Smiling Not Allowed

“STOP SMILING. They’ll think you’re a push over,” was the advice given to me during one of my student teaching placements.

Super. Dumb. Advice.

Following the “rule” to not smile the first day, week, or month of school is one of the greatest education fallacies ever.

Imagine if…

The sanctuary was buzzing with the happy voices of the guests waiting to witness the marriage ceremony. A pastor walked to the front of the stage, and sternly said, “Everyone, quiet please. The ceremony is about to start. It is now time for everyone to stop smiling.”

That would be strange… right?

A security guard stands at the top level of the stadium, watching the fans tailgate before the big game. He watches as people continue to put on face paint, assemble their team paraphernalia, and huddle in small circle chanting their team’s name. Suddenly, a siren is blown. The doors of the stadium begin to open. The crowd becomes silent. A pre-recorded announcement is heard, “Silence. Please remain silent during the game. No cheering, smiling, chanting, clapping, high-fiving, or noise.”

That would be strange… right?

Smiling is NOT a Sign of Weakness

Set the Tone for Your Classroom

Set the Tone for Your Classroom

When is the last time you smiled?

What made you smile?

• Marriage
• Adoption
• Having a baby
• Celebrating a new job
• Cancer scans proving you’re in remission
• Going on your dream vacation
• Buying a new house

Just typing those scenarios makes me smile. Smiling isn’t a sign of weakness. Yet somehow, many teachers have this philosophy that smiling isn’t beneficial in the first few days, or weeks, of school. Maybe because some teachers think it is important to show that students will work hard. Maybe it is because some teachers believe that smiling will cause the children to be silly. Maybe it’s simply because the first several days of school are highly stressful. However, we as teachers aren’t the only ones that are stressed that day.

Children have been preparing, planning, packing, and readjusting to a new routine in the days prior to school starting. They have been lying awake at night imaging the first day of school. Students maybe wondering who will be in their class, what the school year will entail, and what their teacher will be like.

Children walking into a classroom on the first day of school takes courage.

That’s worth a smile!

Smile!

Smiling Has a Purpose

What does a smile mean?

• Welcome
• Kindness
• Gentleness
• Happiness
• Acceptance
• Hospitality
• Interest

I want every student to feel accepted and welcomed in their new class home. No matter their background. No matter their story. No matter how they manifest their anxieties. I want for my children to feel treasured and loved.

In the first 5 minutes of the school year, what do you want your children to know about your classroom?

It’s easy to think that children come to school as empty slates. It’s easy to think that children need strict protocols BEFORE “fun.” However, some children only see school as a safe place. A sense of structure. An oasis in the midst of trials.

Smile.

Let your children know they are safe. Let them know that fun and structure aren’t exclusive to each other.

Smile.

This Should Put a Smile On Your Face!