Teaching Naturally

I recently got a comment in class that utterly flabbergasted me. Forsythe recently had special "music in the hall" days where they would play music over the PA system during passing time. I was getting ready for the class that I was about to teach during passing time and I was in a good mood. There was music playing and mid-winter break was coming up so I was smiling. One of my students (I don't remember who) then said to me, "Mr. Allen that is the first time I have seen you smile." My jaw dropped when I heard that comment.

Upon reflection I realized that I tense up when I teach for a variety of reasons. I am trying to get through a lot of material and trying to check in with everyone to make sure they are getting it. Because of these things I get tense during lessons and am not always myself. I am working on getting my teaching to become more naturally and to be myself while I am teaching. I think that if I am more comfortable and less tense the students will also be more natural, feel less pressure, and learn the material better. If anyone has suggestions about how to be more relaxed or natural in the classroom I welcome them and appreciate them. Thanks.