Every teacher will have a bad day or bad week but it’s important to not let self-deprecating talk creep in. Mantras can keep you grounded, present, and calm on rough days or when dealing with disruptive students in your classroom. A mantra is an ancient practice of repeating a word or phrase over and over. Many of us have mantras that we use that we aren’t even aware of; such as telling ourselves repeatedly that we aren’t good enough or not worthy enough. The repetition of those thoughts create grooves in the brain that make it easier to think that again and again. So it’s possible to change those negative mantras to positive ones to give you a more peaceful and affirming life and classroom experience.
Teaching Mantras for Disruptive Behavior
“What if this was my child?”
“I am the adult.”
“This is my favorite class.”
“Look for the good.”
“Peace begins with me.”
“Be kind and give compliments.”
“Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.”
“It’s not personal.”
“They’re little kids in big bodies.”
Teaching Mantras for When You Feel Like You’re About to Lose Your Cool
“I can do anything for 60 minutes.”
“Right now I am having fun.”
“In every moment I have a choice.”
“Sit, feel your weight in your seat, feel your feet on the floor.”
“Just keep swimming.”
“Breathe.”
Teaching Mantras for When You’re Overwhelmed By Work
“I can, and I will.”
“I can do hard things.”
“Just keep moving.”
“Be where you are.”
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
“You can have results or excuses. Not both.”
“Don’t wish for it. Work for it.”
“This is what it’s like right now.”
General Teaching Mantras
“I feel great. I feel Good. I feel wonderful.”
Think of 4-6 words that express your goals and repeat them.
“What can I control?”