Oxford Languages dictionary defines habit as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.” In teaching, our habits, especially those for organization, can make either a peaceful or a hectic school day. The good news is that once you’re aware of the habits contributing to your hectic days, you can change them. Self-awareness is a crucial first step in changing those habits that keep you from enjoying a relaxed daily routine in the classroom. Analyze your school day step by step. Pinpoint the times when you feel most anxious or even frazzled. Which event or task contributes to that feeling? Take your self-analysis one step further by asking, “Is there a structure that could help me avoid anxiety?”
Experts say changing a habit can take three months or more. During these fall months, target one habit to change or transform. After the winter break, assess the success or failure of your resolve to change the targeted habit. If you have successfully internalized a new positive habit, consider tackling another habit for the second half of the year. Setting realistic goals of one to two habit changes will set you up for success. If you try to change too many habits at once, you are at risk of becoming overwhelmed and falling back into poor, less productive habits.
The opinions expressed in Montessori Life are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of AMS.