That idea of loving kids- just as they are today- is such a radical picture of grace. When I was observing in a classroom last year, I wrote a note of encouragement to my student right before she got reprimanded by three teachers for something she did. I debated on whether or not I should still give it to her; then, I felt God immediately impress on my heart that, if He was me and I was her, He would still give me the note. I am so quick to feel like I have to earn God’s love- but he is showing me, through my students, that His love is not earned. It is ours. We cannot be separated from it, no matter what we do. Thank you for your videos. As I approach my first year of teaching, you are such a support to me.
Well said comment. Thank you. I too will start my first year od teaching as a career swithcer and middle aged. there are such paralllels between our Christian walk and relationship with God and being an educator. Many blessings to you.
It is hard Trista. I’m not sure it’s always achievable every day but trying to do it more often than not builds the muscle. Making this a value and a goal for schools helps us to create a culture in which we are normalizing such behavior. 😊
Thank you for this! I'm in the middle of my education degree, shifting from my previous career as a physicist to a new career path as teacher. These videos are such a fantastic resource for me and have opened my eyes and heart to many things I hadn't considered. I really appreciate your effort and the time you devote to making these. Thank you kindly!
I'm working on these skills! I'm already pretty good at them. I'm particularly good at "catching" kids doing good things, especially when no one asked them to. The hard one for me is the kids who are usually quiet. Working on it.
@realrapwithreynolds - when would you suggest the best time to do this is? In my opinion (also being at a all girls school) doing this is in front of everyone in the class might be a dangerous move. Any suggestions?
I often feel bad because I don't do this enough...but at the end of the year I do something similar to you. They write a letter to themselves that is an easy 'A' grade if they turn it in, I don't read it, I toss it in an envelop and return it to them at the end of the year. Then I write them a half-page letter describing how awesome they are and what they've done so well this year. It takes me hours to complete with over 100 kids, but I always apologize I don't do it enough. Middle school can be particularly taxing.
Hey, I do something like this too! I always write a letter to my group pf students that I hand out at the end of the year. However, I love the idea of adding their own letters to themselves, and creating personalized notes to each student.
I have been looking into enrolling in a course for a degree in curriculum & instruction, but I also see online so many (US) teachers struggling with many different problems, that there are so many cons to teaching. It makes me wonder, are there any pros to teaching anymore?
There are pros! Don’t let the algorithm trick you into thinking the job sucks. There are tough days, years, people, kids for sure but that will be true for many jobs. If your heart is in it, you are honing in on your craft, and learn to not take kids negative interactions personally it’s a great place to be. For the most part I love being at work. I love interacting with kids and doing the types of things that Reynalds talks about in this and other videos. Teaching well is a true craft and like any craft it’s going to take time to get good at. Many people find it hard to get through that time but if you can get back to your why it will make those hard days better. Look for the good. You will find it everyday if you look.
I’d add to look for a teaching program that gives you the most time training in the classroom. I did a residency program myself through a local charter and it was hands down the best prep I could have gotten. I now teach at a larger public school but spent about 7 years at the charter before moving to public. Go where you are supported and where there is ongoing meaningful training. Look for these things in your programs and schools.
Yes! You will build unforgettable relationships with students and teachers that can change the world. Even on a bad day, you can have that student who needs you or that student who unknowingly puts a smile on your face. My coteacher quit unexpectedly, and I was struggling with their absence, but a student randomly stopped by to make a joke and it changed my whole perspective. These students need as many caring adults in their life that they can get, and you can be one of them.
That idea of loving kids- just as they are today- is such a radical picture of grace. When I was observing in a classroom last year, I wrote a note of encouragement to my student right before she got reprimanded by three teachers for something she did. I debated on whether or not I should still give it to her; then, I felt God immediately impress on my heart that, if He was me and I was her, He would still give me the note. I am so quick to feel like I have to earn God’s love- but he is showing me, through my students, that His love is not earned. It is ours. We cannot be separated from it, no matter what we do. Thank you for your videos. As I approach my first year of teaching, you are such a support to me.
Well said comment. Thank you. I too will start my first year od teaching as a career swithcer and middle aged. there are such paralllels between our Christian walk and relationship with God and being an educator. Many blessings to you.
Consistent positive regard. Its a position educators have to actively choose to take....and it is HARD.
It is hard Trista. I’m not sure it’s always achievable every day but trying to do it more often than not builds the muscle. Making this a value and a goal for schools helps us to create a culture in which we are normalizing such behavior. 😊
Thank you for this! I'm in the middle of my education degree, shifting from my previous career as a physicist to a new career path as teacher. These videos are such a fantastic resource for me and have opened my eyes and heart to many things I hadn't considered. I really appreciate your effort and the time you devote to making these. Thank you kindly!
Really great reminder. If you want them to know they matter, you have to tell them. They love hearing it even if they may not act like it.
I love that i get ryan reynolds commercials right before real rap with reynolds all the time
I'm working on these skills! I'm already pretty good at them. I'm particularly good at "catching" kids doing good things, especially when no one asked them to. The hard one for me is the kids who are usually quiet. Working on it.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I was just wondering how I am going to win over some holdovers this time of year. Thank you!
Lime Green--whoever thought that would work for white board writing?
Wonderful information!
@realrapwithreynolds - when would you suggest the best time to do this is? In my opinion (also being at a all girls school) doing this is in front of everyone in the class might be a dangerous move. Any suggestions?
What I understand from this is that students play a crucial role as allies, shaping the atmosphere and the overall mood of the lesson's progression.
I often feel bad because I don't do this enough...but at the end of the year I do something similar to you. They write a letter to themselves that is an easy 'A' grade if they turn it in, I don't read it, I toss it in an envelop and return it to them at the end of the year. Then I write them a half-page letter describing how awesome they are and what they've done so well this year. It takes me hours to complete with over 100 kids, but I always apologize I don't do it enough. Middle school can be particularly taxing.
Hey, I do something like this too! I always write a letter to my group pf students that I hand out at the end of the year. However, I love the idea of adding their own letters to themselves, and creating personalized notes to each student.
I’m making this my focus this week!
Love it! I hope it goes great!
I have been looking into enrolling in a course for a degree in curriculum & instruction, but I also see online so many (US) teachers struggling with many different problems, that there are so many cons to teaching. It makes me wonder, are there any pros to teaching anymore?
There are pros! Don’t let the algorithm trick you into thinking the job sucks. There are tough days, years, people, kids for sure but that will be true for many jobs. If your heart is in it, you are honing in on your craft, and learn to not take kids negative interactions personally it’s a great place to be. For the most part I love being at work. I love interacting with kids and doing the types of things that Reynalds talks about in this and other videos. Teaching well is a true craft and like any craft it’s going to take time to get good at. Many people find it hard to get through that time but if you can get back to your why it will make those hard days better. Look for the good. You will find it everyday if you look.
I’d add to look for a teaching program that gives you the most time training in the classroom. I did a residency program myself through a local charter and it was hands down the best prep I could have gotten. I now teach at a larger public school but spent about 7 years at the charter before moving to public. Go where you are supported and where there is ongoing meaningful training. Look for these things in your programs and schools.
Yes! You will build unforgettable relationships with students and teachers that can change the world. Even on a bad day, you can have that student who needs you or that student who unknowingly puts a smile on your face. My coteacher quit unexpectedly, and I was struggling with their absence, but a student randomly stopped by to make a joke and it changed my whole perspective. These students need as many caring adults in their life that they can get, and you can be one of them.