by California Casualty | Educators, Safety |
Letting go is one of the hardest things we can do as parents. After all, we want to be there every step of the way—and that includes making sure our children get safely to school and home again.
But there comes a time when we step back, and send them on their way with pride (and just a little anxiety). How do we know when the right time is? Here’s some guidance on determining when and how to let your child walk or bike to school alone.
First, let’s remember the benefits.
Walking or biking alone to school is a milestone in growing up. It’s good for your child and it’s good for you. Here’s why.
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- It’s great exercise. It helps keep your child moving every day.
- It gives your child a sense of independence and responsibility.
- It boosts your child’s self-confidence.
- It gives them a chance to follow rules and make good decisions.
- It allows bonding time with friends, including a chance to make new ones.
- It limits your family’s carbon footprint.
- It frees your time so that you can do something else.
How do you know if your child is ready?
Every child is different. And not every school route is the same. Taking into account your child’s age and maturity, and the difficulty of the route, you can make a determination. As their parent, you are the best person to know if your child is ready and if walking or biking to school is safe. If you live in an area of high crime, you may want to reconsider letting your child walk or ride alone.
If you’re looking for guidelines, healthychildren.org (from the American Academy of Pediatrics) notes that most children are not ready to walk or bike alone until the fifth grade or about age 10. That’s as long as they can follow rules, show good judgment, and not be easily distracted.
Prepare for the moment.
The important thing is you don’t have to jump right into having your child walk or bike alone to school. You can put in the necessary preparation to make sure that he or she will be able to do so safely. Here’s how you can prepare.
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- Educate your child on street signs and what they mean. You can do this when you’re driving in the car as well as walking around the neighborhood.
- Establish and practice the rules for crossing the street. Look left, then right, then left again. Then, cross. Never cross in the middle of the block.
- Explain to your child that cars share the road with bikes and pedestrians. Show your child how to be aware of vehicles wherever they may be.
- Remind your child to stay on the sidewalk and out of the street unless crossing at a crosswalk.
- If biking, teach your child the bike safety
- Remind your child to walk his/her bicycle across intersections.
- Test the route by walking it with your child. Let your child lead the way so you are confident that he/she knows where to go.
- Practice locking and/or storing the bike at school.
Prepare for an emergency.
You want to prepare your child for any possibility from getting lost to getting a flat tire to stranger danger. Role-playing helps your child practice the skills needed.
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- Point out the best people to ask for help if lost.
- Practice having your child walk his/her bike the whole way to school and back in the event of a flat.
- Educate your child to recognize and handle dangerous situations. Identify safe places along the route where they can go if they feel in danger.
All of these tactics will help keep your child safe wherever they are, and not just walking or biking alone to school.
When your child is ready to walk or bike to school without you, follow these tips.
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- See if your child can walk or bike with a friend or group of friends. Some communities have started a walking school bus or bicycle train to help children travel safely.
- Consider getting your child a basic cell phone. Have your child check in with you when he/she arrives at school, and when he/she is leaving. However, make sure they know not to text while walking or biking. That will distract them from their surroundings and put them in danger.
- Brightly colored jackets and backpacks are most easily seen by cars, so dress your child accordingly.
- Before your child gets on his/her bike, check the air and tire pressure, and test the brakes.
- Have a backup plan for getting to school in inclement weather, such as riding the school bus.
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.
by California Casualty | Educators |
Going into your first year of teaching can be hectic. Even the most in-depth college education programs, might not prepare teachers for what their actual first year in the classroom may bring. First-year teachers can struggle with anything from lesson planning and classroom behavioral issues, to their own time management.
So, we’ve asked the best resource for first-year educators- our seasoned audience of teachers across the nation, to provide tips and advice to their new colleagues entering the field of education.
Here’s what they had to say.
- Stay Calm
– If something doesn’t go the way you planned, it may feel like the walls are closing in and you have chosen the wrong profession, but it’s not. Getting into a new routine and feeling comfortable takes time (yes, even with teaching). You’ve got this!
- Set Boundaries for Yourself
– Remember teaching is your job, not your whole life, try not to let a few late nights turn into months and years. Don’t feel guilty for separating yourself and your home life from your work life.
- A Gallon of Coffee a Day
– Keeps the doctor away, right?
- Brush up on Technology (especially Google classroom)
– Even if you are starting your first year in the classroom, it would be a good idea to get familiar with the technology your school is using for virtual learning- just in case. Plans change quickly and often, this way you will always be prepared.
- Take Time for Yourself Every Day
– Moments of peace and quiet are few and far between. Find time in your day for yourself; whether that be before school, during your planning period, or when you get home at night.
- Learn that it is Okay to Ask for Help
– You won’t have the solution to every problem and that’s okay. If you are struggling with something (even if it’s just the copier) learn that asking for advice from your peers is completely normal and usually encouraged.
- Playing Can Be Learning
– If you have a class that reacts more to hands-on or interactive activities, don’t be afraid to adjust your lesson plans to help incorporate more activities like this. Learning can be fun!
