Don't Quit - Using Poetry or Journaling to Stay Motivated

Poetry

            Writing or reading poetry is a favorite activity for many students.  Writing down our thoughts and feelings help us cope with the daily pressures and conflicts in life.  Sometimes writing poetry or keeping a journal helps us to think through our thoughts.  Here is a favorite poem. 

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low, and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The sliver lining of the cloud of doubt,

And you can never tell how close you are,

It may seem near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit,

It’s when things seem worse that you must not quit.

-Author Unknown

Encourage your students to keep a journal throughout the school year.  It helps them with their thoughts, clarity, and sorting things out before they say them out loud.  Some students will allow you to read their journal.  For others, it will be strictly private.  All students should be encouraged to have someone to talk to during the school year. They should know they can always come to you for an ear or support!

Check out www.counselorgames.com

Get your small group on!  Discover new ways to use play therapy techniques to teach students about stress management, anger control, study skills and more!

Purchase DVDs that show demonstrations of play therapy techniques using everyday games and toys such as Barrel of Monkeys, Don't Break the Ice, Topple and Pick Up Sticks!