We’ve all had those moments where we mentally wonder if our students are ever going to get it. What feels like the millionth time we’ve explained a concept or helped them to sound a word out for the correct spelling; maybe it’s remembering their multiplication tables. And, without meaning to, you might say something like, “Are you kidding me?”
Now maybe you caught yourself and rephrased, in an attempt to not show just how frustrated you are.
Or maybe you didn’t even notice.
But your student did.
That singular moment for the teacher, one of a million in their average day, is now embedded in that student’s mind.
And it’ll stay there.
Nagging at them.
Feeding their insecurity.
And making them doubt their ability.
Well past their school days, they’ll most likely, recall that one moment with that one teacher, who said “Are you kidding me?”
Words are like spells. What spell are you casting in your classroom?