Monday Motivator #16 2024-25

 

5 Day Countdown to Prepare for Winter Break

Winter Break is fast approaching, and teachers are anxious for some well-deserved time off.  But before you can fully enjoy the break and relax with loved ones, there’s the challenging task of prepping your classroom for your departure. Don’t let the craziness of the last week overwhelm you! This 5-day countdown offers simple, manageable steps to ensure you leave a tidy and organized classroom, setting the stage for a smooth and stress-free return in the new year. Follow these tips, and you’ll be walking out those doors ready to unwind and enjoy your break!
Day 5: Make a plan for your first week back
Set yourself up for a successful start to the new year! The first days back after Winter Break can feel a little sluggish, so start thinking about what you’d like to accomplish and make a plan. The new year is a great time to review classroom expectations, set goals, and revisit concepts from previous units of study. Sketch out plans for your first week, make copies, and get materials ready. This will alleviate the inevitable end-of-vacation stress and ensure a smooth transition. 

Day 4: Reset walls and boards
During the build-up to Winter Break, your walls and bulletin boards may have been neglected. Use this time to take down old student work and anchor charts, reset bulletin boards with new backgrounds, and cover important items to prevent damage from any cleaning that might take place. Your efforts now will ensure you return to a more visually appealing and functional classroom.

Day 3: De-clutter your teacher spaces
If you have papers piled up and classroom materials lying around, put them away. A tidy workspace will do wonders for your peace of mind in January. No need to deep clean. Set a 5 or 10-minute timer, then work on straightening up your teacher desk, small group areas, cupboards, and cabinets. 

Day 2: Enlist students for classroom cleaning
Cleaning before break will not only make for an easier transition but will also help students understand the value of taking care of community spaces. Encourage your students to go through their materials, get rid of unnecessary items, and recycle papers. Older students can help wipe down surfaces, and organize shelves, while young students can fill their backpacks with old art projects, student work, and wayward winter clothing. For extra fun, try gamifying the clean-up process with a Clean-Up BINGO card or the “Magic Trash” game.

(Open Link in new tab)

(Open Link in new tab)or by playing my personal favorite: Day 1: Tidy-up 
After your last day frenzy of fun, your room may need some last-minute tidying. Set aside time at the end of the day for students to assist so that you can use your time after school to quickly set up materials you might need for your return. By taking these steps to prepare your classroom for winter break, you’ll walk away with a sense of accomplishment and order, knowing your classroom is prepped and ready for your return. You’ll not only have an organized physical space, you will also be creating mental space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy it! 
https://www.teachingchannel.com/k12-hub/blog/5-day-countdown-to-prepare-for-winter-break/

Monday Motivator #15 2024-25

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

When my daughter Ahna was in first grade, she secretly stuck a note in my purse that read 
                                            I hope you have an extcnt day Mom. Spis! 
                            (Translation: I hope you have an excellent day, Mom. Surprise!)
Ahna’s blossom of kindness was in stark contrast to my inbox with an email that began, “I thought you’d want to know what my whole class didn’t like about the lesson you wrote up.” Sigh.
In the spirit of paying it forward, I pulled out my collection of thank-you cards, selected one with a monkey holding bananas that reads, “Thanks a bunch,” and composed a note of gratitude to a teacher who had collaborated with me on the aforementioned lesson write-up. Inside the envelope, I placed two organic dark chocolate squares and wrote, “One treat for you, one treat for someone sweet. Pass it on.”
My bottom left-hand drawer has several bags of dark chocolate squares for the purpose of making a chocolate connection. Not a day goes by that I can’t genuinely thank a fellow coach, teacher, or administrator. I just need to stop and do it.

Make It Personal
I learned that not everyone is a “words of affirmation” and chocolate fan when I read the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. In simple summary, the book reminded me that everyone likes to receive in different ways. Five ways, in fact: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. My primary love language is Quality Time—when I have someone’s undivided attention, it meets my needs in a powerful way.
I have two secondary love languages. The first is Acts of Service. When my children clean up just so we have a more comfortable space or my husband makes dinner on a Friday because he knows I’ve had a long week, these say “I care about you” in my language. Then there are Words of Affirmation. My editor sends personal handwritten notes that I treasure—and they keep me writing.
Love languages in the workplace require some minor revisions. For example, even though Physical Touch might be someone’s love language, there is less of an opportunity to explore that professionally, leaving us with four:
Words of Affirmation—Written or spoken? There is a difference. Some people love to have their work publicly acknowledged, whereas others (like me) appreciate a thoughtful handwritten note.
Quality Time—Personal or professional? Some educators appreciate the time to talk about their lives outside of school, whereas others really want to focus on work.
Receiving Gifts—What kind? What do people get energy from? One office professional I worked with loved cinnamon, another treasured fruit juices, still another valued great books. Knowing the difference makes a difference.
Acts of Service—One day many years ago, my principal brought me a cup of steaming hot tea while I was teaching. I’ve never forgotten that. Good Earth tea, as a matter of fact. Another colleague wrote sub plans for me so I could be a labor coach for my friend who was giving birth (the day before spring break). That sticks with me, and I think of it whenever I see her.

Turnaround
Any leadership position in education requires communication with many different people. Some of those people have impeccable communication skills, and even if they disagree with you, they will do it respectfully and work toward outcomes that meet both parties’ needs. Other educators write emails when they are angry, and push Send before they think it through. I’ve received a few of those.
One day a few years ago I received three of them. I decided that not only was I not going to answer those emails until the next day, but I was going to turn the energy around. Three random educators would receive a note of appreciation from me.
I closed my eyes to think of what I was grateful for that day and wrote a note to a teacher I’d passed in the hall who was holding a little girl who had forgotten her lunch. “Thank you,” I wrote, “for touching my day with your kindness toward your lunchless student.”
I wrote another to the PE teacher who had clapped a sixth-grade student on the back and said, “Nice job, man. That’s the first time you’ve ever scored. That’s awesome. You are improving.”
And I wrote the third to a new teacher in the district: “I was thinking of you and I’m so glad you were hired. I appreciate your energy and enthusiasm.” I left that day with my heart and mind in a hopeful place.
Over time, that’s become part of my practice. I take a challenging interaction, a critical email, or even someone rolling their eyes in a meeting, and I turn it around. I send it off in a positive way. “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears” is a quote from Anthony Robbins that describes my experience. Every person in general, and teachers in particular, benefit from an attitude of gratitude.
Thank you, Ahna, for the reminder. I will have an extcnt day.
https://choiceliteracy.com/article/an-attitude-of-gratitude/

Monday Motivator #14 2024-25

 

Keeping Kids Focused Between Thanksgiving and Holiday Break

https://www.edmentum.com/articles/thanksgiving-and-holiday-break/ 

The time between Thanksgiving and holiday break or winter break, students tend to
be more concerned with their gift lists and which games will be compatible with their new video game systems rather than their studies. Unfortunately, this time is also right in the middle of the school year, when things need to be moving at full speed in order to meet your objectives. The secondary teachers are even moving toward semester exams. So, how can you ensure that the time between Thanksgiving and winter break isn’t a bust? We’ve got the tips you need to keep students engaged and focused.

Tips for Teachers

How do we keep everything on track in the classroom in what is known as the most distracting time of the school year? Below are some of our recommendations to keep students on track.

1. No Countdowns

We get it; you’re excited about break, too. So much so that you’ve put a countdown on your board with X amount of school days before the break; you and your students can stare at it together, willing the number to go down.

Of course, if you’re staring at the number, nothing else is getting done. So, try to avoid any reminders of the upcoming freedom. Trust me: the students know how close they’re getting to being free, and you have probably programmed an alert in your phone’s calendar. You don’t need any further reminders. 

