Thoughts
Thoughts are what go through our mind, our ideas, or cognitive states.
“What are you thinking? Penny for your thoughts.” These are common statements describing thoughts. Your thoughts can be shared with others, so they know what you are thinking as well. “I think I will finish my housework, before I go to the beach,” tells us the order of your plans for the day.
Examples:
- I think education as a profession is rewarding
- I think using a spinner with the math group is a good idea
- I think stretches could be part of gym class
- I think I will ask the music teacher to include all of my students
Feelings
Feelings are physical and emotional sensations that manifest in a bodily way.
I feel sad, happy, scared, or confused all describe physical and emotional sensations that may or may not be seen by others. Like thoughts, feelings are something one person can share with another. “I was nervous that you weren’t going to show up today,” is something that you might feel at a first meeting.
Examples:
- I enjoy teaching Kindergarten students
- I am excited to see what my student can do with their new eye gaze system
- I am nervous when my student uses powered mobility when the school hallways are busy
- Creating a classroom where everyone feels included makes me happy
- I am frustrated that I don’t have the supports I need
Actions
Actions are behaviours that can be observed by others.
I went for a swim. I made breakfast. I taught a class. They all describe the act of doing something. Others can see our actions, just as we can see the actions of others. Our actions are connected to our feelings and thoughts. For example, I felt refreshed when I went for a swim, and I know it is good for my health.
Examples:
- Today we released the salmon that we raised from eggs
- I saw my student make a choice about the next class activity with a spinner
- I heard my student tell a joke using an iPad
- I gave an in-service to the school staff about my student’s learning objectives
Beliefs
Beliefs are what we hold to be true.
These are convictions that we individually hold that do not need to be proven. If you find yourself saying, “I don’t need any proof. I know cars are safer than planes.” You are stating your belief and no matter what others may offer to change your mind, your belief will stand. Beliefs are the strongest personal tool to make something a reality.
Examples:
- I believe all students can learn
- I believe with the right support that I can teach all of my students
- I believe transitions from elementary school to middle school can be challenging for students with complex needs
Values
Values are what is important to us.
Seems simple enough, but it can get confusing when we start saying things like: “You need to have good values to do a job like this” or “shared values are key to teamwork.” Statements like these are too broad and also make presumptions about what everyone else values. Let’s return to the simplicity of what is important to us. “It is important to be with my family for the holidays” means you value togetherness and family. Values are personal.
Examples:
- It is important to me that every student feels like they belong in my classroom
- It is important to me that students in my class have equitable access to me
- It is important that I get the support I need
Ethics
Ethics are the standards, rules or guidelines that we choose to live by.
You might be more familiar with codes of ethics established by governing bodies of professional practice, but each of us also has personal standards. These personal ethics are like lines that we will not cross, and we can sometimes be challenged by circumstances where others do not share those personal ethics.
Examples:
- It is my responsibility to create a classroom that is welcoming
- It is my responsibility to teach the B.C. curriculum to my students
- It is my responsibility to use my classroom to enhance the thinking, communication, and personal and social responsibilities of my students
