As the first half of the school year winds down, we are all looking forward to a much needed break. With that break I am also reminded of the Christmas holiday and the message of love, hope, and peace.  As I reflect on the Fall 2018 Semester, I think about the amazing things that God has allowed me to accomplish. One of the things that I'm still in awe of is the Intentional Instruction Blog!!!! I never thought in a million years that I would start a blog post that would reach educators across the country. It is truly a blessing to be inspired to write timely posts that support teachers in their daily classroom practices. 
     Another change happened this Fall when I took on the opportunity to focus on specific content area; in this case coaching teachers in Math and Social Studies. With this opportunity to tackle these two areas, there are certainly challenges, and of course there are times that I become discouraged. But I am so grateful that my faith continues to grow along this journey with the work that I have been assigned to do.  So as the end of the week draws nearer, I have to reemphasize how much I am looking forward to a break. Whether you are a veteran teacher or first year teacher reading this post, reflect on the great things that you have accomplished in your class so far. And by the way, to any first year teacher reading this, I say congratulations to you because you made it through the first half of your teaching career!
     While it is easy for all of us to allow the unpleasant experiences that have occurred on our jobs to find their way into our thoughts, let's focus on those successes. For example think about that student(s) that started off as a challenge yet you have found a way to connect with him/her. And if you are in a leadership role think about the many challenges you have faced this semester (discipline, irate parents, unsatisfied staff, etc.). Now reflect on how those encounters/situations have changed for the better (if they are still a work in progress, continue to do your best while keeping the faith... sooner or later, those circumstances will come to pass). During this holiday season my hope for you is that you will unplug from the daily routine so that you can take time to enjoy those that matter most in your life; starting with yourself!
    Back in August, I did a video blog discussing the importance of self-care and in the upcoming months of 2019 I plan on revisiting that topic once again so stay tuned. Under the Intentional Toolkit, I have shared a video by Daniel Rueben that discusses the power of rest and reflection. Additionally I shared a link of an article that highlights the benefits of giving students a break during the school day. And because it's important that we understand the value of rest and reflection, I have included some great reads around that idea as well; I hope that you will find these resources useful. It is my prayer that you get much needed rest while taking time to live in the moment, enjoy your break, have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Until next time...go out there and be GREAT!   
   

​

youtu.be/L2GjmmbvfYY​
​www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks
www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/heres-what-science-says-about-taking-breaks
www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/winter-solstice-ritual
​

     Hey everyone! I hope you are well. It's been quite a busy week for me with work, invitations to holiday parties, and Christmas shopping but I have to admit, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. As I shared in a previous post I love the excitement of the holiday season. While many of us are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends, so are many of the students. As you know by now during this time of the school year, students need lots of redirecting based on those off task behaviors. And of course we know all too well that those behaviors can have a negative impact on the learning environment. Trying to hone in on negative student behavior can be challenging and dare I say even dreadful at times because there are some students who don't take well to being redirected. The good thing is that with encouragement, structure, and consistency, you can effectively change student behavior in your classroom so that you can end the first half of the school year on a positive  note!
     One way that you can keep students engaged while including some holiday fun into your classroom (especially in math) is to plan lessons that allow for active learning... that's right, get the students up and moving around the classroom! Allow them to talk and share problem solving strategies with their peers. As a matter of fact, I have included a few math activities that will engage your students while spreading a little holiday cheer! Of course there are numerous websites that offer great resources to fit the needs of your students as well. Under the Intentional Toolkit I have included activities as well as a couple of links that will provide you with resources that can be used prior to Christmas break; I hope you find these materials useful. As you read this week's blog, feel free to click on the audio below and listen to one of my all time favorite Christmas songs! Enjoy...and until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
​

​www.multiplication.com/games/play/holiday-fun-multiplication​
​winter_math_recording_sheet.pdf
winter_math.pdf
denisegaskins.com/2007/12/14/christmas-math-puzzles-and-activities/​
​
​