Unexpected affirmations make everyone feel positive. Opponents have taunted that the world is not a touchy, feel good place therefore we should not impose this way of thinking on our students. There is a fine line between throwing up a word of the week and promoting a positive learning environment for our students that does nurture educational growth. However, like other aspects that become procedural, these messages need to be rotated often. A strategy is to find a partner to switch motivational signs or posters with in your grade level, department, or school.
Water consumption is imperative in our students.
When becoming dehydrated, the brain starts to shut down. Educators often have access to something cool to drink during the day or even in workshops. If that is not available, educators are antsy about sitting in a two-hour conference and often are thinking of other things such as, what ballgame the kids have to be taken to that night, or what is on the grocery list. Students operate in the same manner. Reducing some of those feelings of searching for a basic need, such as water, the student will bring learning back into focus.