A “New Year Mindset” in a Midyear Classroom

As a new year approaches, many people begin making resolutions, plans, and goals, all fueled by the fresh-start mindset that a new year so often brings. Teachers and students also celebrate the changing of the calendar year; however, their school year has only reached its intermission. By the time Christmas and New Year’s break arrives, teachers and students have spent a great deal of time together. Lessons have been taught and learned, and memories—good and bad—have been made. But a fresh start isn’t only for those whose year truly begins anew on January 1. Prayer, expectation, and persistence can help teachers bring a “New Year mindset” to their midyear classrooms.

Pray Specifically

God reminds Christians in Philippians 4:6, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” How important it is for Christian teachers to begin their preparation for the new semester in prayer! Without God’s help, nothing of value can be accomplished. It is the Lord who changes hearts and lives, helps in times of trouble, and provides wisdom and grace to push through every challenge.

How important it is for Christian teachers to begin their preparation for the new semester in prayer!

Teachers should pray earnestly and sincerely. They should pray for each student and for each specific concern and struggle they will face. The families of the students also need prayer. Fellow teachers need prayer. Administrators need prayer. Specific prayer provides the opportunity to see specific answers and to grow your faith. Prayers unoffered, however, cannot be heard or answered. Taking the time to voice hopes and concerns alike to God is an important step in bringing the New Year mindset to the early-January classroom.

Expect Progress

Teachers can leverage the popular practice of making New Year’s resolutions to set goals and expectations for the remaining half of the school year. These goals may be personal to the teacher or the students, or they may be collective goals for the entire class. The important point is to have goals and expect to make progress throughout the remaining school days. Discouragement from the previous semester must be left behind, and the teacher must set the tone to engage all students in a positive mindset toward accomplishment.

Students and teachers both need practice in resetting their focus and strengthening their resolve, and the days after Christmas break provide a perfect opportunity for practicing! It is good for teachers to lead by example, perhaps by announcing their personal goals to their students. Most especially, teachers must stir enthusiasm in the classroom for the expectation of succeeding, and they must help students recognize the sense of fulfillment that comes with achieving goals and making progress. It is truly important to have that sense of expectation to keep the exciting fresh-start mindset alive and well at the start of the second semester.

Persistence Is Key

Persistence is the necessary partner to expectation for making a New Year mindset effective in the classroom. Teachers are blessed with an incredible opportunity and responsibility to help students learn how to persevere through adversity. By the midpoint of the school year, some students would rather give up than continue putting effort into learning. The best way to help those struggling students move forward is to model persistent effort and to keep a positive attitude in front of them. An invaluable life lesson will be learned by every student who does follow the teacher’s example in perseverance. Never give up! That New Year energy can last and fuel growth and success in the classroom, but it must be sustained through persistence.

Conclusion

New Year’s is exciting all over the world. Teachers, bring that excitement to the classroom. Add the hope and energy of a fresh start. Pray, set goals, and never give up. You just might have the best semester ever!