Classroom resolutions for 2016

It’s a new year and that means resolutions. This one word carries some serious pressure and weight. It’s one of the reasons I usually avoid making resolutions at all costs. This year, though, I felt I needed some guiding goals to give my classroom a much needed pick me up.

January is a tough time at school. We know the days are getting longer, but it’s still dark. We don’t have many school breaks during 3^rd quarter. Kids just spent a seventeen-day break on a vampire’s sleep schedule so they are a little tired. Teachers are feeling the pressure of untaught curriculum and upcoming high stakes testing. We are pushing kids and they are pushing back. As I said, it’s a hard time at school.

I decided to write five resolutions to help me maintain my momentum, increase my level of patience, and inspire creativity.

Resolution #1: Smile. It sounds simple, but sometimes it’s not. My normally wonderful kids can be a little cantankerous this time of year. They are shifting in age and maturity; it makes them cranky. Add my feelings of impending doom caused by untaught curriculum, and no one is smiling. Now, when I feel my heart rate increase, my annoyance gene trigger, I smile. I just smile. Sometimes I think I look a little creepy (think Mentos smile meets clown), but it does make the kids smile. Turn that frown upside down.

Resolution #2: Allow downtime. I tend to run a fast paced class. I work my kids until the very last minute. I value their time and I believe in what I’ve been tasked to do. Teach so kids learn. This takes time. What I’ve realized though, is all work and no play turns Ms. Bishop and kids into grumpy, reluctant individuals. I make time everyday for a side story or two. The stories are always inspired by content (kids making connections) and they let us have a laugh (often at my expense) and connect.

Resolution #3: Leave work behind. I am a workaholic. Every day I bring home a list of lesson plans I need to work on and a stack of grading. I never get through all the grading or get all the lesson planning done (my personal life does require some attention). So, every morning I lug my overflowing bag back to school, unpack, and re-sort. It’s a little deflating. So now, I only take home what I know I have time to finish. If I have evening plans or I’m exhausted, I leave my to do list and stack of grading on my desk. At first, this was very difficult. I felt like a slacker. Now, I feel liberated when my bag holds only my water bottle and empty Tupperware.

Resolution #4: Learn something new. I feel very strongly about being a life-long learner. Having goals and learning something new, keeps your brain strong and your life full. I decided to offer my 11^th grade students this option instead of a final exam in May. They had to write up a proposal, explaining the goal, the process, the materials and time needed. Over the course of the semester, they will meet with me three times so I can see their process. They have to keep a written journal and a video log. I was so surprised by their interests. I have kids wanting to learn everything from calligraphy to playing a musical instrument. I want my kids to be great readers, writers, and driven by curiosity. Success.

Resolution #5: It’s not personal. I love my job. I love working with kids. I invest all I am- ethics, ideas, and time- into making my classroom work. So, sometimes it’s hard not to be upset when kids are rude and apathetic. Teaching isn’t just my career or my job, it’s my heart. Often, I have to remind myself that kids are kids, full of confusion, unknown emotions, and a brain that hasn’t fully developed. It’s not about me and what I want for them. It’s about them, where they are at that exact moment. So, when a student tells me he/she doesn’t care, inside I answer, “I do.” I then move on, ignoring their outburst and get back to work. The moment passes and we all survive, feelings intact. It can be a challenge, but it’s a good one to have. Kids are worth this effort.

Writing down these five resolutions has given me focus. When I feel we’re slipping back to the days of cantankerousness, I look at the resolution to do list on my desk, and….smile. It’s not quite as creepy as it was.

Brandy J. Bishop teaches 10^th and 11^th grade at Colony High School.