I have worked my entire life in jobs that are "seasonal." They have a start and a finish, whether it was a 12-week summer swim season, a August-June office job in college, or now, in education, where, even when working 12 months, there is a finite start and finish to each school year.
I am the only member of my family who works in education, and this time of year, when all is shiny, bright and new it is easy to reflect on the advantages of this vocation.
Right now, all of the members of our school communities, from parents to students to teachers, gets a fresh start. Student have new supplies, new desks, new classrooms, teachers, routines, and hopes and dreams! Teachers, in the same way have a new set of expectations, goals, and hopes for the year. The woes of the end of the last year, and the ever-unfinished to-do lists are still sitting in the back of their minds, but have no been transformed into action plans to make this year the best year ever. All is shiny and bright- like the excitement of Christmas morning.
This is a time to reflect on this special attribute to our professions as a positive. It is truly unique and, just like the start of football season, last year's records and victories or losses are still brought up, it is a new season. We stand at the start of a wonderful year, full of expectations, excitement, and most of all, hope.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Power of a Schedule- Preparing for Back-to-School
Can you hear it? It's that rush of excitement and fear coming upon us like a tidal wave: back-to-school.
If you plan on setting your first alarm clock that first day of school, we're all in trouble. While the joy and anticipation of day one may take your child through the day, it won't last.
1. Start moving your schedule now. If you are a long way off from where you need to be, move it gradually, but start adjusting waking and sleeping times to better reflect your school year schedule. Sleepy children do not learn as well. Make sure they are getting enough sleep!
(from Parents.com)
2. Practice routines. Will your student be in charge of packing a lunch or putting out their school clothes? Start building those routines into their day now. Make sure your child has chores and responsibilities! Here are some sample chores: http://www.child-behavior-guide.com/chores-list.html
3. Discuss any upcoming changes with your student, and more than once. Will someone different be picking them up? Will they have siblings coming with them to school? Did a sibling graduate and is now going to a different school? Start talking about how this year will look different.
As educators, we need your help in making sure students are rested and ready to start the year. With some planning, you can get this school year off to a great start!
If you plan on setting your first alarm clock that first day of school, we're all in trouble. While the joy and anticipation of day one may take your child through the day, it won't last.
1. Start moving your schedule now. If you are a long way off from where you need to be, move it gradually, but start adjusting waking and sleeping times to better reflect your school year schedule. Sleepy children do not learn as well. Make sure they are getting enough sleep!
2. Practice routines. Will your student be in charge of packing a lunch or putting out their school clothes? Start building those routines into their day now. Make sure your child has chores and responsibilities! Here are some sample chores: http://www.child-behavior-guide.com/chores-list.html
3. Discuss any upcoming changes with your student, and more than once. Will someone different be picking them up? Will they have siblings coming with them to school? Did a sibling graduate and is now going to a different school? Start talking about how this year will look different.
As educators, we need your help in making sure students are rested and ready to start the year. With some planning, you can get this school year off to a great start!
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