It’s that time of year again…. winter break is officially over.
Sure, there is nothing better than seeing your students faces after a few weeks away from each other; but let’s be real, it feels so good to be able to lay around in your PJ’s all day and not do anything besides binge TV shows you haven’t had the time to keep up with. And did we mention eat and go to the bathroom whenever you want?
If you are reluctantly getting back into your normal routine this week, take a peek at these totally relatable and equally hilarious memes that prove other educators are having the same struggle.
When reality starts to set in:
Walking into school like:
And how we’re feeling currently:
And finally, a little motivation we could all use:
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We do not own the right to any of the photos in this post. California Casualty has been providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Congratulations on surviving another semester of pandemic schooling, which could be considered enough stress for an entire school-year itself. You’re now savoring the last of your winter break and some hard-earned R&R. But the mornings are dark; it’s cold and snowy (or wet) outside. Chances are, you’re not itching to get back to early morning zoom classes!
Motivation at the peak of winter takes a hit every year. Here are some tips to fire up your and your students’ motivation to get through these last winter months with renewed energy and focus.
For Teachers
1. Start and end the day with joy – Bookending your day with little pleasures – anything that brings a smile – can help your mindset for the whole day. This could be as simple as using a beautiful, high-quality planner, sipping your morning coffee from a favorite mug, or setting photos of family and friends in view. Or it could be taking a daily walk to connect with nature, keeping a gratitude journal, or any other little ritual that brings joy.
2.Know that you’ve got this – Take a moment and look back at how you met and rose to the challenge of 2020. Taking time to acknowledge your achievements and resiliency can help you find the motivation to forge ahead into 2021. Having confidence in yourself will help fortify you when overwhelm creeps up from time to time.
3. Practice self-care – We all know the drill about airplane masks: Take care of yourself first, or else you won’t be able to help others. List out the things that replenish and energize you, and then take steps to prioritize those in your week. Maybe it’s reading, hiking, or connecting with friends. Tending to your own health and well-being will have a spillover effect of being a better teacher.
4. Communicate with your administrators – Your administrators are there to support you, so ask for assistance when you need it. Use clear communications to let them know about challenges or workload issues – and remember that just like at every other school in the nation, pandemic-era education is a work in progress. Patience and open communications are some of the best tools for thriving amid the challenges.
5. Remember why you’re doing this – At the end of the day, it’s about the kids. When overwhelm and stress threaten to overtake you, try to reconnect with the reason you became a teacher in the first place. Acknowledge it’s not easy and everyone’s doing the best they can. Compassion – for yourself and your students – goes a long way.
6. Pace yourself – Sometimes, having the finish line in sight helps with the final push. Put up a calendar and mark the days until spring break. You’re only a couple of months away – you can do it!
Helping Your Students
7. Share your experience – By acknowledging with your students that everyone’s been having a hard time, it gives them permission to feel their feelings. By sharing any struggles you yourself have had, they’re likely to feel less alone, ashamed, or self-critical.
8. Be optimistic – Optimism is contagious. The more positivity and optimism you bring to the classroom, the greater the chance it’ll rub off on your students. It may well help buoy them and ignite their natural resilience. Remind them that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel – spring break is around the corner!
9. Encourage kids to designate a cheerleader or two – If kids surround themselves with people who encourage and support them, they’ll get through this year with a lighter mental load. Encourage them to find a few people in their life whom they can check in with on their successes and struggles. Support and community are more important than ever right now.
10. Make this crazy time a learning experience – No matter their age, kids will take away life lessons from this pandemic year. By framing this year as a challenge that you all tackled and surmounted together, they’ll gain lessons on resilience, community, and collaboration that will serve them for years to come.
11. Celebrate successes – Celebrating students’ successes – whether those are individual or collective – will be extra meaningful this year. Recognizing their hard work and achievements will help them feel seen and acknowledged. Successes can be academic, behavioral, or something you see in their personal growth.
