by California Casualty | Educators |
Over the past few years, our Teachers have been working harder than ever to help students succeed. Let’s also remember that aside from their duties in the classroom, many teachers have their own kids and are actively involved in school clubs and sports programs.
This National Teacher Day and Teacher Appreciation Week, communities across the country will celebrate teachers—thanking them for their dedication, hard work, and the lasting impact they have on our nation’s kids. And they deserve an extra-long standing ovation.
Here are some ideas on how to show your child’s teacher your appreciation for all that they give.
- A Personal Note. Nothing beats a heartfelt, thoughtful thank you. Take some time to reflect and convey how your child’s teacher/educator impacted them, and what they’ve meant to you. Bonus: send a note to the school’s principal saying why you appreciate them.
- A “Thank You” From Your Child. This could be a handwritten note, an artwork, or even a video message. Ask your child to share their favorite memory from the year, what they will miss most about their teacher, or the special things they learned from them. Take a photo of your child holding a “Thank You” sign and share it with their teacher.
- Social Love. With the teacher’s permission, give them a shout-out on Instagram. Thanking them online will give them well-deserved recognition and send good feels through a larger community. It may even inspire others to thank their own beloved teachers and share favorite school year memories. You can also tag the post with #ThankATeacher to join NEA’s larger movement online.
- Gift cards. You can never go wrong with gift cards. Get creative! Cards for things like iTunes, Amazon, booksellers, Netflix, and HBO can be used right away, while those for movie tickets, coffee, and restaurants will be a welcome treat when social distancing starts to relax.
- Classroom Supplies. Hopefully, someday soon teachers won’t have to spend their own money on classroom supplies. In the meantime, your donations will help—everything from pens, notepads, books, and post-its to arts and craft supplies. If it’s difficult to deliver the real thing, a gift card could do.
- Going Big. Go in with another family or two for something really special—for instance, a spa day, massage, or a membership to a local botanical garden or museum.
- A Meaningful Donation. If you know a cause that they’re passionate about, making a contribution to a charitable organization in their honor would mean a lot.
- Volunteer. Given that teachers are designing and growing new learning environments—sometimes on the fly—check in and offer your time or expertise. They may need help with end-of-year activities or other events. And something to keep in mind: teachers appreciate the help and support all year round! Be a teacher’s ally—offer to volunteer in the classroom or at school events.
Teachers are so often at the heart of our communities. Thanking and celebrating them in your own thoughtful way will remind them of their importance, influence, and unique gift of service.
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 |
In our world of constant communication, it’s easy to be distracted from really listening to someone. Yet good listening skills take us far—in the classroom and beyond. Good listening skills build relationships and resolve conflicts. They help students learn, and help all of us make fewer mistakes and waste less time.
As teachers, we understand that listening is an important soft skill, but we may not teach it. Here’s why you should, along with some guidance on how to improve listening skills for you and your students.
Active vs. Passive Listening
It’s easy to be a passive listener. That’s listening as we multitask. As passive listeners, we divide our attention between listening and doing something else. That does not benefit us as teachers or students. Rather, active listening – focusing all of our attention on receiving and processing information – helps us to fully understand what is being communicated.
Active listening helps students:
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- Follow directions
- Understand expectations
- Spend more time on task
- Connect to content and increase understanding
Active listening helps educators:
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- Better understand student needs
- Provide meaningful feedback
- More fully engage students
- Communicate well with parents, peers, and the administration
How to Teach Active Listening
It feels good when someone is actively listening to you. Demonstrate that to your students by modeling two conversations – one with active listening and one with passive. Discuss the importance of active listening. Then, walk them through the process of how to be an active listener together.
To be an active listener you need to…
1. Focus.
It’s easy to be distracted by the things in our environment, from our phones and devices to other people and happenings around us. To be a really good listener, you have to focus solely on the person talking to you.
Don’t multi-task, look around, or think about things you need to do.
Do give the speaker your undivided attention. Put aside your phone, papers, or any potential distractions. Face the speaker and maintain eye contact. Be present in the moment.
