TL;DR:

• This winter, take time for yourself and stay connected with others!
• Celebrate and embrace the diversity and differences we have as human beings.

All teachers know that as we work hard, it is so important for us to take a break from work so we come back refreshed after enjoying some downtime. Our winter break may consist of Christmas holidays or so many others. That long-awaited break means we get to relax, stay connected to our network, and have well-earned downtime.

Here is my list of ideas that you can add to yours on how to stay connected with other educators this winter as you celebrate the downtime we have! I love winter break in Ontario. There is nothing better than a warm mug of double hot chocolate with whip cream and marshmallows by a fireplace in the winter at home. This is where I think and blog, and do what I love by contributing to education with my ideas.

This holiday season, I do wish everyone who is reading, sharing, and working with concepts from my blogs a very happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous winter break and New Year 2023! Click To Tweet

Make that well-earned to-do list just because you can!

1. Do things you love by making time for them.
2. Read a good book.
3. Catch a good TV series.
4. Connect with family and friends.
5. Take care of yourself.
6. Hibernate if needed.
7. Cook and celebrate.
8. Enjoy the winter break alone.
9. Prioritize life instead of work.
10. Maintain your work-life balance consciously.

Embrace the Moments

As you get ready for your winter break, I wish you will embrace moments of disconnection from work but I’ll also cheer you on to stay connected on social media.

• Grow with your PLN.
• Share ideas.
• Embrace a growth mindset.
• Unlearn.
• Relearn.
• Understand that we are not perfect as educators.
• Get ready to serve your students.

December is the most perfect month to teach and explore new learning about cultures and celebrate those festive, holiday moments. Celebrations of all kinds from around the world help us stay connected with a global society and embrace the diversity and differences we have as human beings.

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Key Concepts I Teach

• We are all equally important.
• All cultural heritages are respected.
• Diversity is our strength.
• Languages are important so we can communicate.

This holiday season, I do wish everyone who is reading, sharing, and working with concepts from my blogs a very happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous winter break and New Year 2023!

Reflection

Consider what you love to do that does not involve teaching. I love decorating and designing indoor and outdoor spaces. That is how I disconnect but I also want to stay connected with others over the winter break! What about you?

Yours in Education,

Nilmini

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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!