19 Days of Christmas or 7

One of my friends and colleagues has had a challenging student in her class this year.  The kind of student that when the name is mentioned there is almost a collective sigh of pity for her, but being the professionals we all are it is an unvoiced sigh and we try to give encouragement.   This is the kind of student that should get a name plate in the office because they are nearly a resident there.  This is the kind of student you know has potential, but between their own shortcomings, the family situation and other concerns, they will likely self-defeat without a Christmas miracle.  This is a student whose behavior is a constant cry for help, but when help arrives it is not utilized or accepted.  I tried to cheer her up and say, "Well, at least this child is not a twin."  She laughed, and thought for a second, and said, "That's a good way to look at it."

Isn't perspective a cool thing?  We can change the tone of our day, we can change a student's feelings about our subject area, we can change someone's self-image all with a little perspective.  How do you change perspective for a student?

For me, I try to reframe their thoughts about things.  For example, we get to do this activity today, rather than we have to do this today.  We are learning this today to ensure your good future.  Students who learn this now, and do the hard work today will have it easier and find more success when they learn more about it in high school.  All of my students are successful when they stick with it.  I have previous students stop by and testify about how they worked through an issue and now have success.  You can do it too.  I shamelessly promote the value of hard work and perseverance and the importance of everything we are doing each day.  Students who buy in to the new perspective about their school nemesis (be it a subject, hard work, or self-esteem) will always meet with success.

Today, one of my students asked to speak with me after school.  She said, "Mrs. Teacher, I just want to thank you for being an inspiration to do better.  I feel like my hard work is paying off and I really understand Math better now."  I wanted to cry because she was so sincere and sweet.  Instead, I told her that she was doing better because she was determined and put in the extra work and that I was proud of her.  I encouraged her to keep going.  I'm not saying I'm the greatest teacher--far from it.  I teach students old enough to articulate their thoughts about learning, but young enough to share them with you without embarrassment.

We just need to keep reframing the perspective students have concerning their learning and effort.

So today's song is about perspective....

I really can't add (but student, I'll be your guide)
Hard work makes me sad  (but student, you haven't tried)

This school day has been (been hoping that you'd be all in)
So very tough (I'll cheer you up, when things seem rough)

My mother will say I'm slacking (student your brain's not lacking)
My father will tell me to try more (work hard and your grades will soar)

So really I'd rather be snacking (your homework you should be attacking)
But maybe just work a little more (over pages of  text you should pore)

You make me have to  think (student Life's tough out there)
I'll just let my grade sink (No you won't because I care)

I wish I knew how (try every strategy now)
To learn things well (I'll help you every day, from bell to bell)

I ought to say, no, no, no sir (mind if I say make me proud?)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (what's the sense in fussing aloud?)

I really can't learn (oh student I have no doubt)
But student, I'll be your guide

I simply must know(but student, it's cold outside)
If you think I can grow (yes student you will if you tried)

Your welcome has been(how lucky that you stayed in)
So nice and warm (stay focused and don't just yawn)

My friends will be so suspicious (Good grades can be so delicious)
My classmates will be there at the door (telling you that you can do more)

My mindset is now ambitious (Keep your self talk from being vicious)
But you'll see I'll keep trying some more (never heard you say that before)

I've gotta get home(Remember just hang in there)
Say lend me a book (I'm always so glad to share)

You've really been grand (I thrill when I see you raise your hand)
But don't you see? (just try your very best for me)

There's bound to be talk tomorrow (think of how well you'll do tomorrow)
At least there will be plenty of pride (if you got up and just really tried)

I really can't learn (those words you should burn)
Student, it's Hard
Student, it's hard Just try!

 First published December 7, 2017