, and don't forget fun and engaging. (This in itself is almost impossible.) Then you add in the fact that teachers also need to raise test scores, manage their classes, fulfill their extra duties, grade papers and tests, etc, etc, etc. It is enough to make even the most calm teacher crazy. Even when you wake up in the best mood, as your day goes on you find yourself drowning in to-do lists and deadlines. It all begins to feel a little overwhelming.
You try not to let the stress show but there is only so much you an take. Before you know it, you are walking around with the word STRESS written on your forehead in big, black letters. Although you may not realize it, this comes off in your classroom and can not only affect your classroom management but also the way your students perceive you. You tell yourself that you aren't going to let it affect your teaching or the way you talk to your students but it ultimately does. So what do you do to fix this?
LET IT GO! Just let it go. It isn't worth it to get yourself down with everything, especially things that are out of your control. Even if you think that what you're stressing about is the absolute most important thing in the world, in the end, it just isn't worth it at all. It's not worth the exhaustion, the hunger, the headaches, and especially the wrinkles (stress does show in your face after all). As hard as it might be, just remember that you must let it go, if not for anything else, but for your students. Remember that your classroom is a sanctuary and your students are there to make you laugh. So next time you are feeling stressed and that the weight of the world is on your shoulders simple close your classroom door, look at your students, and....LET IT GO!!