Marianne Douglas Creating a Climate of Optimism in Your Classroom

Actual Rules for Teachers ( circa 1915) 1. You will not marry during the term of your contract. 2. You are not to keep company with men. 3. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless attending a school function. 4. Your dresses must be not be any shorter than two inches above the ankle. 5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have the permission of the chairman of the (school) board. 5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have the permission of the chairman of the (school) board.

6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man unless he is your father or brother. 7. You may not dress in bright colors. 8. You may under no circumstances dye your hair. 9. You must wear at least two petticoats. 10. You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores. From: webenglishteacher.com/teacher.html webenglishteacher.com/teacher.html

Industrial Age Training students for industry Respond to factory like bell Want obedient students Don’t want independent thinkers

Information Age Invention of television, internet made us entertainment oriented facts not as important addicted to media overabundance of negative news media tool used instead of problem solving and decision making skills

“Many of our young people have been so soured by their experience in today’s classrooms that the joy of learning has all but died for a lifetime.” Dr. Laurence Martel “The 7 Secrets of Learning Revealed: What Your Teacher Never Taught Your Because Your Teacher Never Knew”

Reasons that kids are bored: Entertainment driven world and teachers aren’t trained to be entertainers Students used to instant gratification Shorter attention spans Students have more personal problems Students have world problems on their plate

“You let those kids play all those computer and videotronic games and after that, school is just boring to them. It’s just an old lady talking.” Marie Barone, “Everybody Loves Raymond”

We speak 175 – 200 words per minute We process 600 – 800 words per minute GAP = Boredom Zone

“The mere imparting of information is not education. Above all things, the effort must result in making a man think and do for himself.” Carter G. Woodson

“Tell me and I forget. (40/30/20) Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” (Origami) Proverb

The Conceptual Age Daniel Pink’s view of the future The future needs well developed right brained thinkers – Asia, Automation, Abundance We need the courses and methods that are often neglected in schools, the ones that are often labeled ‘touchy-feely’…the optimistic ones! Harvard’s course in Optimism

“The most extraordinary thing about a really good teacher is that he or she transcends accepted educational methods.” Margaret Mead

So what do we do??? “101 Tips for Teachers”

They need to learn a variety of ways Kids are still kids They have human needs 1. Take note of what is consistent throughout time

Six Human Needs Go P.L.A.C.E.S. when you know what you need (as used in my leadership/success program P = People (let kids work together often) L = Learning (help them with various ways to learn and with reasons to do so that relate to all areas of their lives, not just school) A = Attention (find ways to get each student the attention he needs) C = Charity (find ways to incorporate charitable projects with all academies) E – Excitement (fill the class with surprises) S – Security (create a safe classroom)

2. Pay attention to what the world considers important and use it to aid teaching rather than as the enemy

Entertain “Good teaching is one fourth preparation and three fourths theatre.” Gail Godwin

Have fun “What we learn with pleasure we can never forget.” Louis Mercier Mrs. Wright

“When positive emotions and joy are brought into the rational process, downshifting to the R-complex part of the brain (the fight/flight part of the brain) does not take place. The sullen, bored, and anxious student who seeks to flee from school can become an obsolete experience in an enlightened school.” Dr. Laurence Martel

“ A good teacher, like a good entertainer, first must hold his audience’s attention. Then he can teach his lesson.” Hendrik John Clarke Use Props

“A school should not be a preparation for life. A school should be life.” Elbert Hubbard Use music

“You don’t understand anything until you learn it more than one way.” Marvin Minsky Use Activities

“The importance and need for rich sensory and hands-on learning continues throughout our lives. However, many of our educational practices derive from the unexamined assumption that people will learn best if given lots of information in either lecture or two-dimensional written form. We have only to look at the glazed eyes and vacant stares of students in a lecture hall or classroom to know that this is a belief that needs to be abandoned.” Carla Hannaford, Ph.D.

3.Build trust as you build a safe classroom

Be consistent Monitor negativity Use trust games Be kind Expect the best

4. Put yourself in their shoes

Remember that they lead very different lives than baby - boomers and Gen X-ers Notice what you need to feel safe, optimistic and engaged…then translate it to your teaching Remember what’s it’s like not to know

5. Connect with students

Greet them at the door Share yourself with them Let them connect more with each other Bring in a variety of guests who can help students find their place in the world

6. Keep your eye on the big picture

Not everyone going to college “Millionaire Next Door” Entrepreneurs, hands on people, designers, craftsmen Read about successful people

7.Take care of yourself Education is one of the most challenging and most important jobs The more strategies you add to the classroom the easier teaching gets. Add them gradually… We need teachers with vision, heart, …and stamina

Read positive books and s to support yourself My Newsletter “Secrets of Success” My blogs for teachers and teens The Happy Guy Loretta LaRoche Questions? Feedback sheets, Cameras and stickers…Oh my!

For continuing education… Go to: StrategiesofSuccess.com/naf2007.htm Thank you for coming! Enjoy the rest of the conference!