The Energy Bus for Schools
March 2017
EnJOYing The Ride During Testing Season!
If someone were to ask why you became an educator what would be your response? More than likely it would't - Because I l just LOVE testing students! The fact is, many of us dread testing season as we become stressed and bogged down by the pressure of testing results. Because of the focus on outcomes, fears begin to set in as we begin to consider what the results will say about us and our students.
Many of us chose this path because of our desire to serve others and make a difference in their lives. With all the stress and pressure that comes with testing, it is important now more than ever to stay positive and enJOY the ride.
Remember- setting the right testing climate can have a huge impact on student success. Your energy (positive or negative) impacts your students as well as their performance. As Mr. Gordon reminds us in the introduction of The Energy Bus, ...positive people, positive communication, positive interactions, and positive work and team cultures produce positive results.
In a study by the University of Toronto, scientists reveal,
"Good and bad moods literally change the way our visual cortex operates and how we see," says Adam Anderson, a U of T professor of psychology. "Specifically our study shows that when in a positive mood, our visual cortex takes in more information, while negative moods result in tunnel vision. The study appears today in the Journal of Neuroscience at www.jneurosci.org. ( https://medicalxpress.com/news/2009-06-people-rose-colored-glasses.html#jCp)
Below are 5 Tips to keep you Positive during testing season:
1. Create a Positive Vision – In the book The Energy Bus, Joy, the Bus Driver, asks George “So where do you desire to go. What’s your vision? Joy reminded George that First, decide what you want, then you can start creating it (p.31).
Everything that we want begins with a thought, so each day you enter into your classroom envision a community of success. Try creating a picture in your mind of what success would look like in your classroom if all of your students were to perform at their personal best each day. Have your students practice this exercise as well and have them share their thoughts creating and envisioning a successful learning environment.
2. Put on some Music- Take time to play a little music that can get you and your students up and movin' in the classroom. Music and movement is good for the spirit and is a great way to get the blood and adrenaline flowing in the body. Playing a little classical or jazz music can also have some calming effects and can help reduce the stress that comes from preparing for testing.
3. Remember your Purpose – Remembering your “why” can fill your heart and spirit with purpose and provide meaning and direction. Write your purpose on paper and display it in a place where you will always be reminded of your reason for being .
4. Trust Your Students – find ways to allow students to be accountable for his/her success. Have them set goals and discuss actions they will take to achieve these outcomes. Remind students that every decision has an outcome and when we make choices that support good learning habits we are setting the stage for success. When students are engaged and see themselves as partners in their learning, you’ll see greater outcomes.
5. Love Your Passengers – find ways to inspire and encourage students to see their gifts and talents – write encouraging notes to students and co-workers; smile; give high-fives; and share JOY with others. When we stop concentrating on ourselves and focus on others- we are less stressed and feel more purposeful.
6. Have fun and EnJOY the Ride! Take some time to do things you love. Go on a walk in the park, read a good book, visit with friends, start writing your book.
Joy, the bus driver, reminds George, This is not like Disney Land. We only get one ride so we might as well enjoy it to the max.
Remember- testing season is only a small portion of what we do. What truly matters is living each day to the fullest and creating an classroom where your students feel free to do the same.
Happy Testing!!
Niki Spears,
Chief Energy Officer
Clifdale Elementary School, Energy Bus School 2017-2018 in South Carolina
We are Currently Accepting Applications for Certified Energy Bus Schools for the 2017-2018 School Year!
Meet Us at The Bus Stop in South Carolina on April 28th!
Good NEWS! We have added 2 New STOPS to our 2017 Energy Bus Tour!
Orlando, Florida on July 7th
Reserve your seats today at www.energybusschools.com/events