In The Moment
Topics for this week include the power of words, mindfulness, and lessons that can be learned from sports psychology.
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The Friday Five
Happy Friday!
I’m officially back at school. Today is the second and final day of our annual all-staff retreat. It was great to reconnect with my colleagues. We revisited our school’s core values and explored strategies for self-care. I’m glad I managed one more pontoon ride the day before the retreat.
Have a great weekend!
Why Edify Article Spotlight
- Rethinking Classroom Expectations: 4 Things Teachers Shouldn't Ask Students To Do - We always want the best for our students, setting high standards and pushing them to excel. But sometimes, it's important to step back and ask ourselves if these expectations are truly fair.
- Unlock Your Teaching Potential: The Transformative Power of Setting Intentions - In the fast-paced world of education, it is easy to get caught up in the daily rush of lesson planning, grading, and managing classroom dynamics. However, setting intentions can be a transformative practice that benefits both your personal and professional life.
1
Word Power
“Microaggressions like deficit labeling and sweeping generalizations can alienate and exclude the very students and families who are supposed to be members of our learning communities.” Our words hold immense power in shaping the experiences of students and their families. Certain phrases and labels can unintentionally create distance, dehumanize, or stigmatize individuals. By adopting practical strategies to reframe how we speak, we can cultivate a more supportive and inclusive school culture.
2
In The Moment
Schools across the U.S. are increasingly incorporating yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions, especially in low-income communities. Research and endorsements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support the effectiveness of these programs in improving students' mental health. Since introducing mindfulness practices into their routines, teachers and administrators have observed significant positive changes in students’ well-being.
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Live Like a Winner
How can sports psychology apply to everyday life? This episode of TED Radio Hour explores the psychology of winning and losing, featuring guests such as former professional soccer player Abby Wambach, cognitive scientist Sian Leah Beilock, journalist Kate Fagan, and art historian Sarah Lewis.
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Happiness Takes Energy
"The belief that unhappiness is selfless and happiness is selfish is misguided. It's more selfless to act happy. It takes energy, generosity, and discipline to be unfailingly lighthearted, yet everyone takes the happy person for granted. No one is careful of his feelings or tries to keep his spirits high. He seems self-sufficient; he becomes a cushion for others. And because happiness seems unforced, that person usually gets no credit." — Gretchen Rubin (The Happiness Project*)
5
Teacher Commuter Playlist - Unconditional by Arcade Fire
Choose Your Own Adventure
- Three ways to lessen back to school overwhelm.
- 31 genius sci-fi quotes that offer real-world wisdom.
- A Starter Pack of Resources for New Teachers. Experienced teachers will also find some value in this pack.
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