Help Me to be Consistent

I would say the greatest thing a teacher did for me was keeping their consistency. I appreciate their consistency because we really take the time to work and understand the criteria; it really helps to master it. -Alexa

We often get wrapped up in what we are trying to get done, so we miss what is actually happening in front of us. Many students come in with so many other things going on in their lives that school is a safe haven, even if they are not always doing their work. 

The consistency we bring in the showing up, the work we do, and how we do it can be a great stabilizing force in our students’ lives. By being that steady presence, we allow students to thrive in a safe environment.  

When we apply that consistency to the content and delivery, we allow our students to build momentum in their understanding. They are not trying to figure out what we are doing today because although the content may change, the system does not. They know how to get help, how to participate, and how to try, fail, and try again, and so they can build upon their past knowledge.  

Sometimes our innovative approaches are just what is needed to bring a concept to life, but we have just as many confusing approaches that leave students confused on the what, how, and the why. You can play with each of those levers but not all three at once. 

That is never a good formula to be lost in all three.  

Embrace the day and your role as one of the most constant things in your students’ lives. It is a wonderful thing to be and is key to helping your students succeed.