TL;DR: Reflect on the lessons learned from the endings and beginnings you experience. To prevent the blur, reflect on the beginning and identify what you learned at the end. Create concrete ways to apply those lessons. How often do you reflect on your life, instructional practice, or progress towards accomplishing goals? Do you wait until it’s time to create resolutions … Read More
Engage Until the End: Reflecting on the End of the Year
TL;DR: Reflect by creating a visual timeline, class memory book, or slideshow. Culminating projects to show what students learned during the year include a book sales pitch with their favorite books showcased, summer or year-end BINGO cards, or a game of Family Feud. Proper closure to the year is important. Some ideas include writing a letter to their next year’s … Read More
Reframe Your Misunderstandings
TL;DR: Misunderstandings happen. Without clarity, we naturally react but it doesn’t have to end on a negative note. We can have control over the situation. You may be feeling fear. Consider your part in the misunderstanding. Accept there is a misunderstanding. Look for lessons learned from it. Reach out for support from trusted friends. Move on. Another day, another misunderstanding. … Read More
Summer as a New Teacher
TL;DR: Summer needs to be a time of rest and an intentional reset yourself for the next school year. Summer as a new teacher can involve working at a summer camp or summer school. You can take professional development. Or you can work seasonally for a local business. Congratulations! You have (almost) made it to the end of the school … Read More
Ten Books About Mental Health for Your Classroom
TL;DR: Talking about mental health is important all year beyond Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Hearing people share their own voice about their personal experiences may be hard to find but there are sources out there. In this post, you will discover 10 books about mental health for your classroom. Consider content warnings and avoiding tropes and stereotypes. Consider … Read More