Mindfulness Activities in the Classroom

     According to mindful.org, "mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not overly react or overwhelmed by what's going on around us." Since the pandemic struck, many students have been in poor mental states. Not being able to attend school and interact with friends posed many challenges to the mental well-being of students. Practicing mindfulness in the classroom has many benefits to both students and educators. When we are mindful, we diminish stress, enrich performance, increase insight and awareness through observing our own mind, and increase our attention to others well-being.

     Research shows that stressed teachers impact students stress levels and that stress on the students greatly impacts their learning outcomes. Students are able to better their learning in positive classroom environments. One of the best ways to get there are through mindfulness techniques that eases stress and allows both educators and students to be present. Practicing these techniques is shown help educators by reducing stress and burn out, allows educators to have a greater efficacy in doing their jobs, allows for more emotionally supportive classrooms, and better overall organization in classrooms. Mindfulness benefits students by enhancing their attention and learning skills, improving behavior in school, enhances empathy and perspective, and increases emotional regulation, and reduces anxiety and depression.

Here are some ways we can practice mindfulness with our students in a classroom setting.

                                    

Brought to you by:  Gianfranco@NU

Culture & Diversity

In todays society being a teacher who understand culture and diversity is extremely vital in incorporating it with teaching. I chose a book called "Our Skin" which is about children learning to being comfortable in there own skin, allowing them despite the colour or race or gender, they are able to be anything they want to be. 

This storybook can inspire students on awareness, and allows them to recognize things in front of them that are unfair, and prejudice. This can also build a child's self-esteem and for them to learn what us adults are still learning everyday.  This is a great story for students to be able to ask questions and it is a good story that children will go home and have a conversation over dinner with family about. 

Brought to you by: Melissa@NU

Themes in the Movie, Trolls

Trolls, a family-friendly movie, follows Poppy, a cheerful and overly ambitious troll. When her friends are captured by the Bergens – miserable creatures who believe they must eat trolls to be happy) – Poppy ventures to rescue them. Aside from its fun and energetic nature, this film brings forth many prevalent and relatable themes, making it a great movie for students and educators to use as a hook for meaningful discussions, as it is evident that happiness is a powerful theme, driven by the characters' experiences with resiliency and friendship. Regardless of the many obstacles the characters face, they remain positive and persevere. Poppy's positivity and eager behaviour essentially saved her friends and taught the Bergens that true happiness comes from within, not from exterior or material things. Thus, the movie's key take-away is that happiness comes from one's positive relationships with themselves and those around them.

Key Takeaways from the Film:

·         Role Models - From a young age, Poppy's father, King Peppy, was a positive role model for her as he demonstrated resiliency and never giving up on his fellow trolls. Having an encouraging attitude positively influences children. In Poppy's experience, it shaped her into a strong leader.

Classroom Connection: Poppy exhibits a growth mindset when she travels by herself to take on different creatures and overcome her fears. She sings the song Get Back Up Again, which is an anthem for motivation and not giving up. This scene is perfect for modelling resiliency, risk taking, or confronting fears to students. Educators can use this scene as a reminder to students that failure is not something to be afraid of; rather an experience that offers opportunities to learn. When discussing adversity with children, it is important to encourage them to share their fears, and create action plans to outline the realities of the situation and steps to take to overcome such worries.

*View the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aYOGUPabd8

·         Resiliency & Confidence - Referring back to the movie, it is also important to acknowledge the struggles Poppy overcame as they added to her confidence and ability to persevere. Poppy's demeanor sparked a chain reaction that positively reinforced her mindset and those of her friends.

Classroom Connection: When discussing how behaviours impact others, educators can explain how Poppy's actions demonstrated prosocial behaviours, respect, and inclusivity for all. For instance, when Branch doubted their abilities and was scared to take risks, Poppy did not give up and encouraged him to help. This reassurance helps to motivate and build confidence in not only ourselves, but everyone we impact. Carol Dweck proves this notion through her work on growth mindsets. For this reason, educators must celebrate students' work, regardless if they succeed or not. This can be achieved by rewarding their efforts, asking them to reflect on their accomplishments, and sharing the work they are most proud of.

·         Friendships – Thanks to Poppy's positive friendships, when situations felt too tough to achieve, she had them for support and encouraged her to persevere. When Poppy thought she put everyone's life in danger, her colourful personality diminished and is depicted sad, with her colour draining. Each troll followed suit since their leader had given up, and it was not until Branch decided to pull himself together that they were reminded of their efforts. They sang the iconic song from Cyndi Lauper, True Colours, and suddenly felt empowered, with their colours returning.

Classroom Connection: This scene can be connected to the invisible bucket ideology, since they are building each other back up and positively influencing each other. Educators can use this scene to teach students about perspective taking and even implement activities associated with the bucket analogy (i.e., read How Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer, create buckets, and brainstorm what fills or empties people's buckets).

~ Courtesy of Emilia @ NU

Equality vs. Equity in the Classroom

When looking at EQUALITY vs. EQUITY in the classroom one cannot exist without the other.  Equality in education is allowing for every student to have the same opportunities and equity is making sure that those that need extra support are given it.  As educators we should keep this in the forefront as this also goes together in providing a safe positive environment for all students.  Now the question arises how do we as educators entering the field of education balance both equality and equity within our classrooms? 

Through my experience as an Educational Assistant working with students with special needs the gap between the two occur when the educator does not know how to involve their student with special needs and the classroom involvement of the student becomes minimal.  This is where I as an advocate for the student step in and try to discuss with the educator how the student can participate for example in a group activity. As Educators we need to include EVERYONE even if we lack the knowledge of how to work with students with special needs for example.  If they are in your class, then they are part of your classroom community and this is where equality and equity need to work. We need to create an environment in the classroom that is safe for all and that means including all students.  

https://www.nshss.org/blog/equity-vs-equality-in-education-why-both-are-essential-in-today-s-classrooms/

https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/civic-conversations-a-conversation-about-equity-in-education/

Courtesy of: Avonit P @ NU

World Changer

Educators are responsible for the success of our future leaders.

As educators we are responsible for our students' success and their individualized learning, regardless of how challenging it may be. We need to be open in adapting, collaborating and reevaluating our approaches in order to create a quality, equitable and inclusive environment, by laying the foundation today.

Dream Big

We are capable of amazing things only if we only believe and embark on our journey in order to achieve them. Growing up I was always reminded to dream big and today, I still share that phrase with my family, friends, students and colleagues.  Each one can reach one,

Today's Children Tomorrow's Leaders 

Learning isn't only about the outcome, but also the process.

Images retrieved from: 

https://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2016/04/27/thoughts-inspire-homeschool-inspirational-quotes-28/.

https://turnaroundusa.org/what-we-do/tools/

Courtesy of Shanice@NU

FREE Webinars - Supporting Students

These webinars address timely and relevant topics like student engagement, classroom technology, and instructional strategies. ASCD archives each webinar so that you can get your professional development on demand. Worth checking out - see below how to register.  Remember, it's FREE for you to join.

Sign Up for ASCD's Newest Webinar Focused on Supporting Students

Join us for a new, free webinar.   Supporting Students to Build Emotional Regulation Pathways to Learning Presented by Jodi Place Date: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Time: 3:00 p.m. eastern time   How do we interpret and respond to student behavior? In this webinar, educational neuroscience expert Jodi Place uses brain science to explain that when students are in an emotionally dysregulated state—overwhelmed with big emotions—they are not in the ideal brain or body state for learning. Join us on October 12 to learn tips and strategies to identify the signs and symptoms of dysregulation, where teacher-student communication can break down, and how teachers set the stage for a calm and supportive classroom culture.   Be sure to register—so you can receive the on-demand recording to watch if you’re unable to make the live event.

Register Now

Education.com - Fun Activities for Kids

  

        Educational Activities for Kids

Get hands-on with learning! Our expert-designed activities bring hundreds of topics to life through science experiments, engaging writing prompts, creative art projects, and more.

Explore now

Classroom Management; Turning Big Groups into Small Groups

Have you ever been in a classroom with more than 20 children? Have you ever found it challenging to try and manage the entire classroom? 

I am sure many of us current and future educators have experienced the following questions above. Something that I have always found difficult was finding the most beneficial approach to classroom management. There were so many days I struggled to gain the student's undivided attention. 

A method that has greatly helped me with classroom management was the 'small groups method.' During my employment at childcare, we decided to split up our classroom of 21 students into three groups of 7. To make it more fun, kid-friendly and memorable for the children, we decided to create names for our groups using colours. One group was called the 'green' group, the second was the 'purple' group and the third was the 'blue' group. At circle time, we split the children into their groups and informed them these will be their groups every day, in terms of seating arrangements for learning time, lunch and snack time along with lining up for recess. 

                       

To add creativity to the small groups, we painted three boxes green, purple and blue for the children to hand in their homework and other assignments for the week. 

The smaller group methods significantly helped with classroom management as the children began to understand the structure of the classroom and which group they were a part of. The children were also enthusiastic over the creative aspect of the colour of their group, which made them excited every day to get into their groups. It was amazing to see how the students positively interacted with their peers inside and outside the groups. We also noticed incredible friendships blossom, as the children began to interact with other students in the classroom. 

