Have you ever been praised and felt like you were on top of the world? It is such an awesome feeling. This is just what praise did for me yesterday. I have been moved to second grade from kindergarten. I was feeling a little uneasy but decided just to take it with stride. I will just have to learn second grade a day at a time. Of course, this didn’t get rid of my uneasy feeling. My stomach was still aching in intense emotion before open house. I was scared to death.
All day yesterday, I had teachers, students, and parents come to me and tell me how glad they were that I was in second grade. What a relief! They saw something in me, so I should see something in myself. So now, I am ready to run right into my room and begin teaching, instead of running out the door screaming.
Here are just a few of the praises that I got yesterday, that boosted my self-confidence.
“You better speak to her, she was the best teacher you ever had.” — from a brother of a student I taught in kindergarten that is now in second grade
“Will you be a mentor for AmeriCorp? You did such a great job on ________ and I really appreciate it. I know that ________ can benefit from you teaching him.” — AmeriCorp Director
“Your room looks great. I will be here anytime to help you, but you won’t need it. You will do great.” — Literacy Coach
“We are so happy. ______ is going to have a great year. Thank God you are her teacher again.” — parent of student that I have now, that I also taught in kindergarten.
“Mrs. Arnold, if I am good can I get in your treasure box too.” — student that I taught in Kindergarten that is now in second grade (of which is not in my room this year)
“I put _____ in your room because he/she needs some extra attention. I knew you were the best one for the job.” — Guidance Counselor
“I hope my grandson gets you again when he gets in second grade. You did such a great job with him. He just loved you.” — Grade level aide
The many hugs from former students. This was an awesome feeling.
It is amazing how much a little praise can do in your life. Each one of these statements only took like 30 seconds to tell me. I encourage you and myself to start handing out encouragement and praise. This could be through blogs, e-mail, notes, verbal, etc. Just get out there and start praising.
Gage (my 2nd grade student) sums up how 30 seconds of praise can make you feel. You just have an awesome feeling and a smile that can never be erased of your face. I felt like this all day yesterday and today. A little praise can go a long way.
Related posts:
- Classroom Setting Up
- One Nation Under God!
- Arnold Update
- Just One of those Days
- Prayer Request
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