12. Make it fun – Find simple ways to give your students a lift as they return from winter break. This might mean sending welcome-back messages or scheduling something fun for them to look forward to, such as a competition or creative group project. Infusing passion and creativity into their lessons and subject matter will go a long way towards engagement.
Finding motivation (this year especially) to get through the rest of winter might take every ounce of energy you’ve got – but in the end, you may just end up being surprised by your own strength and resilience.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Author: Erin Randolph has taught elementary school for ten years. She lives in Olathe, KS with her husband, son, and daughter.
After a short winter break, teachers will be returning to their classrooms (and virtual classrooms) to begin the 2nd semester of the school year. The new semester brings with it a fresh start. It can also be stressful jumping back into a hectic schedule after such a blissful break.
Try making some of these small changes to help ease this transition.
Get Organized
An organized classroom and workspace are important for students and for teachers. Start small, like that messy, top desk drawer, or home office desk. Then work up to the big stuff, like the 4-drawer filing cabinet you haven’t touched in years.
I try to get one “space” completed each day. A good rule of thumb for questionable items: if you haven’t used it, looked at it, or touched it in a year, toss it or give it away. With your classroom and workspace uncluttered, you can focus more of your attention on students.
Make a Plan to Positively Communicate About Students
I began doing this a few years ago and I’ve never looked back. At the beginning of the 1st and 3rd quarters (September and January), I send home a message to each family regarding their student. I plan for one message per day, moving alphabetically through my roster. For teachers that are teaching remotely, an email or a text works just fine too!
In the messages, I praise students for accomplishments, positive behaviors, and hard work. My messages are only about a paragraph long and take less than 10 minutes to compose. Parents appreciate the communication from me and students are excited about being recognized for the things they are doing well in the classroom.
With everything that is going on in the world and in classrooms today, it’s hard to keep up with the grading itself, much less entering it into “the system.” To avoid this stress, carve out a time that you will solely dedicate to entering grades. This might be a daily routine or a weekly one.
Mine happens to be on Friday morning (before all the weekly homework comes in). I dedicate 30 minutes of my Friday plan time just for this task. When the quarter is over, I don’t have to worry about scrambling to get my “grades in.”
Plan Spot Checks for Struggling Students
Most teachers are consistently monitoring students who have difficulty. To more accurately monitor student progress, my district uses a web-based universal screener and progress monitoring program for reading and math. I set a notification on my school calendar to check on my struggling students.
Every other week, I check on my students who receive a math or reading intervention (help outside of the regular, core instruction time). I make note of students who are not making progress in their interventions and follow through with the appropriate teachers/interventionists. I also like to use student data folders; students track their own progress on weekly tests and quizzes. It’s efficient and effective for tracking student progress throughout the year and something to share with parents at conference time.
Get Students Involved in Goal Setting
Adults set New Year’s resolutions, so why shouldn’t students? The New Year is a great time for students to set academic and behavior goals for the semester. I ask students to:
Identify the specific goal (ex: score 8 out of 10 on weekly spelling test 4 weeks in a row)
Make a plan for how they will accomplish the goal (ex: write spelling words 2 times each night)
Provide evidence that they met goal (ex: 4 consecutive teacher-graded tests with a score of at least 80%)
If you are learning in-person, post the goals in the classroom where students will always see them. If not, have each student write them on sticky notes and place them where they can see them daily.
Take time during the quarter or semester to conference with students about said goals. Are students making progress towards goals? Why or why not? What needs to change?
Check-in with yourself at the end of every school week and see if you are sticking to your resolutions, this will help hold you accountable and keep you on track.
Happy New Year and happy second semester, you’re almost there! You can do it!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Much like all else in 2020, this holiday season is sure to look a little different this year. And unfortunately, many of us will not be together, like we had planned; but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on all of the fun with our friends and families!
