Celebrate the Small Moments

I found myself getting very frustrated with the behavior in my class this week.

I felt like we were back to day 1- not listening, not following directions, and doing a lotttt of talking.

I'm sure part of it had to do with the fact that I was sick and lost my voice so just talking was exhausting- and then trying to talk over 19 kids is even more tiring.

But then admist my frustration I started thinking about something I teach my kids everyday.

In our writing we are working on telling the stories of the "small moments" in our life. We really focus in on that one exciting thing that happened or that very one moment in a day rather than a loooong run on story about an entire trip to Disney World.

I realized that I need to start focusing on the "small moments" in my classroom. I need to start celebrating the little things they do that are great rather than perseverate on the moments when they are talking or not following directions.

I think reminding myself that in 4th grade when a child FINALLY made a lowercase 't' in the middle of the word, or finding a vocabulary word in their independent reading, or going to band practice for the first time, are the small moments that mean the most to them and that I need to acknowledge.

Making a goal to celebrate at least one small moment everyday! It is going to make them and I much happier!

-Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing