What's the Weather?

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .

“It is my personal approach that creates the climate.  It is my daily mood that makes the weather.”  – unknown

As teachers we are are tasked with building the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally.  The climate in my classroom is instrumental to me meeting the needs of my students and I am truly the one who makes the weather.  No matter what is going on around me, I get to choose how I respond and my attitude is contagious to the young ones who spend much of their day with me.  I want them to be excited to learn the academics of the day, but I also want them to learn to be responsible citizens who are kind to each other.

If you ever visited my classroom, you would have probably seen these words written on my board – “Be Kind!”  I have to confess that they were not only there to remind my students, but to keep me in check.  Here I am –  in a room filled with watching eyes and listening ears that hang on the way I deliver my messages.  I want to model the kind of behavior I expect from them.  I make the weather and I want it to be conducive for learning.

I ran across this video clip that truly inspired me.  Check out this link and see how these first graders have chosen to share simple random acts of kindness and create a positive school climate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBicz2uoG8Q

Even if it is cold outside, we can create a classroom climate that is warm and caring.  This is the type of environment that promotes engaged and enthusiastic learning and builds responsible citizens who can make a positive difference in the world around them.