TL;DR: Many teachers battle with shouldville—all of the things we should do or have done. Dwelling on all the things can cause stress, anxiety, and resentment. Make sure you are really focusing on what is most beneficial including your own personal time. As an educator, August was always the month that I quickly found myself living in shouldville. I would find … Read More
Let’s Recombobulate
TL;DR: Recombobulate is an amazing word that means to cause to think again or reorient. Let’s get in the right mindset for the school year. Each day, say the entire date aloud. It reminds you that today is not only temporary but a fresh start and a new opportunity. Reclaim quiet pockets of time at the very beginning and end … Read More
Pinewood Derby: Continual Growth and Success
TL;DR: Watching my son learn and grow over the years in the derby car races is a lot like watching your school grow. Over time, we reflect, make adjustments, and improve. We can celebrate the growth and successes along the way. Last weekend, we raced our Pinewood Derby Cars in our pack Pinewood Derby event. I say “we” raced because … Read More
Revel in the Small Wins – Strategies for Self-Care
TL;DR: Keep the little notes students write you in a file for when you need a smile. Focus on the small sparks of joy you get throughout each day. Write down the great things that happen to you! Keeper File Over the holidays, I received a handwritten card in the mail from one of my 2nd-grade students, Abby. It was … Read More
Choosing Not to Look Back
TL;DR: Looking back at the past can change who we are. Hope was the one word chosen for 2022—a message of hope that we can connect with each other. I know that I am not alone when I say good riddance to 2021. This past year and a half, the country was torn apart, other perspectives were not accepted, the … Read More