Teacher Self-Care

Let's face it, teaching is one of the hardest jobs you could ever love. Teachers work tirelessly and even though they have a seemingly great schedule, you will regularly find teachers working at home past contract hours, during vacations, and even during summer break. Although teachers generally do love what they do, they also need to take time for self care. Here are five tips for taking care of yourself, in case you have forgotten how to do it.

1. Do something you love. Some people have lots of things they love to do, while some do not have any personal hobbies. It may come as a surprise to people who have many hobbies, but there actually are people who find it hard to figure out hobbies of their own. I remember a coworker of mine who once said when our new staff was getting to know each other and sharing our hobbies, that she felt uneasy thinking about her hobbies because she really didn't have any. She determined to figure it out and she has turned her lack of a hobby into a beautiful one that she now shares with many people. I don't find it hard to have hobbies. But I do find it hard to have time for them all.  

I love to curl up and get lost in a good book. I feel sad when it comes to an end. Photography is another thing I absolutely love. I could spend hours photographing my favorite people or places. Scrapbooking has been a part of my life for many, many years and I just absolutely love it. Saving memories through scrapbooking is so important to me. Travel is something I have always enjoyed as well. Music is also something I love to do. I love to play the piano, I dabbled with the violin a few years back, and I love participating, with my husband in our church praise team. Some other hobbies I enjoy are: crafting, sewing, and of course creating for Teachers Pay Teachers. 

If you have not found your passion yet, it is an absolute must. Think about what brings you peace. What connects you to friends? What brings you joy? Those passions can be turned into something that can help you have some down time and care for yourself.

2. Get away. Unplug. Create a staycation. Go on a real vacation. You chose your level of getting away here. If you really do not have time, maybe you can just unplug for a few hours, a day, or a few days and focus on doing things for yourself, spending time with your kids or spouse. If you all have some time together, but want to stay close to home, a staycation is the perfect choice. During this school year we did a staycation over spring break and went to some local places that were within driving distance. It was perfect for us for this time. I am sure there are little places in and around your town that you pass and have never gone to. Now is your opportunity. You will be getting out of the house and spending time with your family. It does the body good to have a change of scenery every once in a while. If you can swing it, take a vacation to someplace new. We love going on road trips. It also saves a lot of money as opposed to taking a plane. Stopping at sights along the way makes it extra special. We love bringing our tent and roughing it for a few days. It feels great to be in nature and also saves so much money over spending the time in a hotel. 

3. Indulge. Watch that show you love. Eat a special treat you can't resist. Get a mani/pedi. Put some new highlights in your hair. Purchase a new outfit that makes you feel great. Take time to treat yourself to something special.  

4. Complete a project. Don't put it off any longer. Finish the quilt you started sewing 5 years ago. Clean out your closet and donate what you don't use. Paint your room with that can of paint that has been waiting for you. Finishing projects brings fulfillment to your life. It makes a big difference and makes you feel like you accomplished something.

5. Get out in nature. Nature has proven health benefits. Nature soothes your soul like nothing else. Just five minutes surrounded by nature is proven to lower stress levels. Whether it be sitting on your back porch on a cool evening, strolling through the forest, hiking up a mountain, watching the sunset at the beach, or birding, find a way to connect to nature. Whenever I do, I can literally feel the stress of life rolling away from me. It has that much power in my life. 

 Now that you have some ideas for self-care, what are you waiting for? Get out there and spend some time caring for yourself. You will thank yourself for it. 

I Survived Teaching Through a Pandemic!

If you were a teacher this year, you know that teaching through a pandemic was no joke. For me, I started the year by adding in a new grade level, fifth grade. I teach multi-grade so I had grades 3-5. I began with three students online and the rest in person, socially distanced and wearing shields or masks.

Pandemic teaching, added a whole new set of of vocabulary in the classroom. We had lots of, "Put your masks on." "You cannot be at someone else's desk." and "Don't share supplies."

For the online students I was busy saying things like this, "Turn on your screen." "Are you there?" "Can you hear me?" "Mute yourself."

Then there were the masks. Teaching in masks was incredibly hard. When you talked, it would suck into your mouth or stick to it. It made speaking muffled and it was so hard to hear certain students, especially those with soft voices or ESL learners. Mask brackets were helpful. 

Greeting my students changed big time because while I usually give them choices about how to greet me, this year all of the options had to change. We could no longer make physical contact when greeting. No handshakes or hugs. Instead we had options like air hugs or toe taps.

We had photos and artwork with students wearing masks. Each year, I traditionally have students create self portraits and this year was no exception, but this year's self portraits were masked selfies.  Our back to school photos were also masked. 

At recess, we could not play contact sports and for P.E. we could not learn games. We spent a lot of our P.E. time on walking and exercising. 

Throughout the year, we had several times where we all had to quarantine due to someone catching the virus. Then we'd go online and I would teach from home. Then there was the time that I contracted the virus and could not get a negative test for over three weeks. Yeah, that was fun. 

But as always, there was also the good. Connections. Kids needed to connect this year. They were excited to share with me, make pictures for me, find ways to connect with their friends, despite the distance.

