Picture these limits as a big hug-our strong arms encircling the child with comfort and safety. Finally, we can learn to use the full range of our personal power to command respect. Becoming conscious of our movement, humor, voice, eyes and emotional expression, our whole selves can be an instrument which conveys respectful discipline. Appropriate display of negative emotion can be a crucial yet complex aspect of calling for respect and bringing students into focus. If a teacher is mature and self-aware, expressing one of these emotions in a controlled but powerful way can have a positive impact on a class.
Control is essential here.
It is through choice, not loss of control, that a teacher can effectively and safely use negative emotions. The choice must be made deliberately and thoughtfully with the students' best interests in mind. To maintain this level of choice, teachers need safe professional outlets to express their frustrations to their colleagues, not their students. Knowing that their vulnerability will be respected and protected, both teacher and students can begin to open their hearts. They can begin to connect deeply with themselves and one another, and risk bringing their full humanity to the classroom.