As teachers, we create the climate in our classrooms. If we are negative, our students will react. If we are positive, our students will react. Students react to the energy we bring and the climate we set. Through our actions as their teacher – the leader of the classroom, we set the tone for learning, encouragement, and mutual respect…or something else.
The day to day pattern of the climate we set becomes the culture of our classroom. We know that the classroom culture can help kids thrive, or tear them down. There is tremendous power in this – and tremendous responsibility. [Read more…]
You know that little (loud) voice in your head that tells you that your ideas are bad, that you aren’t good enough, that you’re not beautiful enough, that you don’t have enough… I not-so-fondly refer to that voice as my gremlin. That gremlin is only out to steal our joy, kill our dreams, and make us play small. Here’s how to say “take a hike” to that vicious, destructive gremlin:
Ahh Fridays! We wait for them all week, and get so anxious to leave school and focus on the weekend, that sometimes we leave and admittedly just say, “Whatever, I’ll do it Monday!” But here are ten things you can do before leaving your classroom on Friday (don’t worry – they don’t take much time) to set yourself up for success on Monday. 
Happy teachers take time to rejuvenate. It’s that simple. When we burn our candle at both ends, we cannot keep our flame going forever. We need time to refuel, rest, and rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits. 
Ahh summer. It’s a time for us teachers to rejuvenate, reflect, take time off, and just relax!! And it’s almost here!! I know a lot of you are in the last few weeks of your school year, which is why I wanted to send on this little suggested summer reading list now before you peace out for summer.
Most all teachers are now on summer break, and it’s natural to want to just let down your hair and relax. And I don’t blame you. That is exactly what you should do. And while you are floating in the pool with a margarita in hand, let your mind wander back to this past school year and do a little reflecting. Here are my tips for effectively digesting the school year.