Students need me like never before. They were worried about the virus, their family, their parent's jobs, being online, being in person. They needed encouragement, structure, and normalcy.

School was successful. We did not have anyone who had an extreme case of the virus. We taught the curriculum, We learned, despite the craziness of a pandemic. We enjoyed time with each other. 

We found ways to still learn, despite not being able to learn in as many hands-on ways. We still had several room transformations. We played learning games with gloves on. We were able to discuss as a class more.

Teaching during a pandemic taught me about what is important. When things are striped down to the bare necessities out of necessity, you see what is most important and you go with that. It taught me about the resilience of the human spirit. It taught me about the need for connection. It taught me that we are stronger than we know and can endure more than we ever imagine. 

I am thankful for the things I learned in the last year and the end of the previous year. Now I am ready to return to a normal school year. Here's hoping next year can resemble the best things I love about teaching a little more. Let's move on!

Multiplication Games in the Third and Fourth Classroom

It is fun to polish off the multiplication facts with multiplicaiton games in the classroom.  

Playing games is the best way to get kids excited about mastoring the facts. Each day in our math group, I give my students time to play games with a friend. While having fun, students are also getting in their practice and solidifying important facts in their minds. Playing games while learning multiplication facts makes the learning fun and easy. I am going to introduce you to six games that students enjoy using. 

The first game is called Nacho Math-o. Each student has a little plate of facts. One at a time, students will spin a number and multiply by the number on their plate to create a math fact. Once the student solves the fact, he/she will cover the product on his/her board. Whoever covers all the facts on his/her plate first shouts out Nacho Math-o and becomes the winner.

In the game, Four in a Row, students will play in partners. They will take turns spinning and solving multiplicaiton facts. Once they solve the fact, they will cover the product. Whoever gets four answers in a row will be the winner.

Shark bite is a quick and easy game. Players will take turns drawing a card and solving the math fact on each fin card. Watch out for the cards chomp or shark as you play. You may end up having to return all your cards. In the end, the winner is the player who has the most cards.

Bubble Trouble is a fun way to practice your times tables facts. Each player is trying to be the first to fill their gumball machine with gumballs by answering multiplication fact problems. 

In this game, students will race around the board while answering multiplication math facts. The first person to the moon is the winner. 

This game is a mix between Tic-Tac-Toe and War. Students will each flip a card over and solve the equation. Whoever gets the higher product will be able to place one of their markers on the Tic-Tac-Toe board. Continue play until one player gets three in a row for the win.

So there are my six games that help to build multiplication automaticity in the classroom. I hope your class enjoys playing these as much as mine does. If you are interested in checking out any of the games mentioned, click on the picture to be taken to the game. 

April Fool's Day

The best thing about April Fool's Day with 3rd-5th graders is that they are really into it. They love pranking each other and maybe will even jump in and try to prank you as well. I love these silly holidays that just bring a smile to the faces of my students. But what I love just as much is learning about the History behind the holiday. This year, I created a little reading comprehension and writing activity pack that helps students find out all about this fun day. It also looks at how others around the world celebrate and some fun and famous pranks!

I don't know about you, but I am always trying to figure out how to make things fun and keep the kids guessing. My favorite April Fool's Day activity was the year that I made brown e's. Yes you read that right. All day, I told my class that I had make them brown e's and of course it sounded just like their favorite dessert, brownies. When I whipped out the pan and in dramatic fashion removed the foil I went up and down the rows of seats passing them each a brown e. Their faces! Oh it was just too good. 

But later, I did give them an actual treat, although the sound of it is utterly disgusting. We had kitty litter cake. If you are wondering what this is, let me give you a quick rundown. First you crumble a chocolate and vanilla cake together and mix in some icing. You pour it into a clean, unused kitty litter pan, I got mine at the Dollar Tree and even picked up a kitty litter scoop to serve it with. Then to put it over the top, you take some Tootsie Rolls and slightly warm them in the microwave until they are bendable. After that, form them into....I think you see where this is going....kitty poop and drop some here and there, even burying some for an old litter box look. Dangle one over the side if you are that brave. Trust me, the kids loved it, especially the boys!

In case you are interested in sharing the history behind this holiday, you can click on the picture below. Happy April Fool's, everyone!

St. Patrick's Day Activities for your Classroom

Do you bring St. Partrick's Day activities into your classroom and part of your curriculum for the day? I love to sprinkle a little holiday fun into the day while keeping the focus on academics, especially reading and math, with a history twist. Any time I combine history and teach about where the holiday traditions come from, I call that a win. St. Partick's Day activities do not have to be fluff and a waste of a day with busy activities like word searches and coloring pages. They can still be fun, even while learning. Here are some days to spice up your St. Partick's Day in the classroom this year. 

 St. Patrick's Day History Activities

One thing I love teaching is the history behind holiday traditions. Any activity that can help my students understand where the holiday came from or how traditions started is a must for me. I introduce them to these traditions though short articles and sometimes activities that go along with them. In this St. Patrick's Day reading comprehension activity, students will be introduced to not just traditions, but also Ireland (where the roots of this holiday stem from) and St. Patrick (the man it is named for). They will also learn about lots of fun and crazy traditions like the "kissing rock", why we pinch people who don't wear green, and the cute little leprechauns that are in decorations everywhere this time of year. Here's a quick look at this resource.

