Look for the Foundation

Did you know that behaviors have a build-up effect over time?  Most teachers do.  And although there is an ebb and flow pattern to the behaviors of students, we see them all at the tail end of the school year – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Fortunately, we have weekends to step away from our work so it doesn’t consume us.

I spent this weekend in my yard cleaning out two small water fountains.  Several layers of dirt, algae, and mineral deposits had overtaken the basins.  Luckily, underneath all the grime were the solid foundations I recognized from when they were purchased.  “Oh, there you are,” I thought, as the clean surfaces were revealed.  “I remember you.”

Teachers, all manner of behaviors have overtaken your students after a long year of growth.  And like you, their bodies are tired, emotional states frazzled, and brains full.  So don’t let layers of transitory behaviors distract and overwhelm you.  Your students are coping the only way they know how.  Look past their behaviors and remember the good foundations underneath.  Every student has one.  Make that be your focus.