Fighting February Funk

I feel February funk. I’m not sure if I just coined a phrase to describe the odd behaviors that arise in the month of February, or if am using an existing term.

I do know that I can’t wait to see February move on. I define February Funk by the increase in office referrals, the lack of homework I’m receiving, and the tanking grades from normally very academic students. I’m hearing more profanity in the halls and seeing more obstinate behavior. February Funk.

I’m often bewildered by this change in students during this month because it seems to me they would be happier. The sun is up longer. Spring break is around the corner. We are nearing the end of the school year. But, I think the daylight is a constant change, standardized testing happens right after spring break, and the time to fix past mistakes is decreasing. It’s a tough time of year.

I, too, am suffering from February Funk. I initially started to write an article about my recent trip to Washington, D.C. I wanted to write about the museums and the pride I felt in our country’s history. I just couldn’t get an idea to go anywhere.

Then I thought I’d write about the recent debate over parent teacher conference times at Colony High School, but worried I’d just make someone mad. I was feeling stymied, frustrated, and overall…February Funk.

Today in class I could tell students just weren’t going to be able to make it through the planned academic lesson. I decided to take a breath, literally, and ask them to do something I’m doing at home, inspired by the book “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. She suggests creating a list of Ten Commandments to guide your life, actions, and behaviors.

I felt the kids needed something insightful, personal, and reflective instead of a lesson on allegory.

As soon as I explained the concept and shared some of my Commandments, the mood in the room became calm and easy. I could see the kids letting go of their tension and stress. At that moment I, too, put down my stress: grading, lesson planning, upcoming school commitments, and this article’s looming deadline. I began to make a list of commandments for teaching. I think these commandments can help us all work through the rest of February.

Be flexible: it’s OK to change your mind, put down your lesson plan and meet the needs of the person you’re with. It’s OK, and sometimes necessary to bend.

Have a back-up plan: things don’t always go as planned. I try to keep a few creative writing ideas on hand so when the need arises, as it did today, I can shift gears and still feel prepared and productive. A plan of any sort is still a plan. There’s something about the word ‘plan’ that lowers blood pressure and keeps your vision focused.

Find a way: I’m not sure how I accomplished all that was required of me this week. This was a really crazy week. I just put one foot in front of the other and focused on each task, in order of importance, and somehow, I found a way to Friday. I met the needs of each kid, kid by kid, and prepared lessons, day by day. Baby steps.

Laugh: it really is the best medicine. Kids need to laugh and see adults joking and laughing. I always laugh at myself. Often we take ourselves too seriously. Kids are self-conscious, and need to know it is OK to be silly or look foolish.

Put it down: small slights or misunderstandings can negatively influence the whole day. Feel your hurt, be annoyed, and put it down. Kids need to see this lesson and understand that it’s OK to not hate someone from six years ago over a past recess fiasco. It is OK to let the hurts of yesterday stay in yesterday. It is OK to let the failures of yesterday stay there.

Always find value: I’m behind on everything — grading, lesson planning, laundry, and life. I realized this evening though, that I’ve met all expectations and while it wasn’t my best work or teaching, it was OK. It’s a good lesson for the perfectionist in me. It’s OK to be OK sometimes.

Embrace chaos: teachers must be organized and planned. The stakes and expectations are high. The classroom must be a well-oiled machine, running smoothly. If kids were robots, the machine would need little maintenance. Kids are full of life and a boundless energy. It is OK to let their wiggles wiggle and their voices bounce. When kids ask to sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” which they often do, belt it out. If you sing it loud enough…

My need for perfection is demanding that I make the list end with either an even number or with the traditional 10 items. I can tell you, it’s not going to happen. I am going to find value in my work, allow the chaos of a seven-item list, and find a way to be good enough tomorrow.

Underneath the tone of the month, is still a drive and deep-rooted commitment to my kids. The days of organization, energy and meeting my high expectations are around the corner. My Commandments are not new or overly insightful; they are a simple reminder to embrace the flux in the day, the unexpected in life, and find value in everything — good and bad — the day brings you.

March is just around the corner…

Brandy J. Bishop teaches English at Colony High School.