Best Laid Plans

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .

One thing we as teachers need is the confidence to be flexible so we can deal with the unexpected things that inevitably take place during the learning day.  We busily plan for the needs of our students and map out long range goals for a wonderfully successful year.  On paper everything is perfect – and then – in walk our precious children.  Somehow the best laid plans end up changing.  High expectations and quality plans for our classroom communities are a must for a successful school day, but the flexibility to adapt and develop the teachable moments can inspire learning and keep us sane.

We have to face it – disruptions are going to ensue.  The fire alarm will go off, some poor student will throw up, or some little one will have a meltdown right in the middle of the perfectly planned math lesson.  Banish the “woe is me” mentality and take a deep breath.  Our students look to us for the proper response to these situations and the calmer we stay, the calmer they will stay.  A positive attitude and a sense of humor can go a long way in keeping our blood pressure from spiking and chaos from ensuing.  We need to be able to problem solve, refine plans, and keep our class in balance.  “The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry.”  Teachers definitely understand why this Robert Burns couplet is so often quoted.

We walk into our rooms each morning ready to instill knowledge and make a difference in our students’ lives.  Armed with positive attitudes and great plans we are immediately faced with changing schedules, streams of meetings, mandates that may not match our educational philosophies, parents with special requirements, and children with individual needs.  As leaders in our classrooms, we must trust ourselves when interruptions and challenges come our way.  Flexibility is a powerful tool that allows us to differentiate instruction, refine the day’s outcomes, and deal with the constant state of flux in which we work.  It is easy for the stresses of teaching to beat us down, but we can strive to activate the power to be confident enough to bend – not break – with the day’s demands.