1. Identify at least four strategies or attitudes that you can use daily to reduce the stress caused by difficult students.
*Identify the things that will happen and plan an appropriate response. That way you are ready for the things that will happen.
*Be overly prepared for each day. Never give enough downtime to allow things to happen.
*Take care of yourself. Get enough rest and know your limits.
*Have a support network. Family and friends will help to keep you on track.
2. We talk about the importance of fighting staff cynicism at school. What are some ways to maintain optimism in a negative environment?
*Avoid negative. I just don't go where I know it will be.
*Learn to walk away when negative starts or learn to take it and turn it into a positive.
*Choose someone each day and determine to make their day a better one. An encouraging word, a smile, a compliment go a long way. This works great with adults and students.
*Never walk by anyone without greeting them with a word and a smile. You don't know how much they might need you at that moment.
By the way I really liked this chapter. I wish it had come earlier in the book! My experience is that if I take care of myself I am then able to do everything else better.
I like giving someone an encouraging word and definitely walking by someone and greeting them with a word and a smile. Even if I'm feeling good, someone greeting me that way or responding to my greeting always makes me feel a little bit better. I also liked this chapter and wish it came earlier!