Wouldn't it be amazing if your supervisor or administrator asked, "What did you do to have FUN today? What did you do to make your children happy?"
Unfortunately, "happiness" is not a part of most school curriculums. But, for some children, school is as good as it gets. Divorce, money issues, and health problems at home can overwhelm children. As educators, we can't solve all the problems outside of the classroom, but we can cheer, play games, sing songs and give children a little smile every day.
THROWBACK
Smile Break
When children are wound up, help center them with a smile break. Tell them to look at the clock and smile for 30 seconds. (Use the timer on your phone or have them look at the clock until the big hand is on the 6.)
Babble Break
A brain break that students will love is a “talking break.” Set a timer for one minute or whatever and tell students they can talk with a friend until the timer goes off. Once the time goes off there's no more talking!
Joke Break
Encourage each child to learn a joke that they can share with their classmates. Let children decorate craft sticks with their names and put them in a “Joke Can.” When you have a few extra minutes, choose a stick and let that child tell a joke to the class.
Note!! One year I had an "issue" with an administrator. I happened to be teaching adults at the time and I was standing up for something I believed in. It broke my heart and my spirit, but I will never forget what a student said to me: "Dr. Jean, don't let them take away your joy!" I tell you that because NOBODY CAN EVER TAKE AWAY YOUR JOY IF YOU DON'T LET THEM!!!