2. Receive.
The best listeners are those who are receptive to new information. You need to be ready to receive a message in order to listen. Importantly, good listeners are not critical. They create a safe environment where others may share their thoughts.
Don’t be judgmental. Don’t engage in a conversation if you’re not ready to listen.
Let go of your opinions during the conversation. Listening does not mean you agree with the message, only that you respect another’s right to express it.
3. Visualize.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That’s why it’s helpful to visualize what the other person is saying. In addition, knowing the speaker’s emotional state will help you more fully understand what he or she is trying to communicate.
Don’t assume you know what the speaker is saying or feeling.
Do listen to the words and picture what the speaker is saying. Pay attention to the speaker’s nonverbal cues, from body language to the tone of his or her voice. Try to feel what the speaker is feeling.
4. Wait.
It’s tempting to interrupt a speaker and impose your thoughts or solutions right away—especially if he or she says something that relates to your life. It’s easy to get sidetracked but that’s not good listening. We all think and talk at different rates. Let the other person have a chance to speak.
Don’t interrupt or jump in with your own thoughts or questions. Don’t finish the other person’s sentences. Don’t sidetrack the conversation by starting a new, related or unrelated conversation.
Be patient. At first, it might be hard to simply wait. With practice, it will get easier.
5. Understand.
Eventually, you’ll want to ask a question or two. Questions show that you are listening and that you want to understand what the speaker is saying. Your goal is empathy—to feel what the speaker is feeling. Empathy creates a connection like nothing else does.
Don’t spend the time planning what to say next. It will distract you from what’s being said.
Do wait until the speaker pauses to ask questions to clarify the message. You can say something along the lines of “Can we back up for a moment? I have a question about …”
6. Respond.
You do not have to be perfectly silent or still in the listening role. Good listeners consistently provide feedback whether it’s a word of confirmation or a nod of agreement.
Don’t just sit there or zone out, even if you’re bored.
Do nod and show your understanding through appropriate facial expressions. Interject with a well-timed “hmm” or another simple statement that confirms the message the speaker is sharing.
7. Summarize
You will want to ensure that you correctly understood the message. At the end of the conversation, try telling the speaker what you heard.
Don’t make a long summary statement. The purpose is not to capture every detail but merely the essence of the message.
Do let the speaker know that this is what you understood and ask for clarification if it is wrong. If there’s follow-up to the conversation needed, now is the time to mention the next steps.
Practicing Active Listening
Active listening takes practice. Model good listening skills and call attention to them as you are doing them. Involve students in the process regularly with active listening activities. Examples include:
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- Partner conversations
- Journal entries following a lesson or other presentation
- Listen and draw a story
- Outdoor sound scavenger hunt
- Mindful listening meditations
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 | Homeowners Insurance Info |
Droughts, fires, floods, and storms – natural disasters can wreak havoc on your home and your property. Yet, many of us live in regions that are prone to them. If you live in such a place – or if you’re considering moving into one – how do you protect your investment?
Two ways: 1. Know your risks. 2. Have the right protection.
Know Your Risks: Is your region prone to a natural disaster?
A natural disaster can happen anywhere at any time. Weather patterns in a region are a good predictor of whether your area will likely be at-risk now and in the future.
The average weather pattern in a place over several decades is called a climate. An area’s climate affects the weather and the type of natural disaster(s) they are prone to. For example, we know the West has a very dry climate that causes frequent wildfires; the Northwest is known for its wet weather, which could lead to severe flooding. The Midwest is associated with brutally cold winters which can lead to devastating winter storms. And the warm coastal climate of the South East is the prime environment for hurricanes.
If you want to know the most common weather risks to your home or in your area, you can do a free climate risk assessment on ClimateCheck.
Know Your Risks: 6 Common Disaster Risks
Disasters come in many forms, from tornadoes and hurricanes to floods and droughts. Following are six types of disaster risks that may affect your home or property.
