Welcome to Junebug's Classroom!
I'm "Junebug" (my nickname from my middle name June) and I'm so excited to experience collaborating and sharing with all of you through this blog. Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog.
A little about me...
When I have spare time, which is obviously limited, I love to write, craft, and read.
About 20 years ago (Wow! Was it really that long ago?) I began my teaching career in a small Virginia elementary school. Since that time I've learned so very much. Here is a list of 6 things I've learned that I wish I'd known from day one:
1. Brain breaks are a necessary part of each and every lesson that requires sitting and concentration. Think about how you feel during most professional development workshops and faculty meetings... Yep, that's what we want to avoid for our kiddos.
2. As my mother always said, "Show yourself friendly!" Being friends with your colleagues, the custodians, and all the office staff will pay off in more ways than you can imagine. Trust me, I'm old and somewhat wise.
Plus, there was the time I had chocolate all over the back of my khakis... I really, really don't want to relive that one right now. Maybe I'll share this story later, but the point that should be taken is that the office staff came to my rescue so I didn't have to wear pants with dark brown splotches on the rear. Friends in the right places pay off, folks!
3. The brain is so amazing! New research is continually revealing more and more about learning and brain-friendly strategies. Taking time to read up on research will pay off in your classroom. (Here's a good one to check out: Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning by Judy Willis, M.D.)
4. Always plan for the unexpected. Having emergency lesson plans is not just a good idea, it is a MUST. Assemblies will be postponed and the teachers of "specials" (art, music, guidance, etc.) may get sick and leave right before your time slot. Your own children will become ill at the least convenient time. Always be flexible and prepared!
5. Find ways to stay encouraged. Especially in the times we are living, education is a struggle, often without much respect -- EVEN THOUGH OUR JOB IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVER! I mean, we are teaching and molding the future every day. But burnout is real. Speak positive affirmations to yourself, surround yourself with uplifting colleagues and friends, and set limits on your time. Teaching can be an all-consuming career, so set a realistic work time and stick to it. (However, realize that there are times of the year in which you will need longer work hours, like the first weeks of school.) Find ways to focus on your own joy and relaxation.
6. And, finally, I will leave you with another important lesson I've learned: The fluid in glow sticks burns a child's mouth and causes uncontrollable screaming and spitting -- although his mouth will still glow in the dark (which I have to admit was the silver lining of that dark cloud). It would probably be best to refrain from giving glow sticks to primary students, a lesson I learned the hard way.
So, what lessons have you learned from teaching (or parenting)? I'd love to hear about them. Leave a comment telling a little about yourself and telling about a lesson you've learned through experience.
Thanks for stopping by!
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