- Listen to Music in the Classroom
– It is YOUR classroom and you decide how it will be run. If you discover having your kids sit on exercise balls and listen to calming tunes while they’re working is conducive to their learning experience- then do it!
And the fan-favorite….
- Stock up on Your Favorite Beverages!
– This one speaks for itself! However, if you’re solely a black coffee and water-only drinker, the important point here is that you should find a way (that works for you) to unwind and relax when you get home from school.
When that first day of school rolls around, don’t stress out. We’ve all been there! And if you’re having doubts, just remember why you went into the education field in the first place.
You can do this! Have a great first year.
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.
by California Casualty | Educators |
If you’re not yet mentally prepared to return to school, you’re not alone. It was a tough year, and the summer seemed to fly by faster than usual. That’s where self-care can help get you back on track and ready for a new year in the classroom.
Here’s what you need to know so you can recharge your batteries for the year ahead.
What is teacher burnout?
The Mayo Clinic defines job burnout as “a special type of work-related stress – a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.” Causes for teacher burnout include too much work and not enough staff, difficult student behavior, inadequate administrator support, and not enough prep time. Add to that a global pandemic with additional stressors, and it’s easy to see why you may feel burned out.
Are you exhibiting these signs of burnout?
The warning signs of burnout can be subtle. They include being easily irritated or angered, disinterest in attending social gatherings, insomnia, and exhaustion. Over time, this can lead to anxiety and depression. Clearly, you’re not able to do your best work when you’re not feeling your best.
What is self-care?
Self-care is more than just treating yourself to a massage or a hot bath. It’s focusing on what you need to reboot your mental energy and restore your physical fortitude. With proper self-care, you can improve your mood and your productivity.
Why start practicing self-care?
Teachers are well-known for putting themselves last; it’s a habit we have to break. Just as the airlines tell us to position our oxygen masks before assisting our child, we need to put ourselves first before we can help others. Therefore, if you practice self-care, you’ll feel better, sleep better and be ready to tackle anything.
How do you practice self-care?
Practicing self-care is about taking care of your body and your mind: mental health and physical health. Developing good habits now can extend into the school year.
Nourish your body:
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- Drink plenty of water. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces daily. (During the school year, time your water consumption by bathroom breaks.)
- Exercise 30 minutes a day. Walking, dancing, and movement of any kind counts.
- Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
- Eat healthy foods. Enjoy the fresh produce that comes with summer and the time to experiment with new dishes before the school year starts.
Nourish your mind:
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- Unplug from technology. An easy way is to charge your devices in another room, as you relax and unwind from the day.
- Enjoy 15 minutes of alone time daily. This will help your mental state.
- Practice gratitude. Keep track of all the things in your life for which you are grateful.
- Read a book that’s not related to work.
- Play your favorite music.
How else do you prepare yourself for the new school year?
Returning to school in the fall is stressful. It’s also exciting. Being as organized as possible will help reduce the stress and allow you to tap into the excitement. Here are some tips.
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- Create a to-do list leading up to the beginning of school. Include things you want to accomplish this summer, and things needed to prepare for school. Revise as needed.
- Scoop up the summer discounts on classroom supplies.
- Get your body used to the school schedule. Go to sleep early the week prior to school.
- Plan to do lunch with colleagues during professional development days. Cheer each other on for the start of a new year.
- Schedule an early dinner with teacher friends the night before the first day of school.
- Wear a shirt with a positive message for the first day. That’s the message you’re sending to yourself as well as your students.
How do you continue the focus on self-care throughout the year?
You can continue the momentum throughout the year with some simple adjustments.
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- Be present as much as possible. Interact with your students in the moment, rather than splitting your attention with technology or other concerns.
- Know your triggers and what sends you over the edge. Take steps to avoid them.
- If you feel frustrated, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and center yourself.
- Take physical and mental breaks. Get outside and breathe the fresh air during the school day.
- Reduce your workload, such as in the homework you have to grade.
- Be open, flexible, and adaptable. See the humor in the moment; it’s okay to laugh.
- Remind yourself that the work you do matters. That’s why you became a teacher in the first place.
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.
by California Casualty | Behind the Scenes |
Many of our policyholders know that until recently, our company has been led by four generations of the Brown family. But the family ties do not end there. California Casualty has had a number of family members working together at our company over the years. However,...
by California Casualty | Educators |
Written by Casey Keyser, MSEA Third Grade Teacher
The teacher world loves to have new “buzz words” as the educational pendulum swings from side to side. I know that a lot of people have heard the term social and emotional learning and/or SEL in the last couple of years. But this is not a new concept, it’s just now becoming more of a widely known term.
Thankfully, this has made educators, administrators, families, and the community more aware of the need our students have to be more mentally fit when it comes to learning about emotions and how to deal with social situations.
When you starting as a new teacher or if you are new to teaching SEL, remember that building relationships in the classroom are key! You must first teach a child they are loved before they can be ready to learn everything else. If a child knows they belong, they will be more receptive to learning academics, social skills, emotional regulation and everything you teach them.
