T.G.I.F. Newsletter - Calm, Clear, and Kind
In this edition: Technology during the pandemic, importance of high school sports, and what students want from their teachers.
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Hello Friends and T.G.I.F. 😁 Here are some things I thought were worth sharing this week.
The News
Here are some articles that grabbed my attention.
- My hats off to all teachers. I hope you felt appreciated this past week. “Thank You” 🙏 for all of your hard work and dedication.
- I’m in disbelief.
- The pandemic exposed weaknesses in education and in educational technology. Will there be a “new” normal? Many experts think that forms of digital instruction should stick around. There are educational technology resources I utilized during the height of the pandemic that I think I will keep around. The two that stand out are the use of Hyperdocs and Formative.
- A minority of kids are active in high school sports. The number seems to be on the decline. This Mindshift article explores how high school sports can better serve students. When students participate in sports they learn valuable lessons often not available in the classroom. Fewer and fewer middle school students elect to join sports where I teach. It feels good to be part of a team. I think it is ultimately better when young people have those experiences.
- Here’s what students want from their teachers - Calm, Clear, and Kind. Here’s an explanation of the Calm, Clear, and Kind (CCK) framework.
Growth
Personal Development and Wellness Resources
- I’ve always felt like affirmations were a little “Hokey” until recently. I’ve come across too many articles that outline the science behind why they work. Here’s another one. The science of affirmations also indicates that when they are incorporated correctly students perform better during tests and experience less anxiety. I couldn't resist, the clip below brings back great memories.
Doggone it! People like me!
- I’m not sure I am ready to regularly unplug for the entire weekend, but I can't deny the benefits. I know this is one of the reasons why I always feel so good after an extended hiking trip. Unplugging also helps improves sleep quality.
- If you are not a fan of using fitness trackers you might like to focus on the “Active 10”.
Inspiration
Here is a quote I’ve been revisiting this week:
“Regardless of what came before or of what is yet to come, what matters most right now is how I choose to respond to the challenge before me. Will I lie down or will I fight? The choice is mine, and I chose to FINISH STRONG.” – Dan Green
Favorite Things
- 🎹 Music- Ray Charles was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame. It's easy to see why.
- 🔬 Science - It can be so interesting and gross at the same time. It seems some bacteria have been playing us like puppets.
- 📚 Books- I just finished reading The Success Principles*. Here’s my book summary.
- 🙌 Weekend - Have a great one!
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