The Power of a Pen

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: A pen teaches students that mistakes are learning opportunities. It gives students time to pause and think before they write. It empowers students by providing them with skills they can use throughout their lives. Every December, I gave a present to my students. Yes, I taught middle school. Yes, I had over 100 students each year. And yes, it … Read More

The Gift of Cultivating Joy: It’s Like a Boomerang!

Livia ChanBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: We CAN cultivate more joy in our lives. A CORE belief is that relationships are gifts to value and treasure. Uplifting others brings joy to ourselves and others. Learn how to notice, name, and nuture AND how words are gifts. Your joy can grow and thrive from others too. Learn how to throw your joy boomerang out and how … Read More

The Gift of Happiness: 6 Keys to Cultivating Happiness

Livia ChanBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR: Happiness can be cultivated in simple ways in the classroom. There are 6 keys to cultivating happiness. Happiness is a mindset and a heartset. It is a gift you can give to yourself and others. Happiness is something you can protect. In my experience, when I ask young children how they feel, many will say “happy.” When I ask the … Read More