Pointes and Perspective #11 Be True To You

Let's get right into today's discussion,

“Be True to You”

Remembering to Take Care of Ourselves

Where I will share how important it is to take care of ourselves, before we can successfully care for our students.
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Larry Ferlazzo asks in his book,  Keep It Simple’ & Other ‘Best’ Teaching Advice From Educators, “Who are the most important people in the classroom? The most important person in the classroom is you—the teacher! When we are taking care of ourselves, we are able to bring our whole selves into the classroom for the benefit of our students.”

I am a mother of four children and it was just before the birth of my first child, when I received the best advice on the topic of self care. I was at one of my doctor's visits and the doctor wanted to discuss plans for the baby’s care after her birth. We got on the subject of breastfeeding, and I confided that I honestly did not want to breastfeed. I knew this was an unpopular decision, and seemingly everyone, including the baby's father was arguing with me.  I felt very alone, inferior, and defeated. But the doctor looked at me, and said, “What is most important, is what will make YOU comfortable. YOU will have to care for this baby, and you need to take care of yourself, so that you can care for her.”  My newborn baby was going to be able to feel my discomfort, exhaustion, and impatience. I had to take care of myself first, so that I could be fully present, content, and prepared to parent her. 

We have to be fully present, content, and prepared for our students. We are their role models. Like it or not, they are watching our every move, feeling our energy, and memorizing our example. When we come into class feeling playful and happy, fully use all of our resources, and practice exemplary class etiquette, our students will model that. When we are feeling good, we will be gentle, kind, patient, and capable of empathy.
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So, in what ways can we take care of ourselves?

First off, I make sure I get sufficient sleep at night and eat healthfully.  If I get the full eight hours that I personally require,  I will be able to clearly focus each day. And if I eat my fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and drink plenty of water (and that occasional chocolate chip cookie with red wine - did I say that out loud?!) then I will be able to get through numerous hours of teaching each evening.
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I balance my workload and prepare. That may mean I have to kindly say no to substituting for extra classes some weeks, or schedule cleaning my house and doing my lawn for the weekend. I schedule time to create my lesson plans, and be ready and able to guide my students to learn.
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I make sure that I stretch and get sufficient, thorough exercise.  As a dance educator, this is tricky. But keeping our instrument in tune and considering longevity is crucial self care - I mean, I intend to be that awesomely crazy 80 year old ballet teacher one day! I show combinations thoroughly, carefully, and completely on one side, and then I do the second side with students as I watch and dictate corrections to them. And I then walk the room to correct students on their second side. Showing the combination full out helps students completely understand the combination, inspires them to add the artistry with which it should be performed with, and exemplifies the work ethic and etiquette they should be practicing.
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Schedule time with family and friends and do activities outside of the dance studio that you enjoy, such as painting, playing an instrument, camping, or home projects.  Downtime will enable you to come to the studio refreshed and ready to engage with your students. 
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As teachers, we are true givers. It brings us great joy to share and inspire. Continue to be that true giver - but don’t forget to give to yourself too!

Be True to You!