When February rolls around with its dreary weather (for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere) it often brings with it a feeling of the blues. You may be spending some time wondering why you even entered this profession. This is perfectly normal. According to research done by Dr. Mark Littleton of Tarleton State University, new teachers often enter into a period of disillusionment around November/December which often lasts well into February/March. As the season of spring approaches, you will begin to feel more energy within yourself and in your classroom, so hang in there! But you aren’t the only one going through this low time of the year. Your students also may be experiencing similar kinds of feelings. So what can you do to infuse a little energy and good feeling into your classroom?

First, do the unexpected. An activity that is completely unexpected will often bring a sense of excitement and positive energy to the classroom. Play a game that practices, applies, or reinforces skills or knowledge learned during your unit. Perhaps you often play games such as Jeopardy to prepare for an upcoming test. Instead, take the first five or ten minutes of class to play a quick game that reviews what you learned the previous day. Post a puzzle on the board or presentation station for students to solve when they enter the classroom. You might also challenge students to think of a joke that relates to what you are studying. 

Another way to pull everyone out of the doldrums is with a little bit of praise. Challenge your students to turn to the person next to them and give at least one compliment. Everyone may roll their eyes and laugh, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly it goes from “this is so stupid” to students looking forward to their compliment of the day. Use the cardinal points in this exercise. For example, “Turn to the person north of you and give them one sincere compliment.” Each day choose a different direction. In the beginning you need to give examples of compliments and model for the students. You also need to be among the students and listen to what is being said. You might even consider randomly asking students at various times throughout class what compliment he/she received. Don’t forget to participate in the activity yourself!

Lastly, students love to get positive notes from their teacher – even the older ones. The problem is that there never seems to be the time to write these out. One solution is to brainstorm several different “positives”, type them out, copy them on bright paper, and have them ready to hand out.  I usually set up my page in four squares and type one positive message in a fun, yet easy to read font in each square.  Then I copy these on colored card stock paper.  I cut them out and place them into folders on my desk.  (Other ideas include using a basket, hanging the folders on the wall instead of putting them in your filing cabinet (no dust collecting), putting a stack on your overhead or podium, etc.).

Sample Positives:

·         Thank you for participating in class today!

·         Thank you for helping another student when they needed it!

·         Thank you for being such a good helper to me today!

·         Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!

·         Thanks for being on time!

·         Thanks for leading that group!

·         Thank you for sharing your materials!

·         Thanks for bringing in all your work on time!

What are some other specific “positives” you want to reinforce in your class?  I also like to think of the lifeskills – cooperation, teamwork, honesty, integrity, friendship, perseverance, determination, personal best, etc.

Now, choose and sign the note, put a smiley face on it, and hand it to the student as they leave the room! Your middle and high school students may roll their eyes, but you better believe that inside they’ve got that warm fuzzy feeling. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and special in some way.

So, if you and your students are experiencing the doldrums during this last bit of winter season, just remember, a little bit of positive goes a long way. Give everyone something to look forward to when coming to your class - whether it is the unexpected or a positive comment sure to raise spirits. Before you know it spring will be here bringing with it renewed energy for everyone.

If you have any comments or ideas for combating the doldrums you'd like to share, please send me an email - info@inspiringteachers.com