The Power of Being Positive

About a month ago, the technology teacher came to me and begged me to work with her second period class.  The majority of the students in that class are ESOL students and were acting like, well, seventh graders.  Many of the students in the class came over as unaccompanied minors last school year and are still having trouble adjusting.  Rather than break into Preacher Ninja mode, I decided to take a positive approach.

I grabbed the class's attention at the beginning of the period.  I told them that I was very proud of them because out of all of the technology teacher's classes, they had the potential to become her very favorite.  I asked them to brainstorm ways that they could become the favorite class and they were quick to come up with answers such as listen, follow directions and help one another.  I told them that I believed in them and would hold them to their responses.

Today around lunch time, my phone began to make noise.  The technology teacher was so impressed by this class's work ethic that she snapped pictures and sent them to me.  The students were engaged and appeared to be helping one another with the class assignment.  When I went to check in with the technology teacher, she confirmed that this class has indeed become the one that she looks forward to working with the most.  I made sure to visit this class before the end of the day and let them know to keep up the good work.

It's days like today that make me glad that I chose this path in life.  While the trenches can get messy and downright frustrating at times, remaining positive can mean making a difference.