What is something you do to build relationships with your students? The beginning of school is right around the corner, some closer than others, so this is a great time to start building classroom community and those connections with your students and families!
Before your students even step foot into your classroom, you have an opportunity to set up a warm and welcoming space for your students to learn in. The classroom environment is a great way to let your students know they belong in your classroom and it’s important they have the tools needed to help identify their emotions and how to regulate them when situations arise. I love these emotions posters from @creativeschooldaze are a great resource to hang up around your room and to use in a calming/peace corner.
When a student does show their emotions in school, it’s very important to be able to recognize and celebrate them (even the difficult emotions). We all have them and it’s important to teach them that every emotion is okay to have, but it is the way you react to those emotions that really matter.
It is vital for all teachers to know that a child’s behavior is a form of communication. They might not have the vocabulary yet to express how they are feeling and a child may sometimes use unwanted behaviors to show you because they don’t know any other way. Behavior is communication. What are your students trying to tell you that you might be missing?
Make sure you are never asking a child at that moment, “What’s wrong?” Instead tell them, “I can see that you are upset and I want you to know that I am here for you when you are ready to talk.” This is the perfect time to ask them if they would like to visit the calming corner in your classroom.
Ways to promote a safe and welcoming classroom
Check-in with each and EVERY one of your students every day. Use their name. Greeting them when they walk through the door is a positive way to start off their school day. I like to have a “Morning Greeting” poster with each of my students to use during the morning meeting. They simply choose the greeting they would like as we walk around in a class circle and say, “Good Morning, __(name)___!” Here are some of the options I give:
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- High five
- Secret Handshake
- Chicken Wing
- Dance move
- Fist bump
- Smile
- Wave
- Hug
Next up, I like to start my day with a restorative circle or morning meeting. The games or activities that I enjoy doing best to start the day off right are things that will wake up my student’s brains and get them talking with each other to build those relationships.
A must-have in every classroom is a place a student can go if they need a minute to be with their thoughts or time to process an emotion. This is NOT a timeout area. This is not somewhere you send kids if they aren’t displaying appropriate school behavior, this space should be a respected space in the classroom that is available when a child needs it.
Setting up a Calming Corner is easy and fun to create. Pick a spot around your classroom that has a little nook or space that is safe. I use it under my countertop, it is private up still open for me to be able to see the student. I found a couple of pillows and a soft blanket to lay on the ground. I bought a lap desk to hold all of the materials a student can use for their time there. Lastly, I place our breathing strategies and emotions posters on the wall next to the corner. This way they can refer to them while visiting the area. I will list the items I put in my calming center and you can find a longer list of links here as well.
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- Lap desk
- Pillows
- Calming ocean scene posters
- Blanket
- Fidgets
- Calming timer light
- 5-minute sand timer
- Digital timer
- Playdoh
- Bubbles
- Coloring books & crayons
- Sensory bin items (sandpaper, fabric, cotton balls, etc.)
- Legos
- Squishy plush toys
- Seguin sliders
- Calming music on an old iPod & headphones
- Lava lamp bottles for shaking up and watching
I also make student bags to send home with each child so they can set up a corner in their own bedroom or home. I call it the “On the Go: Peaceful Practices” It is a little bag full of the same type of items. This year I am sending home a coloring book, crayons, playdoh minis, bubbles and a bubble breathing poster to hang on their wall. The students really love setting up their own spot in their houses and come back to school the next day and tell me all about it. I want them to use the same practices we use here in their real-life settings as well. If you would like this FREEBIE printable of the Peaceful Practice gift bag sign and one bubble breathing poster, check it out here. Be on the lookout for the Peaceful Practice Bundle coming soon!
Another great FREE resource to use is printing your own Zen doodling sheets for students to do when they need a moment to themselves or after they finish their classroom or an assessment.
Always remember… the best thing you can do for your student is to show up for them each and every day.
Lastly, I always want to share with you the love I have for books. I read my class a read-aloud each day of the school year and a lot of time I introduce SEL books. Here are eight of my favorites and you can find them on these linked lists!
Great Eight SEL Books to check out!
Bello the Cello By: Dennis Matthew
The Bad Seed By: Jory John
Our Class is a Family By: Shannon Olsen
What Should Darla Do? By: Adir Levy and Ganit Levy – These amazing authors also shared this amazing FREE resource with me to share with you all! Check it out here!
The Invisible Boy By: Trudy Ludwig
The Boy with the Big Big Feelings By: Britney Winn Lee
B is for Breathe By: Melissa Munro Boyd
Riley the Brave By: Jessica Sinarski
Casey Keyser is a third-grade teacher at Butterfly Ridge Elementary in Frederick County, Maryland. She was recently recognized as the national winner of the NEA Foundation’s 2021 Teaching in Excellence Award. Casey is the proud owner of the Education Resource Blog, Fair Winds Teaching, and loves to connect with her education community through her TeacherPayTeacher’s business.