That said, it probably won't hurt to make sure you and your students spend a moment going through your December agenda and reviewing any important due dates for assignments, projects, or end-of-semester exams once you return from Thanksgiving. 

2. Maximize Engagement

This takes a little experience and trial and error, but if you know which of your units is the most engaging for the year, make it a point to schedule it during this month. Of course, you would like to think all your lessons are engaging, and you might be right. But if you’re honest, there is always a favorite in your arsenal.

If it’s truly your favorite unit, you will inherently have more enthusiasm for the content. That enthusiasm will rub off on the students, hopefully keeping the students focused more on the content and less on the holiday around the corner. Check out a few more tips from educators on how to boost engagement this time of year.

3. Assess Students Constantly

Keeping an eye on the pulse of the class is very important in these distracting times. You want to know quickly if the kids have started slipping. More importantly, you want them to know that they are falling behind.

This doesn’t have to mean quizzes every day (although that would definitely keep the kids focused). Employ a mix of informal assessment, online tasks and data, and tracking. Also, make sure the kids understand the data you are gathering and can see for themselves the effects their lack of attention may be having on their progress. You might even want to employ some gamification ideas, like achievements and badges, to keep them striving forward.

Final Thoughts: Focusing Between Thanksgiving and Holiday Break

It’s no secret that the few weeks between Thanksgiving and holiday break are some of the toughest for students and teachers alike. Fortunately, with some strategic thinking and extra attention, you can keep your students engaged with your classroom material so you’re prepared for the new year. 

Looking for more ideas on keeping your students focused? Check out these six classroom strategies you can implement today to motivate students.

Monday Motivator #13 2024-25

 

Big, Loud, and Slow: Six Strategies for Better Public Speaking

The first thing I noticed when I woke up on March 1, 2023, was that I wasn’t able to articulate what I wanted to say. It was like the left side of my cheek had fallen asleep, similar to when you sit on one of your legs for too long. This morning was no different from another weekday: Wake up for work, let the dog out, grab some breakfast. 
My wife, Jodi, was also awake when I realized my problem with my speech. “I can’t…talk?” I managed to express. Also noting that I had not slept well that night, she encouraged me to make a doctor’s appointment for the morning. I agreed and started to put in my absence for that morning.
That’s when I realized that my left hand was also not working as it should. My fingertips could not locate the correct key on my laptop. “Jodi, I am not able to type correctly,” I called from the dining room as she moved about in the kitchen, getting breakfast for the kids.
“Okay,” she announced, “we are going to the emergency room, and I will be driving you.” Too tired to resist, I quickly got dressed and we headed to the hospital.
Later that day, I learned that I had suffered a small vessel stroke in the posterior right frontal lobe of my brain. This area of the brain controls movement and language. It impacted my speech and some coordination on the left side of my body, particularly my hand and, to a lesser degree, my leg. This loss of muscle coordination on the left side of my face is referred to as dysarthria, defined as “weakness or paralysis of the speech muscles” and “is characterized by reduced speed and range of movement in articulators” (Source: https://therapyinsights.com/).
Part of my recovery has been speech therapy. My therapist’s mantra throughout our sessions has been to speak big, loud, and slow. 
As I practiced the exercises assigned to me, I realized that these strategies can be applicable to all students in the classroom and to anyone who wants to improve their conversation skills or public speaking. (Note: These strategies come from Therapy Insights as provided to me by my therapist. They are not a replacement for support offered by a speech and language therapist or a medical provider.)

Speaking Big

Speaking big means being expressive and even exaggerating sounds and words when speaking.
“Open your mouth widely for vowel sounds.” Vowels are often in the middle of words, so         they can be more difficult to articulate. I practiced opening my mouth widely while saying     the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements over the public address system.
“Lengthen sounds to help make them sound different from others.” During morning                 announcements, I also tell a daily joke. I make a point of enunciating specific sounds to             make them distinctive from others. This is especially helpful for puns, such as “What did         the skeptical cat say? You’ve got to be kitten me right meow!” 