Whether you are a teacher hosting a party for your remote learning class or a family staying socially distant at your holiday gathering, we’ve got an array of ideas to help you have fun at your virtual holiday party.
Check out our list of Zoom holiday party ideas below.
1.Virtual Ugly Sweater Contest
No holiday party is complete without everyone going completely all out in their festive gear! Invite each person on your Zoom call or in your virtual classroom to show off their ugly sweaters and have everyone vote on their favorites.
Don’t want anyone to have to buy an ugly sweater? Try dressing up with Santa hats, elf ears, or reindeer antlers; or hold a contest for the best holiday decor or funniest holiday Zoom background! The possibilities are endless. For prizes print off certificates or send e-gift cards.
2. Play a Game
There are tons of games that you can play together with your class or friends and family that can be taken virtual like: Trivia, Simone Says, Scattergories, Heads Up, 20 Questions, Zoom In, etc. Here are a few funs ones that you can try with your crew:
Carol Pictionary
Use the Zoom whiteboard feature, split into teams and take turns guessing the carol that is being drawn, you must SING the carol to win.
Charades
Come up with a fun list of Holiday sayings or movie titles, have everyone split into teams, and let the fun begin
Festive Bingo
Make or buy virtual bingo cards and email them out prior to your event
Name That! – Holiday Edition
Have someone volunteer to DJ (if you are a teacher that means you) and challenge your guests to name that Holiday Tune! You could even play using short youtube clips of your favorite festive movies.
Guess the Gift
Have each player wrap something up as a “gift” and everyone else try and guess what it is by asking only questions!
3. Send Holiday Gift Boxes & Open Them
Wish everything going on in the world today, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit. Sending a holiday gift package can be an easy way to spread cheer and a physical reminder that even though you are apart, you can still celebrate together. You can even have everyone wait to open them until you are on your virtual call together. Here are some ideas of what you can include in your packages:
For Students: Holiday bingo card, hot chocolate, holiday-themed or cozy socks, a handwritten note, holiday-themed pens, pencils, or note pads, candy
For Friends and Family Members: Holiday games to play, homemade treats, holiday drinking favorites, gift cards, holiday-themed clothing items: ugly sweaters, hats, socks, etc., blankets, holiday movies, photo booth prompts
4. Do Holiday Crafts
What’s not to love about holiday crafting? It’s cheap and something that you can do with people of all ages. You can even keep your creations and use them as decorations next year! Here are some easy(ish) holiday crafting ideas to try:
This past year we’ve all spent a lot of time sitting behind the screen. Scavenger hunts are easy ways to get everyone up and moving and they are so easy to do! To make an at-home holiday scavenger hunt, come up with a list of festive items or descriptions of items that can easily be found inside everyone’s home this time of year (or you could just find one on Pinterest).
If you plan on making your own scavenger hunt here are some easy ideas to put on your list:
Something shiny
Something makes noise
Something the Grinch would love
Something you could put in a stocking
A prop that could have been used in “Home Alone”
Something a reindeer would eat
Something better than presents
Something you could use as a Tree
Something that resembles snow
Something as tall as an elf
Something you can tie into a bow
Have a good laugh when everyone comes together (virtually) to share their findings!
6. Enjoy a Holiday Treat Together
What brings people together more than food? Exactly. Have everyone bring one (or more than one) of their favorite treats to the party to enjoy while doing other activities!
For Teachers: You can send them holiday treats before your party, or have them bring a treat of their choice (doesn’t have to be holiday related) to eat with their peers while having fun!
For Friends and Family Members: Make your favorite holiday dishes or desserts to enjoy surrounded by your favorite people.
7. Host a Talent Show
Have each person come to the virtual party with a Holiday talent in mind to show off to their peers. This can be anything from acting out a Holiday movie, singing or playing an instrument to the tune of a Carol, showing off their design skills by dressing up as a well-known character, telling Holiday Jokes, decorating cookies, or gingerbread, etc.
The talent show is purely for entertainment purposes and should be voluntary so shyer party-goers can sit back and have fun watching the show, but don’t forget to send out a signup sheet at least a week before so everyone has time to prepare!
and last but not least, remember to…
8. Keep Up With Any Traditions
We may not all be together right now, but that doesn’t mean we should stop partaking in our holiday traditions. It may take some adapting, but you’ve got this! It’s important (especially for our kids) that we can continue to make happy memories during the most wonderful time of the year.
For Teachers: If it’s traditional for your kids to create holiday cards for their parents- send your kids a holiday card template, let them decorate it, and give it to their parents. Or if you usually make ornaments, take time during your virtual party and work together online as a class to create them!
For Friends and Family Members: If your family has traditions like baking together, singing carols, putting on your new PJs, and watching movies- you can do all of these things virtually at your holiday party as well. Sure, it’s not the same as being together, but it’s the next best thing.
Don’t forget! – No party is complete without some festive tunes! Check out our kid-friendly Holly Jolly Holidays Playlist on Spotify to set the mood for your virtual holiday party this season. Click here to listen.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
If anyone deserves a supersized, overflowing stocking this year, it’s teachers. These heroes of the (virtual) classroom have been going above and beyond, keeping our kids on track and learning during an unexpected pandemic – no small feat!
Give them the big thanks they deserve by making this year’s holiday gift extra special. Personalize it if you can (ask your child if they remember their teacher mentioning any favorite pastimes, hobbies, or likes). If you don’t have much information to go on, practical gifts are always appreciated – especially by teachers and administrators who juggle so much every day.
Start with any clues your child might have, check out the list below, and then build from there!
1. Handwritten card or note – A thoughtful, heartfelt holiday card and message from your child will make their teacher’s year. These are often the gifts that stay with educators for years to come.
2. Gift cards – You can’t go wrong with gift cards. Target, coffee, Amazon, gas, Apple, restaurants, iTunes – the list is endless. They’re a super practical gift that will definitely get used!
3. TpT e-card – Help educators take a lesson planning load off this holiday by giving them a gift card for their Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) account. Shop and send it in seconds here.
4. Office supplies – Besides needing supplies to keep classwork and lessons organized, many teachers secretly adore creative, whimsical, and cool supplies. Check out sticky notes, to-do list pads, novelty paper clips, themed stickers, daily planners, and more.
5. Customized stationery – There are all kinds of online services that let you customize paper goods and stationery items such as notepads, note cards, letter writing paper sets, address labels, pencils, thank you notes, and stickers.
6. Coffee – Educators may be one of the most caffeinated of professionals. How about getting them a gift certificate or subscription for a new roast to change up their morning ritual? If this one seems a little expensive, don’t worry a few bags (or Kcups) of their favorite cup of Joe should do the trick 😉
7. Mug or tumbler – Help teachers stay hydrated (or caffeinated!) all day long with a quirky, contemporary, or inspirational mug. Teachers are famously oftentimes mug collectors, so this is a pretty safe bet.
8. Fun, festive or teacher-themed socks – There are a million and one different novelty-themed socks online. These won’t break the bank (or break on the way to school with your child) and offer the warmth of the hugs that we can’t share today. Plus, sizing is a no-brainer!
9. Snacks – Teachers barely get enough time to finish their lunches – even ones who work remotely. So, you can never go wrong with snacks. Don’t worry, they aren’t picky – chocolate, popcorn, candy, chips! Let’s load those snack drawers.
10. A nice pencil pouch – A high-quality zipper pouch is the perfect organizer for highlighters, markers, pens, pencils, and correction tape. There are a ton of great designs out there too – good luck trying to choose!
11. A charging station – We’re all living on our devices right now – and running down batteries quicker than ever. Keep your child’s teacher charged for the day by gifting a portable charger, charging station, extra charging cords or USB power bank.
12. Tech gadgets – Make teachers’ remote work lives a little more enjoyable with gadgets such as an iPhone or IPad tripod, ring light, or universal cable.