If you ever find yourself having trouble in classroom management with a large classroom. This could be one of the best options for you. Good luck and give it a try! 😄

                               

                           Courtesy of Caterina @ Niagara University. 

Education.com - Games Galore

     Educational Games for Kids

The site has got educational games galore: Sharpen math skills with Addition Pizza Party, learn letters with Alphabet Cloud Catcher, and transform study time into an adventure every day!

Dive right in

Opinion Piece: Raising Gender-Free Kids & Gender-Neutral Parenting

Gender-free parenting, it is possible until age 3 but then gender identification appears and although exploration (try different things without any stress or pressure) it is welcome if it is exaggerated, it makes disorder and disarrangement in child development process. I picked up a video “ A 360 look at gender-neutral parenting and raising kids without gender expectations which the link is :

A 360 look at gender-neutral parenting and raising kids without gender expectations and I agree with the psychologist which indicated we should have secure daughter and confident son but practically confused and mashed gender is not natural and it is artificial. It emphasized that we have gender individual parents and we don’t have gender free parenting, which I agree. Then certified Counselor talked about Nature versus Nurture. And he resulted that  parents should be supportive and curious and engaged with any type of philosophical and ideological  perspectives .In my opinion yes parenting roles ( leadership, supportiveness and  friendship ) more important than parents point if views.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prNG_KeHq7Y&authuser=0

Courtesy of Farnaz @ NU

A Class Divided

 Episode about ELL and ESL students, Definitions, Strategies & Challenges

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mcCLm_LwpE

-As we know Martin Luther King, is the person famous for his contributions of the American civil rights movement in the 1960 (the movement sparked After the Black skin color lady did not give her seat to Whit skin color individual in public bus).His famous speech was “I have a DEARM SPEECH” he spoke about his dream of a united states that is empty from segregation and racism.

-When the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., third happened grade teacher, Jane Elliott designed a response to the children's question, "Why would anyone want to murder Martin Luther King?

-She knew she needed to teach her all white class a lesson on the power of labels and discriminations .Grade 3 teacher mentioned about refine frustration that was happened when King Martin assassinated in Memphis in US’s society and she found that she should do something against discrimination and racism. (James Earl Ray killed Martin).

-She divided her class into blue-eyed and brown-eyed students and proceeded to simulate what it was like to be discriminated against. This experiment demonstrates that grade 3 teacher mentioned about refine frustration that was happened when King Martin assassinated in Memphis in US’s society and she found that she should do something against discrimination and racism. (James Earl Ray killed Martin).

-The Teacher mentioned from first day of school we concretely talked about racism and bad consequences but difficult to be understand by grad 3 kids, she stated “I had found that I should do something”.

-I think because American Society those days did not know any thing about bad effects and negative results of discrimination in long term that could affect both of the black and white society, then especially White people just thing about short term privileges.

-Then in class what the teacher did and she separated and labeled them in 2 gropes. And both of the grouped found no body liked to teased or discriminated and nobody could survive in toxic atmosphere.

 -When I watched the movie, the teacher said” this a fact that Blue eye people better than brown eye people “then their faces are changed and expressions appeared.

-Then facial expression combined with body language (they boy used her figures for teasing and discrimination) and then verbal abuse (he said I hate you and then nervous laughing came at the end). (The other girl in movie tried to hide her face and covered her anxiety that appeared on her face). We could watch clearly that the discrimination effects on child behavior and emotional pressure impacted them and stress full situation that was formed in this toxic atmosphere were obvious and could seen without any doubt. -self-fulfilling prophecies normally happened when a wrong expectation it could be positive or negative about something or even someone lease to own confirmation.

-Self-fulfilling prophecies normally happened when a wrong expectation it could be positive or negative about something or even someone lease to own confirmation.

 When the teacher mentioned we are waiting for blue eyes or blue eyes could go to lunch first it was horrible. the brown eyes kids had bad feeling but they did not say any thing but their efficiencies (brown eyes) dramatically decreased and brown eyes because of teasing could not focused on materials

- In addition, the sense of revenge increased and it could be very harmful.

-Next day When teacher mentioned we are waiting for brown eyes or brown eyes could go to lunch first and have some privileges again it was horrible. This time the blue eyes kids had bad feeling but they did not say any thing but their efficiencies (blue eyes) dramatically plunged. blue eyes because of teasing and discrimination could not focused on materials. Best friends took apart by labelling. Then we students came back home all the time they talked about hating somebody and also hating teacher that made this situation.

-White people could not understand the suffering of discrimination whit black and Indian, unless they would be very welled informed and have enough knowledge. Remember what happened last year, 2020 in USA  .The black lives matter movement shook the world. Protest on June 6 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC over the death of George Floyd, a black man who was in police custody in Minneapolis showed their demonstration and aware whole the world.

