Teacher's Attitude by: TQ Williamson

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for some, and the best part of the year for others. Personally, I try to always go into it being optimistic and hopeful for what's to come. The first day of the school year is an important time for me and many students. No matter what attitude students bring with them to the classroom on the first day of school, the teachers attitude is what will effect the rapport and environment of the classroom for a large chunk of the beginning of the school year. People always say how important first impressions are and it's true. Students will most likely enter the class with an idea of the type of teacher they have based off of what past students have told them.

This means that before a student even hears a teachers voice, they already have thoughts about the teacher. Negative or not, these ideas about who their teacher is can be swayed with a simple introduction. If I walk into a class and the teacher starts talking about getting to work right away and how much homework we are going to have throughout the year, I am immediately discouraged. On the other hand, if my teacher starts class with a smile and gives off a positive vibe than i am excited for what's to come.

A great way to start off the year is icebreakers. Lots and lots of ice breakers, and the craziest ones you can find. Going around in a circle and saying names and favorite color is far better than nothing at all, but multiple games that involve throwing my shoes across the room and pterodactyl screeching in front of a peer I've never met before, make the class much more interesting to me. The goal of icebreakers is not only to share your name and learn others, but to “break” the “ice” and even embarrass yourself a bit. The teachers can also involve themselves in the ice breakers to possibly increase their rapport with their students.

The teacher’s attitude is what sets the mood for the rest of the year. Not only on the first day, but every single day after it. My mood will change no matter what type of day I'm having based on my teachers mood, or their mood in past classes. A positive teacher leads to positive, ready to learn students.