"Why did you do that?!"

"Stop it now!"

"You are grounded!"

"Seriously?! You just have to make things so difficult!"

"No way! Explain yourself now!"

Well, how many of us are guilty of saying all these words and phrases? I mean, these heartbreaking words and phrases. For years, I have heard dozens of unpleasant words and comments from teachers and parents about their young ones at school. To be honest, I for one, used some of those words too in my early months of teaching, especially when my classroom management was horrible and on the days where I allowed my rocky emotions to control my thoughts. Soon enough, I realized its ugly impact on my students and even, on my own emotional wellbeing. I began to gradually change my words, just a little wiser day by day. There were days that I just could not contain my anger, but I made up my mind to always apologize to my students shortly after my outbursts.

Photo by Maranatha Pizarras on Unsplash

This process reached its peak about a year later when I was surprised with one shocking news by my colleague. He was told that one of his students was reluctant to go home and willingly stayed back at school as long as he can because he was afraid to go home. Mind you, this is one of the brightest students in his class and greatly admired by many teachers. Then, one morning while my colleague and I were planning a camping event together, the boy walked into the classroom to get his Art materials. My colleague stopped him and wanted to have a quick chat with him. The boy sat next to me and he seemed a little nervous about the talk. As I stood up and began to walk out the classroom with the intention to give both of them some privacy, the boy grabbed my left arm and politely assured that it was okay for me to stay and join the talk too.

My colleague and I were taken aback when the boy shared the reasons why he loved spending most of his time at school. He said he felt lighthearted hearing great compliments from his friends and teachers at school, unlike at home. He started sharing how his father would carry work-stress back home and unpleasant, invidious words were heard a lot at home. His best pieces of work done at school were also ignored by his father whenever he left them on the dining table. My colleague called his father after dismissing all students that day and seek for an urgent meeting with him. In brief, things began to change at home and the boy is now thriving even more.

One picture with the boys at the camp (the boy is somewhere in the picture).

By the end of the school year, the boy was awarded with an appreciation trophy for showing global citizenship, among few other students.

...but there was something that I was curious to know. I wondered why did he allow me to stay on for the talk. I asked him during our break time the next day after the talk at the school's playground. I was astounded by his answer. "Miss Cally, remember the day you were my substitute teacher when Mr. ______ was absent? That day, I learned that you are very kind and funny. I also like the way you greet students in the morning before the assembly. That's why." Can you believe it? It only took a simple, childlike faith (and perhaps some really good observations or stalking) to discern good-natured teachers and parents. Enough of my teacher-story here, LOL.

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

This is my all-time favourite Bible verse. To keep it simple, words that we use everyday carry a significant energy in our thought processes, heart conditions as well as in our pursuit to achieving dreams, callings and visions. It can literally make or break people. Just like the encounter that I have shared above. Here is a list of powerful words that I feel can benefit teachers, parents and just maybe everyone (like I have stated in my title):

You are loved.

I love the way you...

You make me smile when...

I have faith in you...

Your ideas are amazing...

You can do it, you are strong...

You make a difference.

You are a good friend.

You are so kind to me.

Would you like me to help you...

It is okay if it didn't work the first time. Let's try...

Mistakes happen. Let's talk it through...

You are important.

I am excited to see what you...

We are in this together...

You are amazing!

Don't give up yet. We can...

How about if...

I am listening.

I am so proud of you!

I love you.

I sure hope that you enjoy another snippet into my teaching life. Thank you for reading my post here! :) In case you missed out my previous post on overthinking, check it out here.