Teaching can be pretty chaotic and stressful. Even if I have taught a course before, I'm always looking to improve a lesson and adapt it to the students in my class. There is always something that needs to be done (planning a lesson; creating an assessment; developing an activity; meeting with colleagues to plan an activity, assessment, lesson; giving extra-help; coaching; etc.) And each day is different - you never know what might come across my desk on a given day. This busy work day can be draining and very tiring but being able to stay positive can make even the busiest day a good one.
Keeping a positive mind frame can be challenging on some days but by focusing on the small things can make a huge difference. Here is a list of some of my small good moments that can occur any day:
1. Getting out for a morning walk.
2. Getting a parking spot in the closest lot.
3. Finishing my coffee while it's still hot.
4. Having a student ask a really good question during the lesson - especially one that makes me have to really think about the answer.
5. Finding a new gem of a lesson or an activity to try out in my classroom (usually from someone I follow on Twitter). My latest one is probably "Polygraphs" from Desmos.
6. Having my team already have set up the volleyball nets before I arrive at practice.
7. Laughing at least once (usually at myself for something that I said or did).
8. Hearing a student say "Wow, math was fun today!"
9. Getting out for a walk after dinner for some fresh air and thinking time.
10. Getting to bed before 11 pm!
Always looking for the positive ++++++++
