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Category Archives: Inspiration
Keeping the Flame Lit
You don’t have to do wild and crazy things to infuse excitement and avoid burn-out, just make it a priority to change your routine and take a risk. The reward is a refreshed and learning brain, and less of an urge to get away from it all. Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Interesting, Just for Fun, Uncategorized
Tagged brain research, burn out, novelty
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Confidence
Once I know that I can do something with even a little bit of flair or success, I want to try it again and again. This is the practice that leads to skill and success – in anything!
The Gift of Imagination
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, says that imagination is so much more than a tool for creating. Because of imagination, humans can see or read the works of others and experience empathy or learn vicariously. This allows us to avoid creating the mistakes that others have made or to adopt solutions that others have identified so we too can be successful. Continue reading
Posted in Connecting With Students, Inspiration, Interesting, Uncategorized
Tagged Creativity, imagination, Writing
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Little Notes–Big Connections
Getting notes from my students is absolutely one of my favorite things, a lovely and precious job perk. Because I teach and preach the power of writing all day long, it makes me giddy when students choose to open up their hearts and put their appreciation into words.
How do you feel about onions?
In the past 10 years my relationship with the onion has blossomed, but not on a culinary level. I have begun to realize that an onion is arguably the most effective metaphor for reaching a deeper understanding about some of the complex challenges in teaching and learning. Continue reading
Keeping the Funny When Nothing is Funny
For educators, however, it seems like time can make laughter drift out of reach; the results can be devastating. To be sure, a small bit of stress is actually good for us. Stress, in moderate amounts, allows us to focus and remain productive. And human beings highly value productivity. Getting stuff done, especially stuff we like doing, creates a release of Dopamine in the brain. This pleasure hormone is what feeds our feelings of satisfaction. So work is not all bad, it just depends on how we balance it with play.
Posted in Connecting With Students, Inspiration, Interesting, Just for Fun, Teacher Performance, Uncategorized
Tagged fun, laughter, play, stress
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What makes a great educator?
What makes a great educator? Someone who takes time out of their day to explain for what seems the two hundredth time a concept to a student and does so with patience. Continue reading
2013!!
Welcome 2013!
As you view the fresh, new calendar ahead –are you filled with a whirlwind of excitement for all the possibilities you hold in your hands?
Christmas Will Come
I remember Santa (I found out years later it was my Uncle Don) his Santa suit covered in snow, surprising my cousin Lori and I by delivering our “Baby First Steps” to the front porch of our little blue house — and later, my brother renaming mine “Baby Last Step” as he rigged her up to tumble to the floor–from the kitchen counter. Continue reading
