John Evans from Maple was this week's classroom guest.
John reminds us through his humourous slides, that maintaining a sense of humour and taking care of ourselves are both very important to keep in mind as teachers. I have mitigated diligently against this problem with a very nice thermos for tea and a separate one for coffee...
I do not intend in becoming one of the statistics of dropping out of teaching in the first 5 years in the field. It took me quite a few years to 'get' the self care piece by learning the hard way again and again. Now I practice yoga regularly most mornings, eat a healthy diet, remember my vitamins and minerals, receive gratitude and affirmation reminders from Keith Macpherson and work on getting adequate sleep. I won't always get it right, but I try my best everyday. This is the foundation for being an effective teacher in the long run. Did you catch the part where he said there is life beyond marking? A great message to hear, especially since I know I will be teaching an ELA class in my next term.
I do not intend in becoming one of the statistics of dropping out of teaching in the first 5 years in the field. It took me quite a few years to 'get' the self care piece by learning the hard way again and again. Now I practice yoga regularly most mornings, eat a healthy diet, remember my vitamins and minerals, receive gratitude and affirmation reminders from Keith Macpherson and work on getting adequate sleep. I won't always get it right, but I try my best everyday. This is the foundation for being an effective teacher in the long run. Did you catch the part where he said there is life beyond marking? A great message to hear, especially since I know I will be teaching an ELA class in my next term.
Listening to the talk furthur, I made the magical discovery of how my crafty interests align with Makerspace at this week's presentation from John Evans. It was just perfect the dose of fresh interest for me! I learned that it is possible to mesh my crafty side of sewing, knitting, and generally any hands on creating. Makerspace is where everybody is a maker - crafts, lego, playdo, parachute rope braclets, weaving etc. - What is learned while crafting applies to education. People start sharing, learning about life, and building trust. To me this aligns so nicely with the Circle of Courage - Generosity, Independence, Belonging, and Mastery that is brought up as part of the teachings in some Indigeneous cultures. It also was a focus in a very smart talk I attended in December given by Kevin Lamoureaux. He is someone whose career is worth following as a teacher in Manitoba. Here is a link to a one page bio that describes his background and involvement in education.
http://www.trcm.ca/public-education/speakers-bureau/speakers-bureau-member-profiles/kevin-lamoureux/ . I am also following him on twitter. @KevinLamoureux
Maker space is for me and for students who may not feel successful at other things that school has to offer. It is a different pathway to learning, power of choice, power of engagement, students are agents of their own learning and it gives them the power of a lifetime of learning. Can't beat that!
Now where did I leave those almost finished slippers I started before the Ed program began?
http://www.trcm.ca/public-education/speakers-bureau/speakers-bureau-member-profiles/kevin-lamoureux/ . I am also following him on twitter. @KevinLamoureux
Maker space is for me and for students who may not feel successful at other things that school has to offer. It is a different pathway to learning, power of choice, power of engagement, students are agents of their own learning and it gives them the power of a lifetime of learning. Can't beat that!
Now where did I leave those almost finished slippers I started before the Ed program began?
John made some really good points in his presentation about mindfulness and wellness that resonated with me as well, since I've been telling myself for a while now that I actually need to start practicing better habits more consistently before getting out into the field. The point you made about 'just trying your best everyday' is a good mindset to have moving forward. It may not always be a great day, but every day holds a new potential to get better.
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