St. Patrick's Day Math Activities for the Classroom 

Math activities this time of year are a must. We always seem to be knee deep into fractions every year and so games that reinforce the fraction work we are doing is perfect. I love games that are quick, easy, and engaging. Pot O' Fractions is a perfect fit for my classroom math class on St. Patrick's Day. It is one that can be used with partners, a small group, or even as a math notebook activity. 

St. Patrick's Day Art Activities for the Classroom

 Sprinkling in a little art is a must. Not just because it is fun, but also because it can build teamwork. I have a series of activities that are based on the cooking show, Chopped. These activities are team art project. It starts with each group getting a bag of supplies. Inside, each group has identical art items with which they must build something around a common theme. Groups are given a certain amount of time and once they timer rings, they must be ready to share their project. Points can be awarded to make it feel even more like a game and after three rounds, a winning team is announced! I love these art activities because not only are students creating within certain constraints (stretching creativity), but they are building social and teamworking skills, using communication, collaboration, cooperation, and critical thinking. 

St. Patrick's Day Activity: Lucky Race

Another fun way to pack in a lot of content though activities is an Amazing Race-style game. I like to call it Lucky Race for St. Patrick's Day. It has six different legs to the race (or challenges for the teams to complete). Each challenge is an activity that is not only fun, but covers important review skills in math and writing. Students who complete the race have a special treat awaiting them.

So there you have it, several ideas to transform your classroom into a fun and magical learning experience for your children. They will love any effort you put in to make their day extra special. Sometimes you don't have to do a lot. A little goes a long way. If you are interested in any of these resources mentioned above, please click on the pictures to be taken to my TPT store. 

When a Teacher Takes a Trip to the Bookstore

When a teacher takes a trip to the bookstore, it is very rare that he or she is just looking for a book to enjoy. Usually, a teacher will make a detor to the children's book department to look for something for his or her class. Last night while on a trip to Barnes and Nobel with my family, I headed straight for the chidlren's books to see what was new or if there was an older book that I had not previously discovered. I found several different books that were biographies or autobiographies and looked like something I'd like to add to my collection for my class.

 

This memoir is about a Latina who was transformed during her years in Girl Scouts. She developed a love for space and stars. Her troop encouraged and supported her in this love. Later, she went on to become a rocket scientist. 

Have you ever wondered what life is like inside the white house? This is a special look inside the most famous house in America. Learn about the lives of the staff members and the first ladies who work and live there.

This is the true story of the "luckiest girls" who landed a job in a radium factory during World War I. The factories offered a seemingly wonderful opportunity but became a nightmare when the girls who worked there became mysteriously ill. 

 

Trevor Noah was half white and half black. He was born at a time when interracial marriages were considered illegal. Trevor shares the story of his life in this fascinating book.

This is the story of Sharon, the daughter of baseball player great Jackie Robinson. Sharon lives in a time when rights between black and white people are not equal. She struggles to find her voice and help fight for equality.

This is the true story of a Latina gynmast, Laurie Hernandez, and her path to Olympic gold. 

So there you have it, a list of books that are perfect from any upper elementary or middle school classroom.

Book Spotlight: One Grain of Rice

After recess everyday, we have a quiet time in class. During this time, we spend a few minutes engrossed in a book just for the pleasure of it. Students listen along while drawing or coloring or even just relaxing. It is a nice way to transition from active play outside to coming back inside and getting ready for more work in class.

At the start of the year, I checked out a ton of new and familiar books from the library. I displayed them along the tray of the whiteboard. We have been reading them for the past three weeks, but last week, I was running low. I dipped into my own stash and found this old familiar story, One Grain of Rice by Demi. I had completely forgotten about this book and have not opened it or shared it in years. Immediately, I snatched it up and saved it to share that day or the next. It is perfect to not only read for pleasure, but also to reread for learning.

One Grain of Rice is great for many reasons. First, it features a folktale from another culture. The setting of the story is India. I love to bring in multi-cultural books often. It opens up the world to my students who have never traveled the far-away places featured in the story. Also, if provides characters with which some of the students in class can identify. They feel seen and heard.

Second, I love this book because it has a great tie-in to math. It is easy to bring in math skills that are being practiced early in the year such as place value and rounding. It also features doubling numbers. It is perfect to take some of these numbers and use them in math class. It gives purpose and meaning.

Third, there are many, many reading skills that can be incorporated into this book. Comprehension questions can help you go deep. Through a character study you can see the qualities that the strong characters have and how some characters change over time. I 
would also pair this with the Biblical story of Joseph and use the two stories to compare and contrast using a Venn diagram.

Fourth, the illustrations and colors in the book are stunning. The are so well done and bring the book to life, keeping true to the setting and all that is India.

Lastly, this is a great book to use to talk about thinking of others and not being selfish. It is a valuable lesson for all children, and even adults to learn and also internalize.

If you are interested in checking out this book activity pack, click on any of the pictures above.