And what not to get….
As you narrow your list, here’s a gentle reminder of some things to leave off of it. Though well-intentioned, the following presents either aren’t very practical or are gifted so often they end up collecting dust in closets or cupboards.
“World’s Greatest Teacher” clothing, cups, posters, etc.
Ornaments and other holiday knick-knacks
Stuffed animals
Jewelry
As with all gift-giving, thoughtfulness counts more than anything else during the holidays. A little brainstorming with your child could well result in the perfect gift – and extra holiday cheer to fuel their teacher for the New Year ahead.
Happy gifting and happy holidays!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We do not take ownership of any photo featured in this article; all photos have been linked to their owner. California Casualty specializeas in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The excitement of the looming Winter Break can be felt in every classroom, and what better way to celebrate than with some fun and festive Bulletin Boards? It’s officially to de-stress and have fun creating some winter bulletin boards for your kids and classroom.
We’ve pulled together our favorite ideas for Winter, Christmas, and more below. Check them out! And for all the teachers teaching remotely, you don’t miss out on the fun! Use these ideas for your Zoom backgrounds, or even create (fake) bulletin board on a blank wall at home!
1. School Door…or Gingerbread House?
Go big or go home, right? You could even put kid’s names or pictures on the gumdrops!
2. Take an #sELFie
Literally, the cutest thing we have ever seen. Take student #sELFies and send them to parents as Christmas cards!
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Throw it back to your childhood, with a classic Snoopy bulletin board. You can even add each child’s name or photo on the lights, like they have below.
4. A Kindness Christmas Tree
Make a countdown until break and reveal a new kindness quote each day.
5. Frozen-Themed
Winter isn’t complete without Olaf in your classroom!
6. Under Elf Surveillance
This elf can be on mask duty in the hallway OR or classroom duty, just put it on your door.
7. ….Or You Could Use a Different Elf
You could use so many different sayings on this Buddy the Elf Bulletin Board.
8. Wall of Joy
We’d be lying if we didn’t tell you this one was our favorite. Put this in the hall and have each child write what brings them joy 🙂 (for sanitary reasons, be sure to have them use their own writing tool)
9. Rudolph ft. DIY Christmas Ornaments
Have kids make their own ornaments! Want something a bit more simple? Just showcase the ornaments hanging from the top of the bulletin board instead.
10. Reading Makes You Bright
We love the symbolism! Except in the photo, all of the snowflakes are the same…So, be sure to have your students each make snowflakes to hang on your board!
11. Don’t be a GRINCH be Kind
Because who doesn’t love The Grinch?
12. Oh Deer! Christmas is Almost Here
Each child can make their own unique reindeer.
13. Chillin’ With My Snowmies
You could leave it as is, or for a larger board have each student make a snowman or Santa-gnome!
14. If Santa Was Stuck In My Chimney…
You can’t beat a funny holiday writing prompt!
15. A Tree Made of Border
So we know this technically isn’t a bulletin board, but what a cool idea to make a tree out of extra border paper!
16. Fa-la-la Singing Reindeer
Holiday cuteness overload
17. Learning is a Gift
A classic, that is easy to create and really make your own. Put subjects or children’s names on the presents!
18. Loco for Cocoa
Another easy writing prompt idea, kids can write their perfect hot cocoa recipe and decorate their own mug.
19. Stockings Hung By The Chimney With Care
Keep it nice and cozy this winter with this cute classroom fireplace. Kids can even make their own stockings and hang them up for Santa!
20. Teacher-Elves in a Snow Globe
Don’t be afraid to make a silly bulletin board like this, it’s guaranteed to make your student’s day!
21. Fal la la la llama
Because Christmas doesn’t always have to be able elves and reindeer.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. California Casualty does not own any of the photos in this post, all are sources by to their original owners. Get a quote at 1.800.800.9410 or www.calcas.com.
