Kids that are returning from the holidays can be handful if not a complete nightmare, and since teaching guides don\u2019t preach this enough: deep breathing will be essential to maintaining your cool in any heated situation. Whenever there\u2019s a moment of stress, take a deep breath, count to five, exhale and resume teaching.<\/p>
<\/p> Ask Michelle Obama or mothers everywhere, death stares and eye rolls can save you from many sticky and confrontational situations. All you have to do is think of the phrase you would normally respond with to an adult but replace it with an elaborate eye roll or death stare that cuts through the noise of the class and gets your point across.<\/p>\n Many teachers in South Africa have one essential superiority over school children that they often overlook, you don\u2019t have to wear a uniform. While this may be a small victory, the right outfit will ensure that when you make a dramatic exit from a class, it is memorable.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a child who has achieved higher grades because of your extra help or a new sports or cultural club that you have started, always remember to pat yourself on the back or do a little victory dance for the small achievements that often go unnoticed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Parents have a habit of inserting themselves into every situation that they children find themselves in school and sometimes it\u2019s unwarranted. Subtly remind them of their roles and your role as a teacher without facing a disciplinary hearing and you’ll be fine.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s reading a book you\u2019ve been waiting for or watching your favourite TV series with ice-cream in hand, going out with friends or enjoying a glass of wine in the evenings after a long day at school, doing something for yourself daily is\u00a0essential to keeping a level head.<\/p>\n Learning to say no and\u00a0standing your ground will ensure you don\u2019t drive yourself off the cliff at school. Just say no to too many school commitments, awkward favours from other teachers, questions from students and anyone who takes liberties with your kindness.<\/p>\n You\u2019re going to spending so much time there anyway, you might as well add a little personal touch to your classroom to make yourself comfortable. Add a small chill corner for yourself, some extra seating, decorations and things from home that will give you a more comfortable classroom.<\/p>\n Music has a way of taking the blues away. Begin the day with your favourite jam and put on some music during breaks just to take the edge of. It works wonders.<\/p>\n![\"giphy](\"https:\/\/albertonrecord.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2016\/01\/giphy-36.gif\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDeath stares and eye rolls can be louder than words<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nA dramatic exit needs a dramatic outfit<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nCelebrate the little victories<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nKeep the tension from parents\u00a0at bay<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nDon\u2019t feel guilty about treating yourself after a heavy day<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nStand your ground<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nFeng shui your classroom<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLet the music play<\/strong><\/h2>\n