Tips For Staying Positive From #SpEdSC

First of all I need to apologise for neglecting #SpEdSC this term. I will refocus soon I promise. In the meantime here are a collection of great ideas from last months slow chat. If you don’t follow this group of international edutweeters I strongly recommend doing so.

If you work in Special Education (or Education as it should be called) then you will know the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. You will be faced by a multitude of challenges daily. Some you will have strategies for, some no matter how long you have taught for will take you by surprise.

Some of these tips relate to your mental health, physical health and others are coping strategies. I like the point Glenys makes about the importance of supervisions, particularly when you know you are listened to and supported.

Supervision is essential for anyone who is working in #SEN. They can help you stay positive when faced with challenges. #SpEdSC

— Glenys Hanley (@GlenysHanley) May 25, 2016

Matt makes a good point, sometimes education and the pressures of school life can seem overwhelming. There will be times when external pressures, environmental factors, unexpected political changes all threaten your carefully laid plans. Identify those you can control. Hopefully you will have a leadership team that are prepared to listen and rationalise demands. If you work in a school where teaching staff don’t have this influence @thatboycanteach has a great blog on taking the power back.

'Control the controllables'. Focus of what you can influence and not on what you can't. Happiness breeds happiness. #spedsc

— Matt Hickey (@headhighwood) May 21, 2016

Exercise was a popular suggestion. Not my favourite pastime but I do enjoy walking to work when I get a chance. Great opportunity for reflection and one of my #teacher5aday pledges.

Make sure your include self care into everyday #SpEdSC https://t.co/yENbZO4zBF

— angela edwards (@aesportsstar) May 22, 2016

#spedsc I'd say coffee, chocolate, alcohol, but actually the best thing is exercise, & if in SEN + back strengthening moves to the routine

— Joanna Grace (@jo3grace) May 27, 2016

the other biggie is exercise, no marathons required just regular low impact exercise at your own pace #SpEdSC #inclusion #ukedchat

— Andrew Manson (@AndrewManson1) May 26, 2016

When you work with children who see and process the world differently you will encounter behaviour that challenges you. However as @Scatti1 points out you shouldn’t ever take it personally. I cannot think of any time when this has been meant personally. It is usually purely a manifestation of frustration caused by miscommunication. So take a step back, deep breath and move forward.

Don't take it personally. Take each minute anew and enjoy being with each other at all other times!#SpEdSC #ukedchat #inclusion

— 💲©️🅰️🏝✝️📍1️⃣ 🦻🏼MCCT (@scatti1) May 26, 2016

Breath, take one step back and move forward, always moving forward, challenges r best when they r behind U #SpEdSC https://t.co/OK0ofUmztK

— Sandi Oelhaupl (@sandioelhaupl) May 26, 2016

Momentarily stepping back from a negative situation helps, even by doing small things: deep breathing, count to 10 before responding #SpEdSC

— The Kelly’s (@KellySCC) May 26, 2016

These final three ideas are great. How about a memory jar or secret success diary to remember those times you had a positive impact. These don’t have to be huge things. Every teacher must be able to conjure up a memory of a time you cheered someone up, you helped a student through a difficult time, when you made a difference.

remember a time when you got it 'just right'! The look on the person's face! Close your eyes and aim for that again… #SpEdSC

— 💲©️🅰️🏝✝️📍1️⃣ 🦻🏼MCCT (@scatti1) May 28, 2016

keep reminders of the good stuff around and visible! it helps to stay thankful for what is working out… 🙂 https://t.co/CQjC5EHVEd

— Rosie Ridgway #BLACKLIVESMATTER (@RosieRingtone) May 21, 2016