As a teacher, I was surprised to hear Joanna discuss different rollercoasters that every teacher may struggle with. No, We are not perfect, and some days will be "one of those days" where you just let go of the lesson plan and divert to keep everyone calm. In my classroom, I try my best to be authentic. Some days 10, 2-year-olds running around takes a toll on me, but it's essential to still be present for them. They're still so vulnerable and young, and who knows what's going on at home, so we don't want to withdraw from their emotional piggy banks! Anytime a child calls "teacher," I acknowledge them, whether it's a tower they built, a difficult puzzle they figured out, or even putting on their shoe; you can immediately see their smile and happiness when you praise them. Other times, I have 1 to 2 kids attached to my leg crying by the afternoon because they're just done, and that's okay. I get down to their eye level, talk to them, and tell them it's okay to be sad. We can take a moment and relax, which will usually do the trick!
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FlaviaPerez
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