With a New Year comes resolutions and fresh starts. You might be starting 2023 by implementing new routines and fresh starts in your classroom. If you aren't already incorporating mindfulness practices, we encourage you to give them a try!
Read More
If you’ve led a gratitude exercise with your students before, you know that the typical gratitude list consists of family, friends and maybe a favorite possession. While these responses can be developmentally appropriate, it’s beneficial to stretch students’ thinking about all of the wonderful things they are grateful for. Brain research tells us that the practice of gratitude releases “feel good” chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and build empathy. Scientists have even suggested that the practice of gratitude changes the brain, making us feel happier and more content.
Read MoreTopics: Teaching Wellness & Inspiration, mindfulness, Student Engagement, Digital Resources, Games & Downloadables, Just For Fun
The students have said their goodbyes, you’ve cleaned out or organized your classroom materials, and readied your space for summer cleaning. You’ve made it through this school year, and although the song, “My Way” has the connotations of finality, you know the next year will be here before you know it. You might be jumping into more professional development and learning opportunities for the summer, or perhaps, you are moving into a different career. But right now, in this specific time and space, you deserve an opportunity to stop for a few minutes, rest, and reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of this year.
Read MoreTopics: Teaching Wellness & Inspiration, mindfulness, Summer Vacation
Topics: Social Emotional Learning, Courses, mindfulness, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Equity, Teaching with Equity
Reignite Your JOY for Teaching & Learning:
Read MoreTopics: Teaching Wellness & Inspiration, educator wellness, mindfulness, Mental Health Awareness, Happiness, Self-Care, Digital Resources, teacher resources, Monthly Resource Round-up, Reignite Your Joy
Hey, teachers! My favorite, new-to-me tech tool is a little vibration cue from my watch at daily intervals reminding me to take a simple deep breath. I want to share this respiration inspiration with the world because these basic breaths are big-time helpful to my productivity and attitude. I can only imagine how helpful these breathing reminders would’ve been when dealing with school anxiety during all those years I spent teaching 6th grade!
Read MoreTopics: Teaching Wellness & Inspiration, educator wellness, anxiety, mindfulness, Mental Health Awareness, Self-Care
Topics: Teaching Wellness & Inspiration, educator wellness, Teacher Burnout, Courses, mindfulness, Happiness, Self-Care
Living in the moment, not through a screen
“Ok, Mom. If we are going to Itasca, I don’t want anyone on their phones. Phones stay off and put away.”
This is rich, I think. My 8-year-old son, who is constantly sneaking screen time, is laying down the law on screens. We are getting ready for our annual visit to Itasca State Park with my side of the family. It’s where the Mississippi begins! It’s a childhood favorite of mine- a place I cherish and want my kids to know and love, too.
“Well, I think you are right in your idea,” I say carefully, wanting him to know I am supporting him. “Remember that we will need our phones to get a hold of each other, because we are staying in separate parts of the park.”
He considers this. “Yeah, good point.”
“But I think what you are getting at is that you don’t want to see us all staring at our phones. We should be where we are.”
“Exactly, Mom. Like, we are in nature! Breathe! Look around! You don’t just sit there staring at a screen!”
Aside from wishing I was recording the conversation to use in later situations, I appreciate his thoughts about this. He’s right.
Read MoreTopics: Technology, mindfulness
Be Your Best YOU This Summer!
It is finally here! You made it! Summer, sunshine, and freedom! It’s time to celebrate the end of a successful school year and the beginning of a well-deserved break. You now have the opportunity to stop, breathe and rejuvenate. Doing so decreases the likelihood of burnout and increases your educator resilience so you can continue to make a difference in the lives of your students!
Lucky for you, summer is my favorite season, so here are my top ten tips for letting your summer soul shine!
Read MoreTopics: mindfulness, Summer Vacation
Blended Learning: The Best of Both Worlds
Bert & Ernie.
Peanut butter & jelly.
Coffee & cream.
What do these perfect pairings have in common?
- They work well together.
- They complement one another.
Just like these well-known perfect pairings, we have our own “perfect pairings” at Learners Edge that come in the form of our Blended Learning courses, which are taken without leaving the comfort of your home, kitchen, or coffee shop.
Intrigued?
Here’s how they work!
Read MoreTopics: educator wellness, mindfulness, Blended Learning
Learners Edge is passionately committed to providing you with continuing education coursework, materials, and tools that will help you succeed in your classroom and in your career.
Offering more than 120 online courses for teachers, you can earn the graduate credit you need for salary advancement and meet your professional development needs. Contact us today to get started!
