MzTeachuh: Music to Mull Things Over

MzTeachuh: Music to Mull Things Over: Mulling things over...Raphael, Cherubs Mischa Maisky plays Bach Cello Suite No.1 in G (full)    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGQLXR...

Music to Mull Things Over

Mulling things over...Raphael, Cherubs

Mischa Maisky plays Bach Cello Suite No.1 in G (full) 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGQLXRTl3Z0&feature=related

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today: Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady i...

MzTeachuh: White Fang by Jack London: Great Summer Read

MzTeachuh: White Fang by Jack London: Great Summer Read: Adventure with White Fang Its like a hundred degrees outside. Even video games are boring. What's a kid to do? Jack London will take ...

MzTeachuh: Take a Beautiful Music/Art Break

MzTeachuh: Take a Beautiful Music/Art Break: Irises at St. Remy, Van Gogh In person, this painting shimmers and glows as though it is growing. It is at the Getty Museum in Southern...

MzTeachuh: Hope (հույս) Is a Verb with Its Sleeves Rolled Up

MzTeachuh: Hope (հույս) Is a Verb with Its Sleeves Rolled Up: 'The Forest,' Paul Cezanne Hope must be green because it grows. Hope must be harmonious, joyful, persistent. Hope is victorious, full o...

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!: No, it won't be long: seven  a half   My feeling captured: Mission Accomplished, Schoolyear 2011 2012 Completed plus seven and a half  ...

MzTeachuh: Music to Grow a Garden By

MzTeachuh: Music to Grow a Garden By: “Gardening Tools,” Hand colored linocut  © Liz Lyons Friedman Got my gloves, rake, man, where's my hat? The Gardener, Van Gogh Wel...

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today: Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady i...

MzTeachuh: Sherlock Finale: The Reichenbach Fall

MzTeachuh: Sherlock Finale: The Reichenbach Fall: Sherlock and Watson use tech now Not sure if 2012 Moriarity likes the new ending No, not Moriarity! The finale for the BBC pr...

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12)

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12): Last staff meeting of the schoolyear This is the last week of school for our district; it's probably close for the rest of North America...

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!: No, it won't be long: seven  a half   My feeling captured: Mission Accomplished, Schoolyear 2011 2012 Completed plus seven and a half  ...

MzTeachuh: Writing, Reading for Everyone Tweets of the Day (5...

MzTeachuh: Writing, Reading for Everyone Tweets of the Day (5...: Its my journal and I'll write what I want to.  How can we help kids want to write when not required? The good folks at Reading Rocket...

MzTeachuh: I Double Dog Dare You to Read One of These Books.....

MzTeachuh: I Double Dog Dare You to Read One of These Books.....: to a little kid and not have fun!

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today: Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady i...

MzTeachuh: Relax and Teach: First Steps

MzTeachuh: Relax and Teach: First Steps: The second grader got started reading the sentence aloud to the tutor, and the letters flowed into words one after another. He had read his ...

MzTeachuh: How Little Kids Learn

MzTeachuh: How Little Kids Learn: Those tiny bundles of cooing, screaming, and sleep--our babies--are actually learning titans, massive geniuses with thousands of synapses fi...

MzTeachuh: What Kids Need to Be Able to Learn

MzTeachuh: What Kids Need to Be Able to Learn: We prepare to teach--the bulletin board is up with cheerful posters and encouraging signs; desks set in kid-friendly teams; and the crucial ...

MzTeachuh: Let's Read: Little Kids

MzTeachuh: Let's Read: Little Kids: Little kids love, just absolutely love, to be read to. Eyes latched to the marvel (the book) and cuddled up next to reading friend or fami...

MzTeachuh: Let's Read! Current Trends in Little Kid Books

MzTeachuh: Let's Read! Current Trends in Little Kid Books: Corduroy's friend Bearymore Kids of all ages, one to ninety-two, enjoy exploring the children's section of the booksto...

MzTeachuh: What Teachers Like to Read to Little Kids

MzTeachuh: What Teachers Like to Read to Little Kids: Two of my friends from high school also became teachers, and we have reconnected with Facebook.  I recently asked them what books they ...

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week: Hey, come and sit down with me in the breakfast nook and share the news of the morning--grab a fresh cup of coffee and a warm muffin; or may...

