I'd Be Glad To

        When I was growing up my mom and dad always emphasized having a good attitude whenever we were asked to do something ie. wash the dishes, sweep the floor, take care of a younger sibling (you get the point). This principle was especially emphasized when the task was something that I didn't like doing (vacuuming) and I remember getting more chores when I didn't say the key phrase "I'd be glad to". A lot of the times my emotions didn't follow my spoken words but it forced me to be conscious of how I was reacting to a situation. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I find myself using this same phrase a lot in my classroom. 

      Two students in particular often throw tantrums when they are not called on frequently enough or do not get what they want. It made my day today when one of them told me "I'd be glad to Miss Scott" after I asked him to stack the chairs. The other one has not come to that place yet. She is a student I have mentioned before... the infamous Diamond. Today's fits were over getting a check for making humming and singing noises while I was teaching, not getting the color of juice she wanted, and getting a check for not controlling her body while at her desk. Whenever she has a bad attitude I give her an opportunity to rewind the moment and try it again with some behavior coaching. This sometimes takes 3 or more attempts. I am looking forward to the day that she says I'd be glad to with a smile on her face. 

      As much as I tell my students to have an "I'd be glad to" attitude I often find myself whining or complaining in reaction to unforeseen events. I guess I need the opportunity to rewind my moments and try again too. This week my co-teacher was out of the classroom for the 4th time this year which meant 28 five year olds by myself with an ad-lib schedule for the day. I became stressed, anxious, and frustrated which turned into an adult melt down of questioning why I had gotten into teaching and bemoaning the upcoming days. However, Monday rolled around and thanks to the many prayers from my friends and family we had a great day. It turned out all of my anxiety was for nothing. 

My Dad gave me this Bible verse and it pretty much sums up my action plan for the rest of the year. Thanks Dad for still speaking promises over my life! 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6