I Adore a Sale! I Loathe Being So SO BUSY!!

It was great shopping on TpT yesterday during the teacher appreciation sale!  I bought a lot of cute stuff!  Can't wait to try things out.  Us teachers are just SO CREATIVE!!  At the same time, I feel a little unsteady lately with all that is going on - there is just so much I want to accomplish and there never seems to be enough time:)  Ah well - teach on!!!

My muffins have been SO lovely lately!  We have been learning about writing with voice so I played this game with my kiddos.  We all had to close our eyes and I would tap one student on their shoulder.  That student would say an "I loathe.." sentence or an "I adore.." sentence.  Then, the class would guess who said the statement.  After awhile of doing this my sweeties suggested disguising their voice!!  Yup - it worked well!!!  We all had some good laughs as we played and discussed what made it easy to figure out who said what!!  Our individualities shone and so we thought we could transfer this to our writing.  

My kiddos were pumped to write their own I adore.., I loathe.. statements.  Suddenly, the writing activity evolved into a cute craftivity with each students picture hidden.  One sweet pea suggested we walk around and try to figure out who wrote what.  They were so excited and careful to hide what they had wrote so as no to ruin the game.

Here we are walking around the room!  They loved it!!

If you want it you can have in my Say It With Voice packet!  Click on the picture below!

Your teacher tone is your friend!!

One of the toughest and most interesting tricks I have learned over the years is to make the most of my teacher tone!!!  Tone of voice is one of the key methods of management I use in my classroom.  I can express many different emotions.  I can inspire and I can convince.  I can bring tears and I can create laughter.  BUT....if I need to make a point about something serious such as a safety issue I bring out my "I Mean Business" voice.  I don't raise my voice, no, no!!!  I say what I need to say with confidence and all the seriousness behind my words so my students understand I mean what I say.  I make eye contact as I deliver my message.  Most importantly, I end on a positive note and my tone reverts back to a cheerful and easygoing teacher!

Just a small warning - you may think you are using a positive "I Mean Business" tone already.  However, if your children are not displaying the desired behaviour, take a step back and assess your teacher tone.  If there is any hint in your voice that you are unsure of what you are requesting this will have an undesirable effect.  If your tone suggests that your request is an option or one of several choices, rethink your delivery.   For example, it may come across as: "Put away your pencil box, if you want..." or "Pick up your jacket, please??" Often, we think we are being loving or we don't want to sound too harsh.  Sometimes, I am worried about who is listening and how they will judge me.  In reality, this "loving" tone is confusing to children and they will take advantage.  Children prefer a straightforward, confident tone that suggests there is no room for other options.  This kind of tone inspires content and safe feelings - the adult is giving clear, decisive directions - no need for the child to do anything but feel safe and well-looked after.

So remember, you are a wise and loving teacher who only wants what is best for your students.  If what you have to say is important for your students's learning or safety, speak with passion and concern, no matter who is listening.  Your teacher tone is your friend!   Use it to your advantage!!