Living with the Energy Bus in Mind

February 4, 2011:  After being at workshops for two days, I am struck with Rule # 8, Love Your Passengers.  It’s been a busy year, and I have been overloaded at school with the master’s assignments, new curriculum, testing, and behaviors of a few.  I worked purposefully today to give each student some positive eye contact, a listening ear, and a nod or sideways hug.  I have some students that smile and are positive no matter how things go each day.  I am blessed and want to let them know more often that I appreciate their positive energy! 

February 3, 2011:  I attended a common cores standards workshop with some math reps. gr. 3-5 along with our principal and curriculum coordinator.   That night I was reading through some of the weekly postings from Jon Gordon.  I forwarded one on being a leader to our curriculum coordinator, because she truly has a vision and is leading our district to more quality instruction.  I forwarded one on positive climate to my principal, because he works to stay positive himself, and to keep everyone in our building positive.

February 2, 2011:  At a coaching workshop many teachers were suggesting that other teachers will not have a positive attitude about having a coach come in to their classrooms to give feedback.  I suggested using “The Energy Bus” as a read for them and in their building.  Many were interested.

Positive Language from Home and Energy Vampires

January 24, 2011:  I talked to my principal about my energy vampires.  He had told me months ago (when I asked what to do) that I should send the one most likely to change to the office to see him, and the other to the hallway.  I wasn’t willing to do this.  I felt that they were better off in the classroom than out of the classroom.  Interesting thing:  their MAP math scores showed limited or negative growth.  All of my putting up with off-task or lethargic behavior did not do them any good.  I announced to both boys that they are out next time they are not working.  (I am kicking them off my bus!)

January 20, 2011:  I have a student who seemed to be tagging along with misbehavior with his friends at the beginning of the year.  He has made some gains in behavior and in reading and math this year.  He is quiet, but working hard.  When his mom wrote about him when he was Star Student this week, she wrote that he has goals and a vision for his future!  I was wondering where those words came from?  I was delighted to see them in her writing about him.