When you're a teacher of a much-feared subject such as math/public speaking/etc, the battle starts early, doesn't it?
Kids pour into your class the first day with a rain cloud over their little heads.
"I can't do math."
"I hate public speaking."
"I don't want to be here."
"I'm not (insert subject here) type of person."
You and I know that's nonsense, but we must foster an environment where our students know three things:
1. We are cheering for them.
2. We know they can do this.
3. We are so glad they're here.
Students need these visual and verbal reminders constantly! A "good morning, class! I'm so glad to see each of your faces today!" may go a lot farther than you think. "Susan, you have made so much progress since September. I'm so proud of you." You've changed a child's whole perspective. "I know math isn't your favorite thing, but you are on the right track and we can conquer this together." You may pull a child from the edge of apathy.
Make your classroom a safe place. No struggle is too big for this room. No problem too unsolvable. No student too far behind.
In my first year of teaching, I remember having a simple cookie-cutter motivational poster in my classroom. One day, one of my high schoolers gestured to it and said, "why do teachers hang these up? Are they supposed to motivate us? Because I don't feel motivated." I laughed at my student's candor while taking mental notes to improve my classroom environment for the next year. What would motivate them?
Instead of the generic kitten with the "hang in there!" verbiage, I wanted more pointed and uplifting messages. Sometimes I had to make my own! Whatever works for you to make that environment as safe and open as possible. Your students should know that the sky is the limit!
Create an encouraging and uplifting classroom. It goes a long way.
**If you are looking for more encouraging classroom posters, create your own or look on TeachersPayTeachers! I created some of my own with a cactus theme that you can find here. Psst- these two are free!**