1. Heat Risk
Extreme heat occurs when there is high heat and humidity, and temperatures exceed 90 degrees for a period of days. In terms of disasters, extreme heat can sometimes lead to fires. (See the Fire Risk section for more detail.) U.S. counties with the greatest risk for heat include 37 counties in the south with a third of them located in Florida.
2. Drought Risk
Droughts occur when there is not sufficient precipitation. Not only does this put a stress on the water supply, but it can also have a severe impact on your landscaping. Soil dryness can also lead to settling issues with your home’s foundation. Unfortunately, for most homeowner policies, settling or shrinking is not a covered loss. U.S. counties with the greatest risk for drought include 34 counties in the west, with 21 in Colorado.
3. Fire Risk
When drought occurs and heat becomes extreme, the conditions are right for a fire to start. Wildfires can destroy your home or community. Wildfires account for about $16.5 billion in damages annually in the U.S. In the event of a fire caused by a natural disaster, your home’s dwelling coverage will pay to repair or rebuild your home up to your policy limit. U.S. counties with the greatest risk of fire are located in the West.
4. Flood Risk
This includes coastal flooding as well as flooding from surface water or nearby lakes and streams. Rising sea levels and extreme weather have contributed to flooding, which cost as much as $20 billion annually in the U.S. A traditional homeowner’s policy does not cover flooding. For your home to be covered you will need to purchase a separate flood policy. U.S. counties with the greatest risk of flooding are mostly located in the south, including Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
5. Severe Storm Risk
Storms include high wind, wet or snowy weather events. These could be hail storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other types of destructive weather. Storm damage in the U.S. averages about $17 billion annually. Your homeowner’s policy may cover some aspects of storm damage, including hail, wind or lightning. If you are unsure, check with your insurance’s Service Department to see what is covered under your policy. U.S. counties with the highest risk of storms are located in the Northeast or Southeast.
6. Earthquake Risk
Earthquakes typically occur along fault lines and can cost millions in damages. In the U.S., they are more common in California and Alaska. A pair of earthquakes struck Ridgecrest City, California, in 2019, causing nearly $40 million in damage. Importantly, while earthquakes cause significant damage to buildings and property, they are not covered by the typical homeowner’s policy. In some states, however, you can purchase coverage for earthquakes for an additional premium.
Have the Right Protection: Do you have enough insurance for a disaster?
If a natural disaster happens in your community, and your home and property are damaged, you want to be able to rebuild. Yet, many homeowners find themselves having to fund portions of the rebuilding process because they’re underinsured. Here’s what you need to know.
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- During a disaster, your neighbors will be rebuilding at the same time. When demand exceeds supply, that can drive up prices for materials and labor. These increased costs usually aren’t factored into homeowner’s coverage, and you have to pay out of pocket for the difference. Some policies carry a mandatory endorsement added to the policy that provides an additional 25% of coverage to cover these additional costs. There is a fee for this endorsement, known as extended repair/replacement cost.
- You may be required to meet new and stricter building codes when you rebuild. You may use up to 10% of Coverage A for the increased costs you incur due to the enforcement of any ordinance or law. For an additional premium, increased amounts of coverage can be purchased via an endorsement.
- If your area is prone to floods or earthquakes, you will want those additional policies. Your homeowner’s policy does not cover these events. Keep in mind that there is a 30-day waiting policy for flood insurance.
- Rebuilding a home can take a long time. Your policy’s living expense coverage will provide a flat percentage toward living costs, usually 30% of the Coverage A amount. Some states have time limits (e.g. 12 months) on when you can use that coverage. Plan to cover those additional expenses out of pocket.
You want to be fully prepared for a disaster, and not just with a disaster plan. Talk with your insurer about your home and property to ensure that you are fully covered, no matter which location you call home.
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 | Auto Insurance Info |
When you take your motorcycle out on a beautiful day, you can enjoy it all — the open road, the sunshine, the fresh air, and the calmness of the ride. But when you take your bike out on a windy day, it’s a much different experience.
