Summer is almost overwhelming in a sense. Teachers have so much more free time and still so much we want to accomplish. I always like to encourage my own students to make lists and develop their goals on paper, so I figure I’d do the same with my summer aspirations. For other educator’s out there, this could be your summer to-do list, too!
1. Read. A LOT. And not just books for school. I’ve already started to read the books that I’m truly interested in and passionate about, even ones that are high above your students’ grade level ability. If you don’t know what to read, just go check out your local book store and find something that catches your eye. Yes, just read for fun!
2. Spend lots of time with the family. During the school year, school nights are so hectic. By the time I get home and dinner is eaten, it’s almost time for bed (granted I do go to bed extremely early!). Take the time now to enjoy spending time with family, whether it’s going for a walk, to the amusement park, concerts, the beach, or the zoo.
3. Think about next year without going overboard. Being that it’s still so early in the summer, I like to think about next year and slowly integrate the ideas and plans in my mind. I don’t want to over-plan, though. There will be plenty of time for that as the summer draws to a close.
4. Just spend time outdoors. Sitting outside on the patio can be so relaxing. It’s something I did not do all school year and really wish I had when weather allowed. Just being outside under the sun is one of the best therapies I can think of. Teachers are indoors too much of the time during the school year, so get out there now as much as you can.
5. Stay up LATE! And sleep in, too. Maybe this should have been number 1 on the list. I have always been a fan of waking up at 5am, even on weekends, but something changed for me this summer. I’m a huge fan of no alarm clocks and letting nature wake me up.
6. Tie up any loose ends. This is my least favorite on my to do list, mainly because these are “chores” that need to be done. Meeting with an accountant and getting quotes for some home repairs. Not fun summer activities, but it will reduce your stress in the rest of the school year if you tie up loose ends now.
Now, if I can get through that summer to do list, I will know I had a great, productive, happy summer. Hope all you teachers are enjoying yours too!
Social skills are what allow people to communicate and interact positively with others. Most children learn these skills through positive role models, adult guidance, and interactions with others. They just learn them and the rest is pretty easy! Others, though, don’t pick up on the social skills that way. These are the kids who are getting into arguments with peers, like to follow their own set of rules, don’t see why they have to wait their turn, and sadly, often don’t have many (or any) real friends. Teaching social skills isn’t easy. It’s something extra you have to teach on top of everything else, so sometimes it gets forgotten or put off. It is, however, the most rewarding thing to teach because it REALLY makes a difference. It doesn’t happen quickly, but you can see a kid transform from being avoided by other kids to really being *liked* by his or her peers. That’s special, really.
Years ago I had an administrator who banned coffee from the classrooms for food safety reasons. It was a short-lived but painful ban that I laugh about when I think back. I frequently joke with my students that “coffee makes me a better teacher”. The thing is… it’s not really a joke! Here at the top 3 reasons why coffee makes me a better teacher.
Psychologists have researched for years to try and find a perfect ratio of number of positive to negative comments. These researchers have investigated the power of positive comments at work places, in marriages, and at schools. It was interesting to find that many researchers agree on a ratio of around 5 positive comments to every 1 negative comment. With more negative comments, people tend to feel discouraged and undervalued. I find this so interesting because I would say that this ratio needs to be even higher for children and young adults in schools. That means that teachers should be giving at least 5 positive and kind words of encouragement for every 1 negative thing they say. Below are some simple tips for incorporating more positive into your classroom:
