"Does your brain ever shut down? Do you ever stop thinking about teaching & learning?!" Such a great question! Simple answer: not really. But over time, I've managed to figure out ways to focus on resting & relaxation while scribbling ideas in my journals.
My favorite past time is focusing on
Brain Drain Gratitudes. This has been a collective game changer over the years! For the longest time I thought it was all phooey, but after an intense study of how gratitude changes the brain, I make a conscious effort to stop and record moments of joy and thankfulness. Sometimes those moments come wrapped in opening thank you notes from Educators who are working hard to make a positive impact on the learning in their classrooms. Often, they are moments of stopping to record a top 10 list of all the things that bring gratefulness. This activity is a very quick
Brain Drain -- anything that comes to mind. If you're still not convinced, check
out this article to get started on your own journey.
Another favorite summer focus is Refreshing Rejuvenation -- if I can't make it to the mountains, hiding away at the lake works. Nothing like a cool breeze with a bit of Mel Robbins in my ears! Surprisingly, I also find great joy in seeing Educator friends at WVEC's Summer Celebration. This year, we have made it FREE after so many requests about knowing more about the impact of Read Alouds on literacy growth -- and the constant discussion of does the Science of Reading really kill the joy of reading? I'm very excited about this focused event on the power of literacy in a successful environment. IF we make the goal SUCCESS, perhaps JOY will follow? To register for this event with local singer and songwriter Scott Greeson and international presenter & teacher Molly Ness, see our website HERE.
Moments of Moving Forward is the way to catch small ideas for growth. This year, I participated in a project with one of the other Professors on SketchNoting. My class focused on
Valentina Gonzalez's work for SketchNoting with MLs but this led to wondering how to utilize this work in my personal life. I'm a sucker for
journals -- they are my very favorite. Nothing like a blank page! But now I enjoy adding the additional elements of design. What are some of my
Moving Forward Moments? Can't wait to start sharing them with you soon - stay tuned!
In the meantime, how do YOU rejuvenate, replenish, and continue moving forward in our emotionally & mentally draining, but very rewarding, profession?!
