Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout
Posts Tagged ‘teacher retention’
Bringing The Outside In
Monday, April 9th, 2012
Sometimes when we are craving nature, we are not able to get out of doors for a walk or hike. What can we do to fulfill this need? Why not bring the outside in? Here are 6 ways.
1. Cut Flowers
This needn't cost a lot. A cut boquet from a grocery store or from a field of wildflowers can suffice.
2. The Grass Is Always Greener
Primary grade teachers know how easy this is. Fill a pretty container with potting soil, cover with grass seed, and water. You can have the best lawn in the neighborhood right in your classroom or office.
3. Sand Gardens
You have probably seen the zen gardens with white beach sand to "play" in. Add some pretty stones, shells or a mini rake for your very own sandbox.
4. Bird Calls
CD's of bird songs, bubbling brooks, or crashing waves are another way to bring the outside in. There are now several apps that you can even download on an ipod, ipad or phone.
5. Water Fountains
The sound of water is soothing and a desk fountain can help alleviate dryness of school airconditioning or heat.
6. Outdoor Trophies
Momentos from a day outside or a great vacation can remind you of the pleasures of nature. A pretty stone, piece of driftwood, cut branches or even pine cones, can be enough to muster up memories of a different season.
Whole Teacher TV – The “What” & “Who” of The Whole Teacher
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
Organizing Paperwork – Binders work!
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
Preparing for back to school means a fresh start with organizing the mountain of paperwork we know is inevitable. There are a variety of systems we can use to help tame the paperwork we are inundated with at school.
One system to explore is a binder system. Keep your three-hole punch close at hand and organize your paperwork into known categories. Binders are great for papers you will need to keep for a while, want on your finger tips, prefer to keep in chronological order, or keep by student or topic. A benefit of the binder system versus a regular file folder is this added protection, and consistent order. They also can bee easily stored and look better on your shelf or desk than a file overflowing with mix-matched papers.
So, what are some areas of paperwork that would be best organized with a binder system? Here are a few:
Student/Parent contact information and Log – Important phone numbers, etc together with contact log and pockets for notes. One cover sheet with one pocket per student in alphabetical order for easy access.
Classroom procedures or sample lessons for Substitutes
Homework binder – organize by subject if necessary, separate by date with post it or colored sheet. As homework is passed out to students a student helper could put an extra copy in this binder for future reference and absent students.
Subject notebooks – a safe place to keep resources for specific lessons or subjects to alleviate researching the topic the next year.
Office notices and protocol – Keep important papers from administration and meetings in chronological order for quick reference.
Professional Development – Paper work on completed courses with a section for your plan.
What else could go in a binder? Please comment below and share with others. Best of luck preparing for a successful new year!
7 Colleagues Every Teacher Needs – Part 3 The New Hire
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
In the last post we spoke of the importance of The Wise One and their experienced support. Just as important is The New Hire. With professional development an integral part of teacher licensure, many of us are getting more training on newer strategies and methods, but The New Hire still has a fresher perspective and wonderful sense of idealism that may have gotten zapped as we fell into our habits that have served us well. How can they help us?
- Ask them what brought them to teaching. What better way to remember what brought you here? Sharing stories will spark old ideals.
- Newbies may also have the upper hand when it comes to technology in the classroom. Those courses may not have existed when you finished your training and even though they are often offered as professional development, many teachers shy away from them. See what the new teachers in your school are using and how you can adapt it to fit your style.
- Remember, you have a lot to offer also. You can be the Wise One and offer your experience through the tough times of a New Hire on your staff. Keeping great people in education is important!
Tune in next for Part 4 – The Male Role Model.
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