MzTeachuh: Five Poems to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress

MzTeachuh: Five Poems to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress: Grandpa was really sick now, thin like a skeleton. The last thing I remember him saying was, "Did you bring the little dog?" We hadn't brou...

MzTeachuh: Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress

MzTeachuh: Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress: A third grader, small for his age, could really run fast during practice for his elementary school's Olympic Day. It was his way to shine. H...

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week: Wow, offering you the articles I've read online is certainly easier than piling newspapers and magazines on your desk or coffee table (or th...

MzTeachuh: Hugs: Future Investment

MzTeachuh: Hugs: Future Investment: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/opinion/sunday/kristof-a-poverty-solution-that-starts-with-a-hug.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=fe...

MzTeachuh: Movie Review: Red Tails

MzTeachuh: Movie Review: Red Tails: "Red Tails," is a new release rated PG 13, for some language and war scenes. The plot of the story focuses on the first black US fighter p...

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Week: Another week driving down the information highway. Here are my stops along the way.  A sweet story of a little guy meeting the snow in N...

MzTeachuh: The Privilege of Literacy

MzTeachuh: The Privilege of Literacy: Stating the obvious.

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun: 'North Woods' by Richard Kozlow, 1988. But I don't know if the woods in Michigan have mythological creatures or not.  'Prelude to th...

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today: MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today : Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this pictur...

MzTeachuh: Sherlock Finale: The Reichenbach Fall

MzTeachuh: Sherlock Finale: The Reichenbach Fall: Sherlock and Watson use tech now Not sure if 2012 Moriarity likes the new ending No, not Moriarity! The finale for the BBC pr...

MzTeachuh: Read Read Read Tweets of the Day (5/26/12)

MzTeachuh: Read Read Read Tweets of the Day (5/26/12): One of the Dine tribes. We're related. Even if the weather is great outside--reading time is important for all of us. Taking a qu...

Read Read Read Tweets of the Day (5/26/12)

One of the Dine tribes. We're related.

Even if the weather is great outside--reading time is important for all of us. Taking a quiet minute or twenty to go elsewhere while staying home, or at the park, restaurant or back deck. Summer chores will wait. Grab an iced tea and develop more brain synapses--even you, Grandma! 

 

One book that I'm planning on reading was a Mother's Day gift from one of my progeny who knows what I like to read, history. 

Empire of the Summer Moon, by S.C. Gwynne. About the Comanches.

 

And you know kids love to read!

 

Here are some suggestions that will be good for homeschoolers, summer schoolers, and parents on a mission.

  

18 Ways to Encourage Students to Read This Summer by Norene Wiesen

 http://www.scilearn.com/blog/ways-to-encourage-students-to-read-this-summer.php

Bet she's with Anne with an 'e' in Nova Scotia

 Trips to the library should be a ritual. A fun, 'Wow, can we go NOW?' kind of experience. Check to see if your local library has a fun program for the kids. Once we won a trip to Raging Waters, a water park in SoCal, during a summer reading program in our little rural desert town. Talk about being rewarded for being a reader!

The true rewards are the new friends (characters), adventures, and satisfaction of curiosity.

Julius Caesar crossing the Rhine--the coolest

Use the kids' enormous curiosity to drive the summer reading. 

One book leads to five more--sports, dinosours, how to play the guitar, sew a summer bag, play soccer, hair styles. Learning more about Kobe, or Adele, or the Chivas. Maybe a nice book about bugs. Going to the library and being free to make a selection is a tremendous intellectual gift for kids. Thousands of doors open--maybe to a career or lifelong interest. Besides, finding out how Julius Caesar crossed the Rhine is just so darn COOL!

Scholastic has a Global Literacy Campaign, grown-ups can sign up for. Especially if you need a million reasons to read all listed in a nice orderly manner. There's lots of good deals, etc., too.

I'm getting to the good part.

 http://www.scholastic.com/readeveryday/facts.htm

Here are some lists for various age and grade levels:

 Recommended Reading

http://www.education.com/seasonal/summer-reading/?cid=90. 

 Enjoy reading with your kids--what a gift for all involved.

Oh yeah, baby. Read Read Read. Go Wisconsin Go!

 

 

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today

MzTeachuh: One Memorial Today: Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady i...

