Wow - my goal to post at least once a week has NOT been happening!
The end of this school year is flying by, and there is so much yet to be done! In February, it always seems like we have soooooooo much time left... and then BAM! April hits and it's suddenly crunch time.
We have been doing some pretty cool things in all of my classes. We also have a "government day" in the works to conclude our governement unit. We are inviting guest speakers from different areas of governemnet / goverment employment, to come in and speak to our 3rd grade classes. Students will rotate from classroom to classroom to hear each speaker. On our current "invite" list is: mayor, state representative, fireman, policeman, streets/sanitation worker, parks and recreation. Any other suggestions to add to our list?
In the midst of all the ups and downs of school life, it seems that the feeling "stressed" is more prevalent than not. I have been reading a wonderful book called 1,000 Gifts to help me through some personal ups and downs (well, mostly downs...), and it has been amazing. I decided to take this practice of counting "gifts" into my teaching world. Now in my office, right near the door, there is a "thankful jar." Anyone can stop by and write something they are thankful for, or something that seems like a "gift" and put it in the jar. Then, when a bad day comes, you can pull a slip or two from the jar and be encouraged through a reminder of the good.
The end of this school year is flying by, and there is so much yet to be done! In February, it always seems like we have soooooooo much time left... and then BAM! April hits and it's suddenly crunch time.
We have been doing some pretty cool things in all of my classes. We also have a "government day" in the works to conclude our governement unit. We are inviting guest speakers from different areas of governemnet / goverment employment, to come in and speak to our 3rd grade classes. Students will rotate from classroom to classroom to hear each speaker. On our current "invite" list is: mayor, state representative, fireman, policeman, streets/sanitation worker, parks and recreation. Any other suggestions to add to our list?
In the midst of all the ups and downs of school life, it seems that the feeling "stressed" is more prevalent than not. I have been reading a wonderful book called 1,000 Gifts to help me through some personal ups and downs (well, mostly downs...), and it has been amazing. I decided to take this practice of counting "gifts" into my teaching world. Now in my office, right near the door, there is a "thankful jar." Anyone can stop by and write something they are thankful for, or something that seems like a "gift" and put it in the jar. Then, when a bad day comes, you can pull a slip or two from the jar and be encouraged through a reminder of the good.
I think the practice of gratitude is one of the best stress relievers there is. We have SO much good around us - sometimes it just takes a little reminding.
What do you do to encourage yourself and the teaching staff around you?
What do you do to encourage yourself and the teaching staff around you?