There is a positive energy after returning from break! The New Year is a great time to focus on the Social Emotional Learning component: Responsible Decision Making. New Year intentions, or a one-word focus, is on decision many of us tackle. Goals and bucket lists are other activities we look at this time of year. […]
From my days as a student, to a long-time educator, I will never outgrow the first day of school excitement. As back to school nears, I have restless nights, to-do lists, shopping lists (which comes with a price tag) and feel the summer days slip away. I spend time setting up the class environment to […]
Developing a Personal Statement or Mantra. Adding mindfulness to movement can be difficult for anyone. We are asked to focus on our breath while remembering the basics of a yoga pose. Thoughts will pop into our heads and we are told to acknowledge them and breathe them out. Thoughts like, “I am not that flexible!”, […]
With more and more states implementing Social and Emotional Learning standards (SEL), we as educators should be excited. However, many teachers I have talked to are concerned about the when and how of adding these standards to their curriculum. The report from a Nation of Risk to a Nation of Hope states, “The promotion of […]
When I was young, I imagined coming down the stairs after putting my children to bed and relaxing, as I remember my mom doing. That day came and I have truly enjoyed every minute of the day being a parent. Not to say there weren’t tough days, but that comes with the territory. It is […]
My students have been working on their own vision board. It has been an amazing experience for them and me! I have learned so many things about them I did not know. In all our discussions and planning, one of my students challenged me with the best question, “Are you going to make one too […]
Want your students to be relaxed, alert and confident before testing? Yoga is a great de-stressor to add to your morning. Here are a few ideas for mindfulness exercises prior to getting started! Begin with deep breathing. Sit in either Fire Log Pose or in your desk/chair with feet on the floor; one hand on […]
We recently had the opportunity to have a quiet moment on the beach of Lake Michigan. It was a peaceful weekend at the end of my winter break and we returned to the mountains to ski. If there is a beach nearby, I am going to find it and walk. It allows me to be […]
Anytime I share what I get to do for work, people are amazed and excited. I feel the same way every day I can work with my students, train teachers or share our resources. I have been blessed to not only love what I do, but love everything that comes with it, including life-long learning. […]
With only a few days into 2019, you may be feeling a bit discouraged with your New Year’s resolution. The U.S. News reports by mid-February roughly 80% of all resolutions have failed. The definition of a resolution might be part of the problem for many of us. A resolution is a firm decision to do […]
