|
|
The
Day Gone Wrong
Every
now and then we all experience days that just go wrong.
For one reason or another, the day from beginning to end
is one big disaster. When the day begins to go wrong, how
can we, as educators, fix it before the entire day is
wasted? Hopefully, after reading this article you will
have a few strategies that you can try in your classroom
to recover the "the day gone wrong".
 The
first step to recovering the day gone wrong, is to ask for
help. When the classroom becomes overwhelming (no matter
what the reason is) you need to take a breather before you
become frustrated and angry. Ask another teacher or aide
to step into your room for a few minutes. You do not have
to inform the "fill-in" the reason for your
hasty departure. While out of the classroom, get something
to drink, take a quick walk around the building, or call
your spouse. Do something to relax the tension and release
some of your frustration. You will not be able to recover
your class if you are not in control of your emotions.
Getting a handle on your emotions is first and foremost.
You, as the teacher, must be able to control your emotions
in order to reclaim the day.
Enter
your classroom refreshed, with a smile on your face. The
students know when the room has tension in it, and you are
the classroom leader. By coming back into your room with a
smile on your face, you are resetting the tone. Your class
knows that you left upset, let them know that you are now
all right, and ready to be back in charge.
 You
will want the children to reset their emotions as well.
They were part of the problem, and they must also be a
part of the solution. You may wish to restart the class.
Have the students stop their activities, gather in a
circle, and talk to your children. Get reacquainted with
them. Ask about last night. What did they have for dinner?
What did they eat for breakfast? Did they go outside to
play? Get the conversation revolved around them and happy
memories. After a few minutes of this reacquainting
conversation, it can be your turn. Tell the children the
truth. Discuss with them what upset you and what needs to
change. The students don't want your wrath of frustration
anymore than you do. By talking with the children, you
will be able to help them understand why you are upset,
and why it is important not to do certain things.
Once
everyone is calm and collected, restart the day. Get the
students on task and begin the lesson again. By taking the
time to leave, calm down, talk to your students and
restart the day, you are setting an example of how to
handle a situation that upsets you. Furthermore, you are
saving the educational lesson, and the learning of all of
the children. If both the teacher and the children are
upset, then nothing will be accomplished, no matter how
much you want to teach. Take your time and reclaim the
"day gone wrong". You will be glad that you did.
|
© Copyright 2000/2001/2002. All rights reserved.
|
 |
 |
|