-Because the color is different, they are down and student completely agree with this judgment because they did not know how much discrimination is bitter and could be harmful unless practically, they felt them in social tasks.

- The experiment was done in prison with same result for adult and many years latter in Opera Talk show and still the results were remained same.

                                   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mcCLm_LwpE

Courtesy of Farnaz@NU 

Strategies for ELL Students & Learning Faster

 

ELL & ESL Teaching Strategies

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

Unleash Your Super Brain To Learn Faster

This video is about tips how we could learn faster and boost our productivity. Jim Kwik is a famous brain training coach who shows how we could focus on brain power and how we could unlock super brain power and improve memory and learning.

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

Brought to you by Farnaz @ NU

Education.com - Printable Worksheets for Kids (FREE) - Use Sparingly NOT Everyday and Use them to motivate and Engage - Have FUN

  

Free Worksheets & Printables for Kids

What does your student want to learn? We’ve got a worksheet for that! Our printables are a fun and easy way to learn about multiplication, sight words, animal life cycles, and much more!

Explore and print

Opinion Piece: How much technology is too much?

From when I was growing up as a student the only forms of technology I was able to use during school was the computer in the library, or when the teacher had found an educational video for the class in watch.  By stepping into the classroom today as an EA, I am shocked to see how important technology is to the student's everyday lives. Whether I am walking in the hallways in Secondary School or acting as a supervisor on the playground for yard duty in Elementary School. Technology seems to be a lot more important than in did 15 years ago when I was in school. With having students either quickly checking their phone or finding the excuse to need to use it. Technology is everywhere.

To go to my point, how much technology is too much? For roughly 8 years (2008-2016) multi-tasking was promoted to be a lot more beneficial than single tasking. Unfortunately, until recently, this theory was proven to be wrong. As single tasking in fact was scientifically proven to be a lot more beneficial. To have this understanding and to see how much multi-tasking is being utilized by students through technology, it doesn't make sense to me. Multi-tasking seems to be so ingrained into today's society (especially the youth) and I believe this will pose great problems on their cognitive development as they get older. 

I can see and understand the benefits of using technology to enhance learning, but personally when we are having the younger students trained to be so reliant on technology so early on, this seems problematic. In most cases from my supply experience, it seems that technology is having the opposite effect. Cell phones when I was in school were always seen as a distraction, but now it is seen to be as a way to enhance a student's learning. I am interested to see how technology continues to shape technology.

Elijah C @ NU

Education.com - Lesson Plans for You

 

 

Lesson Plans

Our ready-made lesson plans make it easy for classroom educators and homeschoolers to provide meaningful instruction to students.

Get my plan

Importance of Social Emotional Check-ins!

Social Emotional Learning is an integral part of education and human development

SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

Introducing Social Emotional Learning early on is critical as it often creates…

1. More positive attitudes toward oneself, others, and tasks including enhanced self-efficacy, confidence, persistence, empathy, connection and commitment to school, and a sense of purpose.

2. More positive social behaviors and relationships with peers and adults.

3. Navigation to reduce conduct problems and risk-taking behavior.

Check out these resources!
                    

                 

Courtesy of AnisaV@NU 

Education.com - Lesson Plans for You and You and You - Everybody Gets a Lesson Plan!

 

Get your FREE Lesson Plans to use in your classroom.  You can search by SUBJECT, GRADE, or STRAND (they are American Common Core standards, but they line up nicely with Ontario Expectations and the language is pretty much the same).

Click the link to visit and enjoy:

https://www.education.com/lesson-plans/?cid=11.75

What is Success, Really?

Many people may be afraid to fail because they are striving for success. However, what people fail to realize is that success is not achieving a goal or somewhere you arrive. Sometimes you may be relieved to reach a goal, however success is temporary. In order to succeed in life, you are bound to go through ups and downs in the process. When we fail it enhances our successes. When we fail it means we are given an opportunity to take a different path in which we will be given a second chance to succeed in the future. This allows us to understand a correlation between success and failure, which makes us feel better about success after we've failed and experienced setbacks.

                                 

I enjoy reading self-help books to better understand events that occur in my life. I read something that inspired me on my journey through life. Sometimes we miss and do not pay attention to the present moment and failures in life. People are constantly chasing goals and chasing success. However, this leads us to rush things in life when the only thing we are rushing towards is death. Success is not accomplishing good grades or winning a game, it is about the journey and how much you expand/grow from it.

                                             

This is the self-help book that helped me grow and change my mind about a lot of things. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. 

Courtesy of Valentina @NU