One Memorial Today

Orvis Henry Sweet, Union Army, Vermont

Orvis, age 21, will be shot in the lung one week after this picture was taken by Matthew Brady in Washington, DC. His younger siblings on the family farm in upstate New York (he volunteered from St. Alban's, Fifth Vermont) grew up and after the Civil War moved West to Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and California to become lawyers, Congressmen, ambassadors, journalists and teachers. His father, Haviland Livingston Sweet, died earlier in the War. Their sacrifice was not in vain.

He volunteered while working at a Print Shop in Vermont, where his family had lived on Grand Isle for generations since the Revolutionary War. His ancestors were Pilgrims and Wampanoags.

He was a regular kid who lived and died for great things.

He fought with his unit through all the major battles of the Civil War, being mortally wounded in the Second Battle of the Wilderness. If you ever watched Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War, you know how that one was particularly hellish.

http://www.pbs.org/civilwar/

One of Orvis' younger sisters was Alice Eliza Sweet Link, my great grandmother; she went West after the Civil War and became a teacher.

Trip to the Wilderness Battlefields 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ege_iMAo5w 

With that haunting music that always brings tears to my eyes, Ashokan Farewell.

MzTeachuh: Nocturne Just Before Dawn

MzTeachuh: Nocturne Just Before Dawn: Monet 'Morning on the Seine' "The series "Morning on the Seine" was begun in 1896 but not completed until 1897 because of inclement wea...

Nocturne Just Before Dawn

Monet 'Morning on the Seine'

"The series "Morning on the Seine" was begun in 1896 but not completed until 1897 because of inclement weather. First, Monet patiently scouted out particular views along the river; then he painted the pictures from a boat that he had converted into a floating studio. For an extended period, he arose before dawn and reached his boat before sunrise in order to paint the changing effects of light as the sun came up. He then lined up the canvases on easels in his studio to complete them together." The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

I  can almost feel the gentle rocking of the boat. Time to get up and paint; or do whatever your passion is...

Here's Nocturne in B Major by Chopin to catch that just before sunrise mood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZPrHl-kek&feature=relmfu

MzTeachuh: That Kid Drives Me Nuts! Tweets of the Day (5/25/2...

MzTeachuh: That Kid Drives Me Nuts! Tweets of the Day (5/25/2...: School is now out or almost. How about mulling over some input for next year's class? Do...

That Kid Drives Me Nuts! Tweets of the Day (5/25/2012)

School is now out or almost. How about mulling over some input for next year's class? Does classroom management sound like a great thinking topic while you're sipping iced tea by the pool? 

Barbed wire and behavior mod--great metaphor

'The Barbed Wire Model of Classroom Management' by Ben Johnson

http://www.edutopia.org/classroom-management-barbed-wire-model

This article, written awhile back, (probably by a teacher who lives on a ranch), accurately describes some of the snares teachers get caught in trying to direct a class.

'How to Make Consequences Work' http://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-to-make-consequences-work-richard-curwin

This is a very serious article by Dr. Edwin Curwin. It will turn all your classroom rules upside down. Are you ready?

Dr. Curwin

 Dr. Richard Curwin is the director of the Master's program in Behavior Disorder at David Yellin College in Jerusalem and the author of 20 books related to motivation and behavior, including Discipline with Dignity and Meeting Students Where They Live.

Disciplining with dignity--I guess timing the kids out to the hall doesn't qualify.

Here is another good article on classroom management to consider while you're licking your wounds from that rascal who just bid you 'Happy Summer, teacher!' Just joking. Although we've all had a few rascals in class. What to do?

'What's the Secret to Effective Classroom Management?' No, that's the name of the article, not my rhetorical question. It is also at Edutopia.

 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/good-classroom-management-secret-maurice-elias

Rapport!

Here's a great quote that I agree with completely.

'Learning is work of the head and work of .the heart. A climate of fear thwarts all of the goals of higher learning.' Thank you Maurice Elias.

So, we've got some thinking and planning to do.

MzTeachuh: Teacher Transitions

MzTeachuh: Teacher Transitions: Transitioning to my new career today, after nearly twenty years of teaching in the District system here in California, I am accepting the 'G...

Teacher Transitions

Transitioning to my new career today, after nearly twenty years of teaching in the District system here in California, I am accepting the 'Golden Handshake," and retiring from one type of teaching to enter others. Exciting. Poignant. Lots and lots of kids will live in my heart and prayers.

Here is a 'Bravo' for all of us teachers being flexible, persistent, and caring in our relentless pursuit of helping kids learn.

Teaching is fun!

