TL;DR: Keep the little notes students write you in a file for when you need a smile. Focus on the small sparks of joy you get throughout each day. Write down the great things that happen to you! Keeper File Over the holidays, I received a handwritten card in the mail from one of my 2nd-grade students, Abby. It was … Read More
Reevaluate Grief With Joy
TL;DR: There are days that are going to be overwhelming and full of pain. We have a right and need to feel those days and experience grief. With time, healing begins and you experience joy in your life again. Although our hearts may still ache, joy is much more powerful than grief. Three letters. J-O-Y. Small word. Tremendous effect. Having … Read More
Learning Environments That Exude Joy
TL;DR: Create a positive learning environment with JOY. Listing things that bring you joy. This is one way to model for students that joy doesn’t have to come from big or expensive things. Intentionally place joy throughout your day. I recently had the chance to join Rae Hughart on the Daily Drop In show where we were chatting about the … Read More
Episode #121: Being Brave Even in Uncertain Times with Sean Arnold
Sean Arnold has had a number of roles in his life from construction worker to actor to musician to salesman to a bartender to tv news crew and a number of things in between. He is also a special educator and STEM Coach who has taught in New York City’s District 75 citywide special needs program since 2005. Background I’m … Read More
Engage with Others: Let Them Be Seen!
TL;DR: Engage with others better by being intentional about how you are acknowledging them. Create a sense of belonging by offering a personal greeting or a compliment. Don’t let anyone feel invisible as you walk by them in the hallway. The cafeteria is a great place to interact with students outside of the classroom. I love a good challenge! Last … Read More
