One Word, Two Words, Choice Words, Kind Words

One word, one kind word is the difference between feeling isolated or like you belong. Hello. Two words transform an encounter from one of expectation to one of anticipation. Thank you. If we are mindful and aware of the impact of our words on others and visualize our actions and attitude we can become pontificators of positivity, rhetoricians of response, orators of optimism. Response through patience and admiration creates a harmony like no other. Empowerment comes from thoughtful encouragement, genuine emotion, belief not only in ourselves but that those around us have our back. That they will be on the side lines cheering us on. But also, will embrace us when we are defeated. A gesture, a word of kindness makes all the difference in the world. It is easy to disregard that our voice and speech is without humility and comfort in times of stress and frustration but if we take a moment for clarity, calmness, and cultivation of our colloquy we will find kind, purposeful, meaningful words will become the norm.

Just as important as preparing ourselves to speak with integrity and beneficence is our ability to interpret and devour the words of others. To tune in to a deeper meaning. The surface of which is letters and order, while beneath lies implication and nuance. Being a mindful listener is far more challenging then it sounds. Many people only hear what they want to hear and ignore the essence of a persons vernacular, the core of their spirit. Often the crux of miscommunication and misunderstanding stems from verbalization rather than contemplation. Students need to be heard. Teachers need to feel respected. Parents need to have open-dialogue with their children. Without communication, apathy and absence will prevail. The most important thing we can do as humans is to connect, build relationships, forge a bond with other humans. This in turn is the lifeblood, the nexus of humanity. This network can only be accomplished with mindful thought and speech. Words.

Actions speak louder then words. A saying that I have heard since I was a child. But believe me words are just as impactful. I have been on the receiving end of many strident, jarring and plain old mean cacophony that still to this day has left me a little wounded. I hear discordance and severe words from teachers to students, parents to children, students to students and it disheartens me deeply because it has become accepted in our society that harsh words are merely that, words and people need to get over it. But they linger with us, echoing when we are in doubt or distress. When an adult speaks to a child with venom it is even worse. Because it perpetuates this idea of distrust and disrespect. As adults we need to have foresight and intuition to recognize that children often are repeating without deliberation, they are mimicking adults around them. So we need to create a safe haven where our children, students, colleagues and friends can simply talk. Being able to get the words out in a safe place is sometimes all we need to re-center and refocus on the task at hand.

This time of year is very stressful in schools. Teachers are exhausted while students are seeing the summer break near and are often "tuning out." Not just to academics but to social norms as well. Our choice of words is important all the time, but at this time of year it becomes more crucial because we are setting the stage for these children, we are the beacon of light to which they steer their ship, the voice of reason, the bearer of comfort and reassurance. The way we greet them and laugh with them builds trust. The tone we set of risk-taking, choice and flexibility creates a sense of security. Our voice, our open-dialogue, expression and articulation are the notes of a year long symphony between student and teacher. We need to keep the melody an allegro, upbeat, engaging, lively, quick paced. Students need to feel that the class is still revving up, the tempo is still dynamic, that the end of the composition is near but it will end on a high note. How can we get them to believe? To commit? To be present in a time where many are not? Keep moving forward. One word, two words, choice words, kind words.

A classroom like a home is a place not only built on love and respect but on trust. Most parents set high goals for their children. Teachers have a vision for their classroom that hopefully allows students to take responsibility for their own learning. It is important that parents and teachers communicate in order to bridge their expectations and objectives for the education of our children. A safe haven of learning can only occur when all parties are invested. When students and teachers alike feel appreciated and valued. It needs to be a place of community and certitude. Where every one is heard. Not just listened to, but heard. Where words are not merely sounds. Speech is given credence. Actions allegiance. Where the staccato of opinion becomes a consensus. Where no matter what, unconditionally we forgive, forget and reset daily. Where we begin the day without regret or expectation but with anticipation and words of encouragement. A simple gesture, like mindful speech, articulates emotion that resonates throughout the classroom. A laugh, a smile a hand-shake or a hug to our students means acceptance. A kind word the vibration that sends a wave emanating from teacher to student.

It is ultimately a choice. We can bring with us our frustration or negativity infecting those around us or we can carry with us a megaphone of positivity and optimism that draws others towards us. The end of the year is upon us and these students have grown and become a part of us. We have listened, observed, believed, valued, embraced, forgiven, trusted and loved them every step of the way. What they need from us now is unconditional determination and dedication to ending the year as exciting and intriguing as it began. With flexibility, engagement and student-centered learning. They need structure and guidance and our presence every moment. Our accessibility, attuned minds and appreciation. They need to know that ultimately we appreciate them and that they will be missed. This is what we all need isn't it? To be cherished, recognized and memorable. Even on the most stressful and exhausting of days we need to remember, they are children and they look to us for direction. So lets lead them down the final stretch with integrity, resilience and love.