Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. ~Mother Teresa
This is so true. There are so many moments throughout the day to give someone a smile, an act of kindness, some gesture that you care and that they matter. Isn’t that what kids want more than anything else? And isn’t that what teachers to do for our children (speaking as a parent here)? I send my kids off to school every morning knowing they will learn some wonderful things, have experiences and have many encounters. 
I want them to be happy, smile and enjoy their day. As a teacher, I think about what my families want from me. Yes, I have to teach them content and do that. Yes, I teach those critical thinking skills and problem solving. Yes, I am working to prepare them for learning in the 21st Century. More importantly though I have to evaluate myself; am I making them smile, am I making them feel good about learning, and I am I making them learn how to find happiness I places they least expect it? Am I allowing for a bit of silliness along the way? To show support and appreciation for a job well done, sometimes we make different cheers for each other, air high fives, and even that needed round of applause for a job well done or achieving a milestone. 
Last blog I talked about making mistakes and learning form them and just how important that is. This week it is about not just learning but maintaining a positive attitude and finding happiness. Life can be challenging on any given day and finding joy on ‘hard days; even more so challenging but a life lesson we all need to learn. When I sit on the carpet with a group of kids, do they feel good about what might just happen in our little circle? Are they excited and ready to try something new and be happy with the task of ‘conquering’ the challenge? 
Going into any computer lab is always a highlight for kids but actually navigating a system with a foreign computer language can present a challenge. Some times there are tears of frustration but do the students know it is all okay; nothing is permanent with what we do on our blogs and everything can be edited and changed? That takes a great load off their shoulders and the smiles appear while the excitement grows! 
Laughter, smiles, cheers and sometimes just plain old appreciation for the effort makes students happy and isn’t that what we all strive for; happiness while learning and growing. I know every child matters and I work to make sure they know that; on good days, on days that they might not do so well on a test, and on days when they just don’t feel like being at school. Can I influence that ‘mood’ and make a positive impact? I certainly hope so as that is what I want for my own children. Funny how being a parent makes those emotional issues so much more meaningful because ‘best practices’ in education are most effective when there is a positive relationship between student and teacher. So as we continue this journey we need to remember that some days there might be frustration at content or task completion, but that is not transferable to the child; they are always loved and I hope they know they are what makes me smile! 
