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Don’t you wish you could have a button or a pin that was a universal sign to let others know you need a peaceful day and maybe a hug? Something that would say I need more friendly comments and no snarly rude jabs and definitely no cutoffs in traffic. Everyone would talk in soothing tones, no one would argue, and everything and everyone that came in contact with you would know you need them to be kinder today. They would be kinder to you and anyone that wore this sign, as you would for them in return.
Unfortunately, as adults we don’t get such a button. We are expected to go about our business as if we always had good days and everything in our lives is blissful. At the same time, being told to take care of ourselves and that we need to make time for our mental health. Knowing subs are a highly sought after group this year and requesting one may not mean you can find one to cover your mental health day.
So I suggest we as teachers begin to take care of each other. We check in on our friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. We ask them are you okay, how has your day been, and tell them we’re glad to see them. These last three years have been challenging for everyone, but we in the field of education know that we have had to twist and turn and recreate the wheel so to speak for our students to receive their education. We went from heroes in the early days of the pandemic to now the cause of every problem the nation has and then some. To say it’s been a rollercoaster is putting it mildly.
I see you and appreciate you!
I hope you are not experiencing the highs and lows of this year that seems so challenging to so many teachers, but if you are I hope someone reaches out to you to see if you are ok or if you need a hug. If they don’t, I want to ask you, “Are you okay”? Please feel free to comment below your struggles and joys. We can use this group to support each other through the stress of the job, life and joys. I want you to know that I see you, I see how hard you work daily for your students, I appreciate you and the world is a better place because you are in it.
As professionals, we know our students are also stressing out from the pressure of unending tests, social issues, economical stress and so many other things our kids are facing. Through many years of teaching five year olds I know that they too have off days. Days their favorite shirt wasn’t washed, a beloved pet passed, or the tooth fairy didn’t come during the night. These are the times they still have to get up, make it through a day of school and try to deal with the emotions they are just learning to name. Of course, many parents reach out to me and let me know what is going on, but sometimes they don’t. Whether the situation is so new, traumatic or unbelievable to the parent, sometimes they don’t out of embarrassment, trauma or grief.
Our kids need support too.
Let’s take care of our kids too. Let’s give them the ability to live in a kinder world. Even if only during the hours of school. They will remember that feeling of peace, security and care. If every teacher gave students time to process emotions, we could start a quiet societal change for good. If you are doing this fantastic! I applaud you! Those that aren’t are unfortunately the ones that get the media and social hits buzzing. No matter how small their number might be in comparison to those that are allowing children to be human beings before a score on a test. If you aren’t I hope you try it. You will reap benefits beyond scores.
I have created a resource we can use to help students deal with their emotions through trauma incidents, rough evenings or mornings and difficult life situations. These are perfect for all elementary grade levels.https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fragile-Heart-Notes-Emotional-Care-for-Students-7986708 Included is a letter you can send with each family’s set of tags that explains how to use the tags, a black and white copy of all notes and 3 color versions of the tags. I also included a log form to document if parents ask for help. Let’s face it. Our students are always going to have things arise to cause rough days for them, just at varying levels of severity. We can support them better if we know they need more emotional support than academics. Remember that many states have named teachers as mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect. Please know and follow your state’s laws and requirements.
There will always be time to learn more. As educators, I feel we are naturally life learners. It’s just part of our personalities and we try to instill this in our students. Feeling loved and seen is sometimes all that needs to happen in a day. Maybe we need to instill this in our students also. It may be all that keeps that child happy about coming to school. If we can keep them coming, then they have more opportunity to learn in a safe space. The relationship you will be building with your students will be a bridge to the learning they need. Maybe when they have their own families they will remember how they felt in your classroom. Loved, cared for, and safe. They will instill this in their children so we have fewer kids with ACE’s and difficult lives. We can dream and continue being the change we want to see.