Keeping A Smile On Your Face.....
Keeping a smile on your face not only causes those wonderful endorphins to flow through your body, it also creates an atmosphere that is very open to kindness and creativity.
Anna,
Students will react well to a teacher who they perceive as happy and friendly. The smile is the first step.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I agree, a little smile goes a long way.
Apparently, Darwin proposed in the 19th century that facial expressions didn't only reflect emotions, but also caused them.
I can only speak for myself, but when I feel especially upset, I make a “wanna-be-a-smile†face, and hold it. A couple of minutes later, my face softens and forms a “natural†smile, and, believe it or not, I start feeling much better. Works like a charm ... :)ïŠ
I didn't know about the endorphins, but I did once read that communication is a two-way street between muscles and the brain, and you really can trick yourself into feeling happy by smiling.
There was an article about it on Cracked.com (not very scientific, I know, but at least they have footnotes); I print it out and share it with my students in Career Development every term. It certainly works for me.
Also, I have a habit of responding to the question "How's it going?" with over-the-top adjectives. No "fine" or "okay" or "pretty good." Instead, I always say "great" or "fantastic" or "wonderful" (seriously, I do), and eventually I feel that way. I encourage my students to do the same. They try to catch me slipping when we pass in the hall, but it never happens (it's too much of a habit now).
Learning with fear is not the way you teach.
I agree. A smile on your face can keep the mood in the classroom positive. The students respond to the material better when the classroom mood is positive.
I also have a reputation for a nice smile when I meet anyone on campus.
I have done this most of my life and have benefited from this useful tool.
Best of all it is free to use and most people respond in a like manner and it creates a comfort zone between strangers.
I teach a Service Industry trade and a smile is a MUST for being successful with the customer.
It helps to relax those involved.
When you smile it makes others respond with a smile and the mood will always seem to change to a positive one.
I am known for always smiling. I have new students asking what class I teach, hoping they will be in it. I find that starting with a smile sets the mood for the day, which can be especially important for early morning classes. No one wants to get out of bed in the morning and face someone grumpy.