Let's keep it up! Be creative and flexible in your teaching options, lots of great things can happen! The kids need you!

Some appropriate music for the occasion. Truly I feel the Lord God Omnipotent got me to this day. The Hallelujah Chorus, by Handel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htkx5LNm3SE&feature=fvwrel

And a music teacher joke:

Sign seen on teacher's door:

Gone Chopin. Be Bach in a minuet. Can you Handel waiting?

Catch you on the flip side.

MzTeachuh: Film Review: The Jesus Film (free and in 1,120 Lan...

MzTeachuh: Film Review: The Jesus Film (free and in 1,120 Lan...:  This film about Jesus is an evangelistic tool shown around the world to about 6 billion people in many venues, frequently outside. It has...

MzTeachuh: I Double Dog Dare You to Read One of These Books.....

MzTeachuh: I Double Dog Dare You to Read One of These Books.....: to a little kid and not have fun!

I Double Dog Dare You to Read One of These Books...

to a little kid and not have fun!

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Day (5/24/2012)

MzTeachuh: Tweets of the Day (5/24/2012): Buddy reading. Great site that includes summaries of little kid books as well as other resources. Kellogg Community College Early Chil...

Stress: Teacher and Student Tweets of the Day (5/24/2012)

Buddy reading.

Great site that includes summaries of little kid books as well as other resources.

Kellogg Community College Early Childhood Literacy Website - sponsored by KCC Early Childhood Education Program

http://www.kellogg.edu/literacy/experience/schoolage.html

This is another kind of intense link about teacher burnout. Please pay attention. You or your one of your colleagues may need this information. Don't be shy about getting or giving help. We're all in this together.

We've all been there--who's there for him?

This is another one from Edutopia:

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-warning-signs-maurice-elias

'Teacher Burnout: What Are the Warning Signs?'

 

 This is a tremendous article about personality types in the classroom. One size does not fit all--effective teaching adapts to learning differences.

'Studies Illustrate Plight of Introverted Students'

 http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/05/23/32introvert_ep.h31.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-FB

The introvert is not non-responsive, just differently responsive.

 

MzTeachuh: Good Wishes To My Russian Readers

MzTeachuh: Good Wishes To My Russian Readers: I miss you! Suddenly--after 76 views in January and February--this week my Russian readers have disappeared. Don't know why. Hope to visit...

MzTeachuh: Hope (հույս) Is a Verb with Its Sleeves Rolled Up

MzTeachuh: Hope (հույս) Is a Verb with Its Sleeves Rolled Up: 'The Forest,' Paul Cezanne Hope must be green because it grows. Hope must be harmonious, joyful, persistent. Hope is victorious, full o...

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!: No, it won't be long: seven  a half   My feeling captured: Mission Accomplished, Schoolyear 2011 2012 Completed plus seven and a half  ...

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12)

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12): Last staff meeting of the schoolyear This is the last week of school for our district; it's probably close for the rest of North America...

MzTeachuh: Who Showed You Who You Are?

MzTeachuh: Who Showed You Who You Are?: Mother and Child, Andy Warhol Your (fill in the blank) Mother. You might choose, Irish, Italian, Mexican, English, Russian, Philipino,...

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!

MzTeachuh: It Won't Be Long!: No, it won't be long: seven  a half   My feeling captured: Mission Accomplished, Schoolyear 2011 2012 Completed plus seven and a half  ...

It Won't Be Long!

No, it won't be long: seven  a half

 

My feeling captured: Mission Accomplished, Schoolyear 2011 2012 Completed

plus seven and a half  (hours that is) til the schoolyear is over.

So here's the Fab Four with some giddiness I'm beginning to feel
(except for the smoking.)











Oh, by the way, did I mention I'm
retiring from District teaching?


It Won't Be Long
The Beatles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcbL6OBT6Zc

MzTeachuh: Film Review: The Jesus Film (free and in 1,120 Lan...

MzTeachuh: Film Review: The Jesus Film (free and in 1,120 Lan...:  This film about Jesus is an evangelistic tool shown around the world to about 6 billion people in many venues, frequently outside. It has...

MzTeachuh: Arrrggh! All Direct Instruction All The Time

MzTeachuh: Arrrggh! All Direct Instruction All The Time: To quote Charlie Brown... Uh-oh, the third kid from the left has his legs crossed at the ankle. Of course, students of all ages need...

