Spring Learning

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR:

  • Sri Lankan Diaspora hold their heritage close to their hearts. They celebrate a new year on April 13-14th each year.
  • A virtual choice board is available for educators to use to discover the beautiful historic island of Sri Lanka.
  • There are three spring learning guidelines to help you be happy and feel inspired: find balance, make a to-do list, do things you love.

I love the crisp air of the season. It’s a perfect time to explore the beautiful lakes in Ontario. There is no better time to reflect on how to manage your time as an educator!

Ontario has the most beautiful landscapes. There is so much to see. I love being able to travel and see the world again starting with the province I live in. Not waiting for the pandemic to end was important since it feels very long. As an educator, we are “on” teaching every single moment of each day.

'She believed she could, so she did.' I believe we can move forward together in peace and celebrate our diversity as an amazing group of people celebrating Sri Lankan heritage. Click To Tweet

Spring also means it’s the NEW YEAR. Yes, most of the Sri Lankan Diaspora believe that on April 13th-14th arrives the new year and we celebrate it. Over the years because of a civil war which now has ended, we live in many countries now. Immigrants carry memories of Sri Lanka and hold our heritage close to our hearts.

Learn about Sri Lanka

I created this Virtual Choice Board for you to teach with so that you can discover what the beautiful historic island of Sri Lanka is all about. There are many amazing students who were co-creators. For that, I give my heartfelt gratitude. The resilience of the people who live there can be included in an inclusive curriculum. Educators can represent the students from the Sri Lankan Diaspora. When I completed my research in curriculum for my Masters Degree, the most important aspect was representation. Do students feel like they are a part of the curriculum we teach and see themselves represented?

“She believed she could, so she did.” I believe we can move forward together in peace and celebrate our diversity as an amazing group of people celebrating Sri Lankan heritage.

Spring Learning Guidelines

Here are my Spring Learning guidelines for educators. This is what worked to keep me happy always, accomplish balance, and inspired me as an educator!

Spring Learning Guideline #1: Find Balance

  • Establish work hours.
  • Leave work not completed for the next day.
  • Know when to check emails and respond to messages.
  • Genuinely be yourself when teaching.
  • Take your lunch and have time for yourself.
  • Be kind enough to share resources.
  • Learn from others.
  • Collaborate with students, parents, and other educators.
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Spring Learning Guideline #2: To-Do List

  • Make them so it helps you.
  • Set goals that you can accomplish.
  • Prioritize your plan for each day.
  • Get an organizer you love to carry around—it’s worth it!
  • Weekly SMART Goals, so what? Ask yourself, “Did I get through them?”

Spring Learning Guideline #3: Do Things You Love

  • Make it about yourself. Do things for yourself.
  • When you stop working, find time to spend with family and friends.
  • Find time for the things you love to do.
  • Nurture your friendships.
  • Make time for the important relationships in your life.
  • Find happiness.
  • Walk, cook, read…make time to do the endless list of things.

Yours in Education,

Nilmini

See the full blog series here!

About Nilmini Ratwatte-Henstridge

Nilmini Ratwatte-Henstridge teaches in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada with her family. As an Elementary School Teacher who is passionate about Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights in education she enjoys teaching the younger generation to be global-minded citizens.

Discovering the world by connecting with others is an opportunity that we have today in our society today and she loves meeting new people! She is always learning while traveling to understand the inter-connectedness of this beautiful earth we live in! Nilmini LOVES Cooking great meals, Watching movies, and the latest fashion trends! Family and friends are close to her heart as she looks forward to balancing social media and navigating professional learning communities in education to network globally this year!