Positive Vibes Only... they make a difference in the classroom
Positive vibes only! This might just be my most important rule I have in the classroom. I'll never forget how shocked I was my first year of teaching, when I noticed that I had so many 2nd grader suffering from anxiety. Yes, SECOND GRADERS! Testing anxiety, social anxiety, lack of confidence... I saw it all.
The truth is, we expect a lot out of them... so do their parents... and don't forget about the peer pressure. I realized right away that I needed to foster the most POSITIVE environment in my classroom possible. POSITIVE VIBES ONLY! Here are a few tips and resources that helped me do just that.
Click here to join my email for FREEBIES and the latest sales on TPT
1. Positive Vibes: First thing in the morning!
I always start my morning off with a GoodMorning GoNoodle!. My class and I even have a little chant before we pick a video. They love it. It helps us start the day off with positive energy.
*PS: If you don't know what GoNoodle is... make sure to check it out at set up a free account. It is one of my favorite resources to help the kids get up and move, learn through song and start the day RIGHT!
It is tempting to get a couple of things done around the classroom while they do their "bunny breath" or "Think About It" video - but it the positive energy radiates when I sit down and do it with them.
GoNoodle Channels I use for My Good Morning GoNoodle
- Think About It: Think, reflect, and set positive intentions for your day.
- Flow: Relax, think positive, and flow with these mindfulness exercises.
- Moose-Tube: Breathing Exercises: Sing and move with a-moose-ing chants and cheers.
2. Positive Vibes: Before a Test!
Create a classroom testing ritual! It makes testing days so mnuch more tolerable. I have had many different ritual with my classrooms. It really depends on your students and what works for them!
Positive rituals to try before a test
- Positive affirmations or a classroom chant: Have your kids simply chant "I am amazing, I can do this!" before a test (of course add passion and flair to the chant and have them kiss their brain after their chant)
- Sing a Song: I had an amazing group of students that enjoyed to sing before a test. I would pass out their bubble sheets by singing their name. Then the whole class would sing it back. (This was one of my personal favorites)
- Take a Breath! GoNoodle for the win (again) GoNoodles Take a Breath song is a great song for reminding students that everything is going to be okay while they take their test!
3. Positive Vibes: On The Way Out!
Let your students take their positive vibes home with them! If they had a great day (or a better day) send them home with some LOVE!
Positive Notes Home Templates
I love these positive note templates because they have space for a personalized touch. You can send your students home with positive vibes by attaching them to your students' agendas or folders! A positive note can really go a long way. I always have these notes signed and ready to go. It makes it easier to routinely send home positivity and keep the parents involved.
Click here to check out positive note templates
I hope you find these tips helpful and you find a way to squeeze some of them in. I guarantee you if you can work in the positive vibes, it will make a difference in your students' growth and achievements this year. Plus its way more fun!
Happy teaching my friend ❤️
Click here to shop my TPT store: Teaching On Sunshine – Jordan Alonso
While you’re there, do me a favor and follow my store!
⭐️ That way you can get first dibs on all shiny new things! ⭐️