Its about how we start the day

It is now week 3 and I'm starting to feel like we are getting there with my class. Last week and Monday this week were challenging. The children were really testing the boundaries and seeing where I might cave. I could see that with some I was beginning to get into a negative cycle and I didn't want that for them or me.
Last night I began thinking about what the causes could be. After a while, I realised that it all came down to self-esteem. Today I started the day by playing the following clip to the class. After it finished I asked the children why I might have played it to them. I had a few ideas ranging from, "it's a cool song!" to, "they're good singers." We discussed the article in more detail. Why did these people gather to sing the say they did? How do you think they felt singing with such passion? At the end, I told them that I think we as a class are an amazing bunch and that we are capable of some great things if we put our minds to it.
After a start like that their attitudes were completely different! We had a fantastic day (even though it was wet and muggy). We achieved heaps and we got along. I didn't feel like I was in a cycle of constantly growling. I think the next step for me will be to continue to develop self-confidence in my students. I want to look into working on growth mindset and mindfulness with them. I am hoping that when they leave my class they can hold their heads high knowing that they put everything they've got into the day. I want them to feel proud!

Importance of mood

Today was brilliant! We started the day focused and motivated. The kids and I played "I Spy" before the bell and it just set a positive mood for the day. I thought about the days that I arrive a little tired because we had a bad night at home with the toddler and how much it might reflect on the overall mood of the day. Yes! There are days when on matter what you do and no matter how positive you are at the beginning of the day it seems to not matter, they are not the norm. Usually, the state of the mind of the teacher is reflected in the students. It seems like common sense when you think about it really, but it is so hard to pick up your feet when there are other things going on.
Today has proven to me that starting the day with a smile can do wonders for how your students work for the rest of the day. They were a reflection of me and they wanted to please. The writing I got out of them today was fantastic. One of my boys, who usually produces a sentence or two at writing time, wrote a whole two pages of organised recount. I was so proud of him. One of my reluctant readers today was the star of the group at sounding out tricky words. I was proud of her too. They weren't the only ones that blew me out of the water today. I danced the victory dance more than once today.
I endeavour to start tomorrow with a smile too and I implore the rest of you to do the same.