TL;DR: Creating school-wide experiences for students beyond the classroom makes school an enriched place to be. When you have an idea, have the courage to follow through with the idea. Enjoy reading a poem written for the whole school as part of a performance. The first year I did this was 2005. The staff at school was wondering about whether … Read More
Bring in the New Year With More Curiosity and Less Judgment
TL;DR: Being curious rather than judgmental leads to better understanding and compassion toward others. Shifting your mindset and helping others can create a positive safe space for all. Bring in the New Year With More Curiosity and Less Judgment Most people have heard of the hit TV series, Ted Lasso, in which an American football coach is exported to the … Read More
Reconnect Happier
TL;DR: We can try many things to reach our struggling students, but have you tried asking them what they need? Provide students with an opportunity to give you feedback, like a Teacher Report Card, so you can better respond to their needs. Being open to receiving feedback and making changes in response leads to improved connection and belonging. Reconnect Happier … Read More
The Power of a Pen
TL;DR: A pen teaches students that mistakes are learning opportunities. It gives students time to pause and think before they write. It empowers students by providing them with skills they can use throughout their lives. Every December, I gave a present to my students. Yes, I taught middle school. Yes, I had over 100 students each year. And yes, it … Read More
The Gift of Cultivating Joy: It’s Like a Boomerang!
TL;DR: We CAN cultivate more joy in our lives. A CORE belief is that relationships are gifts to value and treasure. Uplifting others brings joy to ourselves and others. Learn how to notice, name, and nuture AND how words are gifts. Your joy can grow and thrive from others too. Learn how to throw your joy boomerang out and how … Read More
