I'm optimistic, so I really do not anticipate any discipline issues with my students this school year. As a high school student you have spent many years already being groomed for how to control your own attitudes and manage your own behavior...or at least I hope so.

 

Yes, I'm optimistic...but not unaware. I do realize that sooner or later, we all face issues that challenge us to the very core of our being. And when we are challenged emotionally, spiritually, or physically, some of us unfortunately act out in unacceptable ways. What can we do to both prepare ourselves for these triggers AND quickly overcome them? I'm glad you asked.

 

I came across the most wonderful piece of advice from Thich Nhat Hanh. (If you haven't heard of him, please do use Google or Wikipedia to found out more. I encourage you to read this and adopt it for your personal use, not just on difficult days, but EVERY DAY. Let's see what a difference it will make in our classroom environment!

 

Breathing in, I relax

Breathing out, I smile

Breathing in I feel calm

Breathing out, I feel good

Breathing in, no more anger

Breathing out, peace and quiet.

 

Can you imagine what our class would be like if we all do this before, during, and at the end of the day? 

Hola!

Just look at it, there's a word for you already! "Hola." It's easy to incorporate at least one new word into our everyday speaking. I challenge you to try it. If you commit to a goal that small, you will have memorized and included 365 new words into your personal word band over the course of a year, and that's without even trying too hard. So, from today, forward, every time I see you whether in class or in the hallways--or even at Walmart--I'd like to hear you greet me in Spanish. Try it, and you'll see how easy it is. You'll be speaking like a pro in no time.  

 

Get your friends and family members in on the challenge, too! Some researchers say it takes coming in contact 9 times with a word in order to truly memorize it. So choose your word and say it in the mirror while you brush your teeth. Then text it to a friend. Say it to your parents. Repeat it in a sentence when you argue with your brother, and again when you compliment your sister. You get the point. The more you use it, the less risk you'll lose it.

 

See ya later; or rather: "Hasta luego!"