TL;DR: Educators and school staff don’t typically have summers off. They use this time for professional development and administrative tasks. To balance work and personal life during the summer, educators should create new boundaries, communicate their availability, and prioritize tasks effectively. Embracing technology, flexibility, and learning to say no can help educators manage their workload and enjoy summer while fulfilling … Read More
Driving Home Conservation Matters with Gamification
TL;DR: Gamification can increase student engagement in learning by incorporating game mechanics into educational activities. By aligning key content with the core drives of gamification, educators can create meaningful lessons that connect to difficult topics such as conservation. A practical example is using a game to teach students about the impact of habitat loss on orangutans and biodiversity, where students … Read More
What Now?
TL;DR: Over the summer, it is common for educators to want to relax while avoiding wasting time. Inspired by author Ann Patchett, you can ask two questions: “What Now?” and “What Not Now?” to prioritize activities and commitments. Spending time with loved ones, reading, decluttering, and avoiding excessive social media use are good ways to spend your time. Reflect on … Read More
Unlocking the Benefits Of Summer Reading
TL;DR: Assigned summer reading is beneficial for students as it promotes continuous learning, enhances vocabulary and language skills, fosters critical thinking, boosts creativity and imagination, and cultivates empathy and understanding. It prevents the “summer slide” and helps students perform better academically when they return to school. Reading during the summer expands knowledge, broadens horizons, and encourages a lifelong love for … Read More
Real Talk: Working Within Your Contract Hours
TL;DR: The article challenges the notion that teachers should work long hours and prioritize their job above all else. It is important to set boundaries and respect contract hours. This post provides guidance on optimizing time and avoiding burnout in the education field. This post is a follow-up to my first, How to Be a Great Teacher Without Losing Yourself. … Read More