Not only can the wind be cold and uncomfortable for riding, but it can also make it more challenging to maintain control. In fact, riding your motorcycle in the wind can be such a nerve-wracking journey that it might make you decide to skip the trip entirely. However, there will be times when you get caught on a windy day or when your bike is your only option. Follow these tips to stay safe when riding your motorcycle in the wind.
Tip #1: Prepare in advance for a windy ride.
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- Minimize the amount of baggage that you carry. Saddlebags, backpacks, and even your clothing can catch the wind, creating unnecessary drag.
- Secure loose items that could be easily blown away.
- Wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from any windblown dirt or debris.
Tip #2: Check the weather.
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- Wind speeds exceeding 50 mph are considered too dangerous for motorcycles, even heavier models.
- Wind speeds between 20 and 30 mph will be too much for most lightweight motorcycles.
- Avoid taking your motorcycle out during high wind warnings, hurricane-force winds, tornados, or other severe weather conditions.
Tip #3: Stay calm and in control.
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- Don’t panic. Relax and try not to grip the handles too hard. Maintain a steady speed.
- Ride in the middle of the lane. Give yourself some space in case you move to the right or left due to wind gusts. Know that the other vehicles on the road could be moved by the wind, too.
- Know your abilities. If you’re inexperienced, or if you feel out of control, find a safe place to wait it out. Better safe than sorry.
Tip #4: Know the direction of the wind and how to adjust.
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- You may be able to feel the direction of the wind. But if you’re unsure, look for things that are blowing: grass, the tops of trees, and flags. Note the direction the wind is blowing.
- If it’s a tailwind, it will push you from behind.
- Give yourself extra stopping distance. The wind could propel you forward as you’re trying to slow and stop.
- Watch your speed and stay in your comfort zone. You don’t want the wind to push you faster than you are comfortable traveling.
- If it’s a crosswind, it comes from the sides.
- This is the most difficult type of wind. It can come to you from either side, or both.
- Shift your weight to the side the crosswind is coming from and lean into it slightly. Do it carefully so you don’t affect your balance.
- Using your leg on the side the wind is coming from, turn your knee in the direction the wind is blowing. Your leg acts as a sail and the wind won’t push you as hard.
- If it’s a headwind, it’s coming to you from the front.
- Headwinds are stronger than the wind that usually comes at you from the front.
- Ride low behind the windshield.
- Keep your legs and arms close to your body and to the bike.
Tip #5: Be aware of wind fluctuations.
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- The wind direction can change at any time. Be prepared to adjust accordingly.
- If you’re behind a large truck, it will block the wind from you somewhat. Be prepared for a wind gust as you move away from the truck.
- Remember the rules about sharing the road with others. Add extra distance when it’s windy in case you need it.
Tip #6: Certain places are windier than others.
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- Winds are generally higher in the hills and lower in the valleys.
- Roads with hedges and other barriers can help to protect you from the wind.
- If the open road is too windy, see if there is another route you can take that is more sheltered.
Windy conditions can contribute to accidents. Make sure your bike is fully protected with the right amount of motorcycle insurance. Safe travels—and enjoy the ride.
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 |
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Virtual field trips allow students and teachers to go beyond the classroom, and even their own country and planet, to experience a variety of adventures all from the convenience of their seats at school.
They are a great end-of-the-year activity to help students have fun and really engage with their classmates. You can develop lesson plans and activities to complement your “trip”.
Here are some fun, educational, and free field trips to take with your class this May.
Museums
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tour
This comprehensive virtual tour presentation allows visitors using a desktop computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) or a mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Android) to take virtual, self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and other areas within the natural history museum building as well as select research and collections areas at our satellite support and research stations and even past exhibits no longer on display.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Museum’s collections database contains more than 270,000 records, including photos and albums—Images of life before, during, and after the Holocaust; Personal stories—Interviews, home movies, memoirs, and diaries; films—historical footage and contemporary films about the Holocaust.
