TL;DR: After teaching for many years, I’ve realized I need to get back to the basics. The basics are realizing the impact I have on the students in my classroom. My relationships and connections with students will be my first priority. The world feels so complicated at the moment. With a constant barrage of information coming at us at every … Read More
Let’s Talk Behind Their Backs: Share Positives
TL;DR: Share positives about others behind their back. When it circles back to them, it can lift them up. It 👏👏👏. Is 👏👏👏. JUNE! 👏👏👏. We are so close to summer, fellow teacher friends! Let’s sneak in one more small shift to consider as we close out this school year. It’s one of my favorite pastimes: talking behind people’s backs. … Read More
The Gift of Happiness: 6 Keys to Cultivating Happiness
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
Are We Too Serious? | Greg Wolcott | Willing & Able
In Don’t @ Me (2:58), Tom wonders if we (as a society) have become too serious and makes the distinction between taking things seriously and taking ourselves too seriously. Then, Tom is joined by Greg Wolcott (10:54), author of SIGNIFICANT 72: UNLEASHING THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS IN TODAY’S SCHOOLS to discuss the critical role student-teacher relationships play in both the … Read More
Me in a Bag
TL;DR: A great first week of school activity is “Me in a Bag.” Encourage students to use their creativity when placing items that must fit in the bag. Start by setting the example and have your own bag prepared. Present your items explaining the reason for each. Be flexible with the number of items in the bag and show genuine … Read More
