All teachers can have a bad day sometimes. Teachers can sometimes grow impatient, angry, worried or frustrated which can negatively affect the example we give our students. If you blow it, say you are sorry. By nature, students are forgiving. An honest conversation could open up an avenue of change. Of course, teachers should always expect the students to treat them as an authority figure, but if an apology is in order, don’t hesitate. This humility will teach the students to admit their own mistakes.

Be sure to ask for their forgiveness. We miss the true relationship-building opportunity when we simply say “I’m sorry” and forget to follow up with “Will you forgive me?” An admission of mistake is not as effective of a relationship builder if it is not followed with the action of forgiveness. What a great life lesson … Read More »

In order to be strong for others, we must take time to renew our strength. It is easy to think we have so much to do we could not possibly stop long enough to take care of ourselves. Even if it is just 15-30 minutes, build in time each day or week to take care of yourself.

This may include:

reading a magazine or a chapter of a book you keep meaning to pick up
fixing yourself a cup of hot tea and just sitting down for a few minutes
taking a walk around the block or at a local park
drinking more water each day
spending time with a friend who is positive
going to bed earlier so you feel rested for the next day

You might even write yourself a note to remind you that you need to take time for yourself. When you do, you … Read More »

Morning routine provides a great opportunity to teach students good life lessons. Try something new in your morning routine such as playing The Thankful Game. You can play with all the students or one at a time. The only rule is that something you are thankful for cannot be repeated by anyone. You simply name things you are thankful for such as “parents, dry place to live in, summer camp, food for dinner, bike to ride, toothbrush, job, health, laughter, school supplies, etc.”.

It is amazing what kind of conversations begin to develop just from spending time together talking about things for which to be thankful. It also helps to promote a lifestyle where children begin to realize how blessed they really are for what they have when sometimes what we tend to focus on is what we do not have.

I have oftentimes received my best ideas and tips from the parents of the students with whom I work. I find it is not always easy to receive feedback from others, but when I decide to be open, the ideas can revolutionize your teaching environment. Parents have a window into the intricate life of their child and their child’s peers.

Learn to value their perspective and your insight into how best to educate their children will increase.

Consider creating some type of system where parents can offer feedback to you whether that be an anonymous suggestion box, e-mail response, written idea form, etc. Be creative in the way you ask for feedback. For example, one teacher sent the list of Integrity Time traits to the parents. She requested they write her a letter when they saw their … Read More »

It is easy in the classroom to focus on the negative even when we do not mean to do this. “Don’t touch those; Don’t say that; Stop running; Quit talking…..” And the list goes on and on. Turn your language around to tell your students what you DO want them to do. “Put your hands in your lap; Ask in a nice tone of voice; Walk; Do your work quietly.”

We tend to want to correct rather than direct. Students want to know what they are supposed to DO, and they are looking to your leadership. As soon as they follow your direction, be sure to follow up with a positive affirmation.

Whether at school or at home it is very effective to “catch them being good”. Praise the children when their behavior reflects Integrity. Never underestimate the value of an encouraging word!

Use the Integrity Tunes CD at home or school during clean-up time or while driving down the road to reinforce the values you want your children to grasp. Remember that driving in the car creates an automatic togetherness. Take advantage of this time.

Families, use meal time to stimulate conversation about Integrity issues at home. Our Dinner Time Discussion Sheets will help you in this area.