National WWII Museum
The Online Learning Series allows an unprecedented look into the Museum’s collection for those WWII enthusiasts the Museum can’t always reach in person.
The Louvre
Visit the museum’s exhibition rooms and galleries, and contemplate the façades of the Louvre.
The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) in the world. The permanent collection includes over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh, 500 drawings, and more than 750 letters. Discover his work, read stories, walk the museum, and more.
Virtual Colonial Williamsburg
Immerse yourself in an interactive 3D model of Virginia’s 18th-century capital. The project integrates architectural, archaeological, and historical information, presenting the city as it has not been seen in more than 200 years.
Go On A Journey
Reach The World
Since 2009, 930 travelers have shared their journeys online with more than 17,000 youth in the U.S., publishing more than 16,000 first-person travelogues in the process. By using technology to enable youth to form relationships with global travelers, RTW is sparking a process of personal development that can truly be described as “reaching” the world!
National Aquarium
Visit the famous, Baltimore aquarium where kids can have fun learning while exploring different regions, like the tropics and the tundra.
Seattle Aquarium
Take a tour of the wonderful Seattle Aquarium, watch live webcams and videos, download animal infographics, factsheets, and more!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Experience the wonder of the ocean wherever you are with 10 live webcams including penguins, spider crabs, jellyfish, and sharks. Read animal stories, learn about their habitats, and more.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has ten live cams to choose from! The zoo also has a website for kids that is full of videos, activities, stories, and games!
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
See giant pandas, elephants, lions, and naked mole rats on animal cams streaming live, 24/7 from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Enjoy free webinars on their website AND download Animal Cam Bingo Cards.
National Parks
Take a trip to a national park from wherever you are! Many national park sites across the country offer digital tours and experiences that you can access anytime, anywhere. From digitally diving under the sea to watching webcams of the cherry blossom trees bloom, there are countless ways to enjoy a park experience online.
World Destinations
New York City and Ellis Island
Take a virtual tour of one of the most famous cities in the world, and explore its top tourist destinations like Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building. And then head on over to Ellis Island and take their “Coming to America” virtual tour.
Goodrich Castle
Located near the Anglo-Welsh border, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best-preserved of all English medieval castles. Take a virtual tour of the castle, learn its ownership and siege history, what life was like in a medieval household, and more.
Buckingham Palace
Explore this magnificent building via virtual tours. The first tour will take you to the Grand Staircase. Click on the small images below to access further tours of the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room. And then scroll to the bottom to read about the events, residents of the palace, and more.
The Great Wall of China
From the sea to the desert, walk the Great Wall of China, read about its history, and uncover secret stamps within its bricks!
The Pyramids of Egypt
Take a 360-degree virtual reality tour of the Egyptian Pyramids and then brush up on your history with Smithsonian Journeys: Ancient Egypt and the Nile
Rome & the Colosseum
Take a journey around the iconic sights of Rome with this virtual tour of the historical centre and the Colosseum.
The Eiffel Tower
The best panoramic views from the Eiffel Tower, both day and night. The mobile guide lets you admire Paris as if you were on the 2nd floor, or at the Tower’s summit. Scan the horizon to the right or left, activate night mode, and zoom in to see Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel des Invalides, and many other Parisian monuments. You can even click the description at the bottom to learn more about what you are seeing.
& More!
National Geographic Education
National Geographic Education brings geography, social studies, and science to life. Using real-world examples and National Geographic’s rich media, educators, families, and students learn about the world and the people in it.
Google Arts and Culture Street View and Google Arts and Culture Places
Tour famous sites and landmarks around the world.
AirPano
AirPano is a project created by a team of Russian photographers focused on taking high-resolution aerial 360° photographs and 360° video. Today AirPano is the largest resource in the world — by geographical coverage, a number of aerial photographs, and artistic and technical quality of the images — featuring 360° panoramas and 360° videos of the highest quality shot from a bird’s eye view.
Your students can also explore Disney World with our fun Virtual Tour of Disney World rides!
Happy “touring” 😉
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.
