How to Regain Composure After Losing Control in the Classroom
Being in the classroom, both as a teacher and as a student, can be extremely stressful. However, a teacher is expected to remain in control and in charge of situations. For this reason, it can be extremely embarrassing when a teacher loses composure. While it shouldn't happen, it occasionally does, and it's important that you know how to get your composure back quickly and thoroughly so that you don't make the situation worse.
Instructions
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Take a deep breath and focus. Whatever situation it is that's making you stress, take a moment and put it in perspective. Maybe it's a student mouthing off at the wrong time, or technology not working or just kids whispering in the back of the room. Whatever is happening, breathe deeply and put it in perspective. It's a problem to be dealt with, and it is not something that you can allow to strip your composure.
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Apologize to the class in general, and students specifically for your slip in composure. Don't make a production out of it, but a simple "sorry everyone, it's been a rough day," should get the point across that you're getting back on track.
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Continue with the lesson. Whatever you were doing before you lost your composure, you need to get back to it. This helps you maintain focus, and it puts the class back on task. As you continue, keep a mental eye on your frustration and composure, and head off anything that you feel is pushing you towards the breaking point again.
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