Speaking Loud

I was a quiet speaker before my stroke. I have had to be even more cognizant of this as I strengthen my breath and volume.
“Communicate at the same eye level.” I don’t have to raise my voice when I am speaking directly to a person. Looking in another direction while communicating with someone makes it more difficult for them to hear what I am saying.
“Speak in three- to five-word phrases.” Keeping my messages succinct allows more breath for what I want to say. It also helps with conserving my energy. The more I talk and interact throughout the day, the more tired I become as the day progresses.

Speaking Slowly

When I am misunderstood or asked to repeat something, I am usually speaking too quickly. 
“Use a slower speaking rate.” When we slow down while speaking, we “allow the tongue more time to move to make full speech sound movements.” I’ve applied this strategy when working with a teacher. For example, I have found that a slower speaking rate gives me more time to develop thoughtful questions for reflection around a teacher’s practice.
“Choose different words when repeating or rephrasing yourself.” One way to slow myself down when speaking is to choose longer words when I repeat myself. They can be understood better. For example, I might use precipitation instead of rain.

Four months after my stroke, my speech was around 95% recovered. The /k/ sound can still be difficult to pronounce, so I avoid words that contain it during regular communications. But I also practice that sound when I have the opportunity.
With the prevalence of video and podcast creation, all students should have these opportunities. A curriculum with speaking as a core skill prepares learners for life in the 21st century.
https://choiceliteracy.com/article/big-loud-and-slow-six-strategies-for-better-public-speaking/

Monday Motivator #12 2024-25

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

1919
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

1926
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

1938

1938
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor Veterans of World War I,
Communicating through letter writing is a great way to send a special message or say thank you to Veterans who have served our country.
Who is a Veteran? A Veteran is a man or woman who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war or peace. The six branches of the United States Armed Forces are the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force. Who is an active-duty serviceman or woman?.

1954
In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the Veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” (PDF) which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all Veterans, all Veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

1958
In 1958, the White House advised VA’s General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee’s chairman.

1968
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.

1971

1971
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/

1971The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.

Communicating through letter writing is a great way to send a special message or say thank you to Veterans who have served our country.  A Veteran is a man or woman who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a time of war or peace. The six branches of the United States Armed Forces are the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force and Space Force. 
Each one is a true hero, and that is why we enjoy writing letters to all of them.
Now, let’s get started writing your letter. Here are three simple steps to writing a letter.

1. Write an introduction. The introduction should include a greeting, such as Dear Veteran.

2. Write a message of thanks and gratitude to express how we are fortunate to have them serving and sacrificing so much to keep us safe. You can write a message like, thank you for being brave, thank you for being a hero, thank you for keeping us safe or we appreciate all that you do for our community.
If you want to be creative, you can add hand-drawn pictures like the American flag, a bald eagle, stars, a rainbow or hearts. Veterans and active-duty service members really enjoy receiving handwritten notes from members of our community.

3. Last, close your letter by signing your first name only or your initials. By keeping the letter simple and with a positive message, any service member will be delighted to receive a heartwarming letter from those who they protect and keep safe.
https://nationalvmm.org/write-a-letter-to-a-veteran-active-duty-servicemember-or-first-responder/

For mailing letters:
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Education Department
300 W Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Monday Motivator #11 2024-25

In this stressful time of the school year with the start of second quarter, weather changes, a break still a few weeks away, this song reminds us to continue to see all the good in our students and find the glimmers throughout the day!

PS 22 Chorus "Good in Me" with Andy Grammer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gON544zwmOo

Monday Motivator #10 2024-25

 

“I Can’t Hear You with All of Your Talking”

by MiddleWeb · 06/24/2024

By Patty McGee

My dad said these exact words to me once. “Patty, I cannot hear you with all of your talking.” To this day it simultaneously cracks me up and gives me pause. This Yogi Berra-ish statement holds much truth, especially in teaching.

