To the editor:

In the life of a teacher, as we live our day-to-day lives, it is easy to focus on the negative things. Lately I have been trying to step into the positive. The solutions that I have come up with are simple, yet they work.

1. Keep your expectations realistic

2. Plan ahead

3. Idle time is not helpful

4. Expect the unexpected

5. Clearly state your expectations

6. Offer reasonable choices

7. Catch your children doing good

8. Stay calm

9. Use phrases like first and then

10. Model for success

If we put positive into practice, we should be instrumental in making our little piece of the world a happier place.

Pamela Martin

Cape Coral