We hosted Solo and Ensemble this weekend and through interactions with people over the course of the day I realized the importance of doing what you say you are going to (of walking your talk.) I know this seems incredibly simple, but it really hit me today. How often, do we tell our students something, but our body language or behavior send a different message? How often do we offer to do something without any intent of doing what we offered? How often do adults do these things to students?
We have all been told that teachers are role models for students. Not all students have great role models at their home and it is vital that students consistently see positive behavior and interactions. That includes how we act to them (body language and or chosen words), how we interact with others in front if our students and following through with actions. People learn by observing others. Students will have a hard time learning how to react under stress if all they ever see are adults getting angry and upset when they are frustrated. They will also have a hard time learning the value of staying true to your word if they consistently see adults offering or saying they will do things, but never following through.
Students need to see adults under control in stressful situations and they need to see action. Be that kind of role model for your students, the one who acts on what they say they will do, treats others with dignity and respect and stays calm under fire. It's a tough task, but students need to see that it is possible.
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