Case in point: A few years back, I was demoing a student conference for a group of teachers. They specifically asked me to work with a student named Estrella. Her teacher found conferring with Estrella extra challenging – no matter what the teacher tried, Estrella remained quiet and seemed disconnected. So I gave it a try, even though I doubted I could make any further inroads with her.

After I modeled a strategy for Estrella, I decided to pause and say nothing for what felt like an eternity – about 30 seconds. We could see that Estrella was thinking. Then she began to take what I taught and use it. A light bulb lit up in our heads. We realized that simply saying nothing and giving each individual student the time they need to process and act could be incredibly powerful.

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I don’t know if you find it as easy to fall into the trap of constant talking as I do. We educators often feel the need to fill every moment with our voices, thinking that more words equate to deeper learning. However, I’ve come to realize that sometimes the most powerful moments in teaching happen in the silences.

Silence Fosters Student-to-Student Collaboration

I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative classroom environment, and I’ve also witnessed the transformative role that silence plays in promoting student-to-student collaboration. It’s a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can elevate the learning experience, nurturing a community of learners who support, challenge, and grow together.

A few months back I demo’ed a small group session in a classroom. After the session I asked the three students I worked with to each meet with another student in the class and teach them what they’d just learned.

I’d written down the steps I taught on a sticky note for each of them. Without me saying another word, the three students huddled together and decided to follow my lead.

“After we teach another student, let’s hand over a sticky note and ask them to find another person in the classroom to teach,” they decided. “That way, everyone can learn from each other.”

And that is exactly what happened. All of the grown-ups in the room stood back, said nothing, and watched the learning pollinate throughout the classroom. It was beautiful, visible learning in action!

What’s more, this silence-induced collaboration brought out the voices of those who often remained on the sidelines. It was a clear reminder of the untapped potential that lies within each student.

Through experiences like these, I’ve learned that silence is not just the absence of noise – it’s a powerful pedagogical strategy that fosters an environment of mutual respect, active engagement, and collective discovery.

Listening: A Teacher’s Tool for Customized Feedback

One of my mentors texted me the other day simply saying, “Silence is the space that allows us to listen. Silence helps to create belonging.” That feels so true to me.

What once felt counterintuitive – turning the floor over to students and genuinely listening to their voices – has reshaped not only my teaching approach but also how students perceive their own learning journey.

Listening – for us and for our students – is far more than a passive act. It’s an active engagement, a way to truly connect with each other on a deeper level.

When I shifted from being the primary voice in the classroom to being a keen listener, I uncovered a world of insight into my students’ understanding, their challenges, and their unique ways of seeing the world. This transformation has not been easy, as it required me to reevaluate my role as an educator. However, the rewards have been immeasurable.

In my practice, especially during time for direct feedback, I’ve witnessed the tangible benefits of listening. It’s in these moments, when I’m wholly focused on understanding a student’s perspective, that I’m able to tailor my teaching to their specific readiness. By listening, I allow them to articulate their thoughts and, more importantly, to own their learning process.

My commitment to listening has opened up new avenues for feedback. Instead of assuming what my students need, I ask, I listen, and I adapt.

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Building Trust through Listening

Perhaps the most heartfelt lesson I’ve learned through listening is the trust it builds. In fact, if I do say anything during the listening/feedback cycle, I repeat the mantra, “I trust in your ability to work through hard parts.”

Establishing and confirming trust makes the classroom a safer space – a place where risks can be taken and vulnerabilities shared. This trust is the foundation of a learning environment where every student feels they belong, where they are understood and supported not just academically but emotionally and socially.

Incorporating silence into my teaching has been a revelation. As I continue to explore the nuances of feedback, I am constantly reminded of the transformative power of pausing, of giving learners the time to process. In the quiet, in the stillness, there is a world of understanding waiting to be unlocked.

Thanks, Dad, for the clever saying that has shaped my teaching for the better.