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun: 'North Woods' by Richard Kozlow, 1988. But I don't know if the woods in Michigan have mythological creatures or not.  'Prelude to th...

MzTeachuh: Writing, Reading for Everyone Tweets of the Day (5...

MzTeachuh: Writing, Reading for Everyone Tweets of the Day (5...: Its my journal and I'll write what I want to.  How can we help kids want to write when not required? The good folks at Reading Rocket...

Writing, Reading for Everyone Tweets of the Day (5/23/2012)

Its my journal and I'll write what I want to.

 How can we help kids want to write when not required?

The good folks at Reading Rockets have some thoughts on that, and suggest someone who really knows his stuff.

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/51785/#.T71uw26LZn4

 "If there's someone who knows about teaching writing, it's Steve Graham." So says Reading Rockets.

http://www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/projectwrite/index.html
"Our focus has been on helping students who struggle with writing learn to use powerful self-regulation and writing strategies and improve their attitudes toward writing and themselves as writers....Recently, our team has worked with schools implementing a Positive Behavior Support model." So says Steve Graham. Positive is good. Writing is extremely difficult for almost everyone, positive is good.

Hmmm, yeah, and then...

You can also have your kids 'Book Through the Summer.'

http://www.education.com/slideshow/story-starter/Summer_Book_fifth/

I want to do these activities.

And our good friends at RR (may I call you RR?) with a cool opportunity for family literacy night.

 http://www.readingrockets.org/article/51766/#.T71vGigLaHo

Their current topic: Family Literacy Bag: Stars

What's in the literacy bag?

• Parent information sheet with an introductory note that teachers can personalize, instructions about how to use the packet, and tips for sharing fiction and nonfiction books with children
• Two books: one fiction and one nonfiction, selected by Reading Rockets for high quality and wide availability in school libraries
• Creativity Activity: a hands-on craft project
• Imagination Activity: encourages imaginative play, writing, or drawing
• Get Real Activity: focuses on real-world experiences for parent and child
• Bookmark: lists the featured titles and alternative titles
• Parent survey

What fun.

This makes you want to go find a kid to do this with if there's not one in your home. This would be a great gift, too.

A PBS Newshour video on a topic close to me:

Engaging Students With Learning Differences Early On 

 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/american-graduate/jan-june12/amgradengaging_03-21.html

We all have a voice, we just need the language to express it.

 

MzTeachuh: Who's Praying for You?

MzTeachuh: Who's Praying for You?: "Virgin in Prayer" by Giovanni Battista Silva Bet your mom is. Mother's Day is May 13, 2012. Sunday.

MzTeachuh: Who Kissed Your Fat Little Baby Hand?

MzTeachuh: Who Kissed Your Fat Little Baby Hand?: 'Baby's First Caress' Cassett I'm thinking it was your mom. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13.

MzTeachuh: Détente avec ma maman.(Relaxing with my mama.)

MzTeachuh: Détente avec ma maman.(Relaxing with my mama.): 'Madame Monet with her son, Jean' Renoir The chicks, too. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13.

MzTeachuh: On the Daily Walk

MzTeachuh: On the Daily Walk: 'The Stroll,  Madame Monet and son' Monet Did you go on nature walks? Mother's Day, Sunday May13.

MzTeachuh: Langston Hughes Speak to Us About Mothers' Day

MzTeachuh: Langston Hughes Speak to Us About Mothers' Day: The Negro Mother   Children, I come back today To tell you a story of the long dark way That I had to climb, that I had to know ...

MzTeachuh: India's Mother भारत मा

MzTeachuh: India's Mother भारत मा: Mother Teresa Do small things with great love. Mother Teresa Sounds like parenting to me. Mothers' Day May 13.

MzTeachuh: Who Put Up With Your Toddler Highjinks?

MzTeachuh: Who Put Up With Your Toddler Highjinks?: 'Mother and Child' Pablo Picasso Mostly your mom. Mother's Day May 13. And I bet you had the cutest little baby face! Here's a Ses...

MzTeachuh: People Who Love Books

MzTeachuh: People Who Love Books: https://www.facebook.com/Book.Aficionados Check this page out at Facebook.

MzTeachuh: Who Took You By The Hand?

MzTeachuh: Who Took You By The Hand?: Folk Art  Jed Alexander Usually your mom. Mother's Day May 13.

