Sharing the Joy of Teaching
These are all things I've learned at the conference, and they've truly transformed the way I see teaching, especially when it comes to working with young children. The presenters mentioned sharing the joy of teaching through singing is more than just leading a song; it's about creating an environment where kids feel excited, connected, and safe. I've learned that using quiet voices can be incredibly effective, it helps to draw kids in and create a sense of calm and curiosity. Incorporating gestures and expressive movement brings songs and stories to life and makes learning so much more engaging. Being vibrant and animated helps spark enthusiasm, and I now understand how much children can pick up on my mood. If I bring positive energy into the room, they will mirror it right back. Building positive relationships with both parents and children is also key when families feel welcomed and included, the learning community thrives. One of the most powerful takeaways for me was the importance of creating a space where it's safe to fail. I want my students to know that making mistakes is okay, it's part of learning and growing. Children shouldn't be afraid of their teachers; they should feel supported, understood, and encouraged. I've learned that it's important to model resilience and joy in the face of small slip-ups. When students see that even adults make mistakes and keep going with a smile, they will feel brave enough to do the same. When I show that I genuinely love what I do, the kids will feel it and that changes everything. Creating this kind of joyful, open, and responsive classroom environment is now something I will strive for every day, and I'm so grateful for the inspiration and practical tools the conference has given me.
Curriculum made simple: How AI supports Teaching and Learning
This workshop was led by Andrew Delost, the co-creator of Curricumate. I thoroughly enjoyed the session, as he demonstrated a variety of classroom essentials that can be developed using this AI-powered platform. Teachers can easily create quizzes, build success criteria, design rubrics, generate choice boards, brainstorm exit ticket ideas, assign classroom jobs, develop lesson plans, and much more. I found the workshop especially valuable because the lesson plans align directly with the Ontario curriculum, incorporating both specific and overall expectations straight from the source. Overall, I believe Curricumate is an excellent tool for educators and has the potential to save a significant amount of time.
Nurturing Wellness in Education
Attending the Nurturing Wellness in Education workshop was an incredibly valuable experience. It offered meaningful insights into the importance of mental wellness and self-care, especially in the context of the demanding education field. One of the key takeaways for me was the idea that strong mental wellness isn't about avoiding stress altogether but rather maintaining a sense of well-being and hope even when faced with daily challenges. We explored a variety of practical strategies to nurture our mental health such as setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, prioritizing quality sleep, and recognizing the value of meaningful connections. There was also a strong emphasis on engaging in activities that bring joy, seeking support when needed, and learning to celebrate both big and small achievements.
I found the reminder to set realistic expectations and cultivate self-awareness particularly impactful. The nutritionist's segment on the fitness code was also eye-opening. She shared ideas for meal prepping and emphasized the role of smart nutrition in maintaining sustained energy throughout the day. I hadn't fully realized just how much dehydration could impact our focus, energy levels, and overall mood. It was a strong reminder of the importance of drinking 2 to 3 liters of water daily. Sleep and physical activity were also highlighted as key pillars of wellness. Learning about the deep connection between sleep, memory, emotional regulation, and immune health helped me better understand why 7 to 9 hours of sleep is truly essential, not optional. Additionally, the recommendation of getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, alongside mobility training, reinforced the idea that staying active supports not just physical health but also mental clarity and classroom effectiveness. Although many of the points shared were familiar, the workshop served as a much-needed refresher and motivation to prioritize wellness in a more intentional way both for myself and in support of those around me.
Brought to you by AmanM@NUO-2025
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