Influence

From the desk of Carol C. . .

“We change lives. We affect people every single day with the words we say, the looks on our face, the actions we choose, and the decisions we make.”  Joshua Becker

Last week I read a blog by Joshua Becker.  It talked about how we influence people even when we don’t realize it.  As I read it I thought about the influence we, as educators, have on our students.  We make a difference in their lives every day.

How can we make a positive impact on our students’ lives?

Listening-Have you ever been guilty of only halfway listening to what a child has to say?  Or putting a child off because you have to…?  I know I have!  A few years ago I heard a woman tell a story about how her young son changed her way of looking at children.  He walked in the door from school one day, and his mom was busy.  She asked him what he needed.  He told her all he wanted was for her to listen to him.  Listening…paying careful attention has a positive effect on how children feel about themselves.

Acting-We’re all actors on a stage in our classrooms.  As such our students look to us as examples of appropriate behavior.  They may act and talk in ways we do not, but we can be sure that any inappropriate behavior on our part will transfer to them.  One year my class was involved in a fierce volleyball tournament.  We practiced day after day with me telling every person how they needed to improve.  I focused so on the negative that I forgot about the things they did well.  Soon I heard my words and tone come out of my students’ mouths as they yelled at each other.  I was horrified at how I had come across to them.

Apologizing-Some people are better at this than others.  We all have to be shown how and when to apologize.  It’s something that needs to be taught in the classroom as well as at home.  And as with most things it is done best by modeling.  In the volleyball incident mentioned above, I stopped the practice and apologized for concentrating on their weaknesses only and for the tone I used.  I knew my apology had an impact because my students’ attitudes toward each other improved quickly.  A parent told me one year that when his child heard his teacher apologize, he realized it was okay to make mistakes at school.

We have the opportunity to influence our students in a positive way.  It’s an honor, a privilege, and a huge responsibility.

“Every day, whether we interact with 5 people, 50 people, or 500, our lives matter and produce a ripple effect that extends far beyond us. Let’s model integrity, celebrate growth, encourage strength, and push for positive change.”  Joshua Becker