MzTeachuh: Movie Review: Red Tails

MzTeachuh: Movie Review: Red Tails: "Red Tails," is a new release rated PG 13, for some language and war scenes. The plot of the story focuses on the first black US fighter p...

MzTeachuh: Learning Differently: Each Learner Has A Unique Va...

MzTeachuh: Learning Differently: Each Learner Has A Unique Va...: A child may have an auditory or visual handicap. One student may not speak, a different student may not have sight. A kid might be hearing...

MzTeachuh: Field Trip: Las Vegas!

MzTeachuh: Field Trip: Las Vegas!: Big Bird at the Vegas sign. Pablo Picasso, 'Pitcher and Bowl with Fruit.' Nerd alert! This is a nerd's tour of Vegas. I visit family...

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12)

MzTeachuh: Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12): Last staff meeting of the schoolyear This is the last week of school for our district; it's probably close for the rest of North America...

Burned Out? Tweets of the Day (5/22/12)

Last staff meeting of the schoolyear

This is the last week of school for our district; it's probably close for the rest of North America, too.


It isn't that we don't love our jobs, care about the kids, are devoted to our careers. But after about 180 school days, please put us out of our misery.


There are some tweets today that should help educators to reinvest in our own well-being.

Dr. Judy

 
Dr. Judy Willis (@judywillis on Twitter) is an authority on brain research as it relates to learning. She is a regular blogger at Edutopia. You can also find her online at RADteach. 



 I have read many of Dr. Judy's articles, particularly on student learning, and they are very helpful and encouraging. All those little synapses so busy. But if you need some Me Time to recover from the schoolyear, here is an excellent article:


How to Rewire Your Burned-Out Brain: Tips from a Neurologist

 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-neurology-judy-willis-md

 To be honest, this sounds kind of like Post Traumatic Stress. But I do believe we can rewire ourselves back to higher level responses. Or, just chill out, so to speak.


Here's another link about stress, we probably should have read about two months ago.

Teachers Helping Teachers: Eight Ways to Prevent Burnout

 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/preventing-teacher-burnout-katy-farber

 Katy Farber

A teacher, blogger, and the author of Why Great Teachers Quit and How We Might Stop the Exodus (Corwin 2010) and Change the World with Service Learning: How to Organize, Lead and Assess Service Learning Projects, (Rowman Littlefield 2010). She is also the author of a popular green parenting blog called Non-Toxic Kids where she writes about green living, environmental issues, activism, and education.

With Katy being a mom, teacher, and writer, I'm think she probably knows something about stress.


Here's another blog about burn-out we should have read two months ago:

Andrew Miller

5 Tips to Avoid Teacher Burnout

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/tips-to-avoid-teacher-burnout-andrew-miller 

Andrew Miller (@betamiller on Twitter) is a National Faculty member for the Buck Institute for Education, an organization specializing in 21st century project-based learning, as well as for ASCD, an organization providing expertise in a variety of professional development needs. He is also a regular blogger for Edutopia.

Andrew also mentions using other teachers as a resource.

 This is one of my big questions about teaching: how some schoolsites have great colleague support and others eat each other alive. Could someone please write a blog helping out with this? I'm at a loss. 

These blogs are from Edutopia.

Hang in, teacher buddies. Rejuvenate.

MzTeachuh: Reverie: A State of Abstracted Musing.

MzTeachuh: Reverie: A State of Abstracted Musing.: Starry Night by Van Gogh Reverie by Claude Debussy. Good evening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrFL2MWuxa4&feature=related

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun

MzTeachuh: Tranquil Afternoon--Art, Music and Maybe a Faun: 'North Woods' by Richard Kozlow, 1988. But I don't know if the woods in Michigan have mythological creatures or not.  'Prelude to th...

MzTeachuh: Five Poems to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress

MzTeachuh: Five Poems to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress: Grandpa was really sick now, thin like a skeleton. The last thing I remember him saying was, "Did you bring the little dog?" We hadn't brou...

MzTeachuh: Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress

MzTeachuh: Books to Soothe Kids' Toxic Stress: A third grader, small for his age, could really run fast during practice for his elementary school's Olympic Day. It was his way to shine. H...

MzTeachuh: The Raven: Movie Review

MzTeachuh: The Raven: Movie Review: The movie " The Raven ," is superior to expectations. The screenwriting is so eloquent, its almost Shakespeare; the actors have caught...