Taking the “L” in Your Classroom

I am guessing they you probably have heard of the video game Fortnite. You may have even heard of “Taking the L.” This is a dance for players to rub in the loss or defeat of another player. Charming, right? My friend told me this dance was banned in her son’s school. I’d like to ban the flossing dance, but that’s because I just can’t for the life of me master those silly little moves.

We all had some losses this year: the lesson that flopped, the idea that failed, and the goal we were unable to achieve. I tend to beat myself up for the things that went wrong and I often forget to celebrate the things that went well. I think a lot of you out there are the same. So here is my list of things I’m grateful for NOT losing.

  • Perspective- I’m working for the benefit of the children. The children aren’t working for the benefit of me. It’s easy to get frustrated when children don’t do what we want. It’s natural. But I’m proud of the times I was able to take a deep breath, make a joke and give a child a second chance. 
  •   Patience- I would be lying if I said I have never lost my patience from time to time. I am human after all. But patience is a virtue and it’s easier to be patient when I’m not sweating the small stuff. 
  •  A sense of humor- Sometimes the only sense you can find is a sense of humor.
  •   Creativity- I don’t just mean creativity in the way that immediately comes to mind: the amazing bulletin boards and the clever lessons. I’m talking about creative problem solving. There are a lot of times when it feels like we as educators come across unsolvable problems. I am going to continue to challenge myself to find creative solutions. I’m going to “Think outside the box” as we say at V-SEA (Verona Summer Enrichment Academy).
  •   Friendships- If I had one piece of advice to give to a new teacher, it would be this: Don’t isolate yourself. We spend a lot of time with young people, and while young people inspire us with their boundless energy, endless possibilities, and unflagging optimism, the fact is that every teacher needs grown-up time. Don’t spend every lunchtime wolfing down your food as you accomplish your to-do list. Sit down, relax, eat like a civilized person, and cultivate your friendships. You deserve it and your teaching (and digestion) will be better for it. 
 The truth is we could all make a list of disappointments and successes and that’s just how this business goes. Forget the mistake and remember the lesson. Celebrate your victories and build on them. As for me, I’m going to do my best to relax this summer. I hope that September finds us all refreshed, renewed, and ready to meet the challenges of a new year.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Be Somebody's Hero

Image
Photo by  Kat J  on  Unsplash We can craft the perfect classrooms School supplies neatly arranged Bulletin boards that deserve awards  But it’s our hearts that need to change. Lesson plans are all aligned to standards Chromebook lessons set to go. Google Apps?  We have it covered.  But there’s something else we need to know. Why does Joey seem so lonely? Why doesn’t Anna have a friend? Patrick stopped by to chat with me. Is he avoiding lunch again? Why is Carmine so impulsive? Something about Ella doesn’t seem quite right.  I’m worried about John again. What happens when he goes home at night? Future doctors, authors, and lawyers  They’re all sitting in our class. So, too, is that child who’s struggling Who just can’t seem to meet the task. Sometimes when we  think about students  We think that their problems must be small. They don’t have mortgages or bosses. Sometimes I think we don’t know our kids at all. Teachers, a
Read more

The Importance of Mentors

Image
Photo by  Patrick Hendry  on  Unsplash Recently,  I attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for the son of a close friend. I knew that his achievement  was very special, but  I didn't realize how emotional the ceremony would be. The part that touched me the most was when my friend's son gave out "mentor pins" to three people who helped him achieve his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. As  I dabbed the tears welling in my eyes, I started thinking about the three people who have most influenced my career as a school librarian and educator. While there are many people who have had a  positive influence on me over the years, my three "mentor pins" go to my mother, Ann Swift; my predecessor in the library, Mary Lou Purpura; and a phenomenal teacher and  dear friend, Barbara Kistner. My first mentor is my mom, a retired science teacher. I know that my mom was a great teacher because I was actually in her science class in 7th grade in Saint Thomas the Apostle
Read more

The Do's and Don'ts of Raising Readers

Image
  Air conditioning taught me how to read.   It sounds crazy, but it’s true. We didn’t have central air conditioning in the home where I grew up. We could have afforded it, but we didn’t have it. What a blessing that I didn’t have everything we could afford. It gave me a reason to work for my dreams.   Anyway, let’s get back to reading and air-conditioning. I wanted to be like my big sister and my mom. On hot, sticky summer nights, they would lounge in my parents’ bedroom and read on the cozy bed under the loud but powerful air conditioner in the window. I knew how to read, but I  was not allowed into this exclusive reading club until I could master the art of reading silently. It sounds silly, but I didn’t know how to do this as a young child.   I sure learned fast, though.   My mom is a genius. She made reading everything it should be. Inviting. Special. Volitional. Thank you, Mom. You taught me to love books and more importantly, the poetry, the truths, and the imaginings they contai
Read more