Author: Amy
Fact or Fiction: Cold Weather Makes You Sick
As temperatures drop and scarves make their seasonal debut, it’s common to hear people blaming colds and flu on the chilly weather. But does cold weather really make us sick? The answer might surprise you. The Myth: Cold Weather Causes Illness For decades, we’ve heard warnings like, “Put on a coat or you are going… Read more
How Teachers Can Establish and Maintain Effective Communication with Parents for Student Success
Why is Teacher-Parent Communication Important? In today’s educational landscape, effective teacher-parent communication is essential for fostering student success and building a positive school community. By establishing and maintaining regular communication, teachers can bridge the gap between school and home, ensuring students receive the support they need academically, psychologically, and emotionally. I want to start by… Read more
6 Apps for Teachers to Communicate with Parents (Without Sharing Your Personal Phone Number)
Staying connected with parents is essential for teachers, but sharing your personal phone number isn’t always ideal. Fortunately, several apps allow teachers to communicate with parents safely, giving you a separate phone line or private messaging system without revealing your personal number. Here’s a rundown of the best apps for teacher-parent communication that prioritize your… Read more
10 Self-Care Tips Every Teacher Needs to Prevent Burnout
Teaching is a rewarding but demanding profession, and without intentional self-care, teachers can easily face burnout. Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining balance, preventing teacher burnout, and supporting mental health. Here are 10 actionable self-care tips for teachers to stay energized and avoid burnout. 1. Set Work-Life Boundaries to Avoid Teacher Burnout Let’s be real:… Read more
5 Reasons to Rethink Students Reading Aloud in Class (and What to Do Instead)
Why Asking Students to Read Aloud in Class May Do More Harm Than Good Reading aloud in class—it’s a classic classroom activity, but many educators are now questioning its effectiveness. Here’s why having students read aloud in front of their classmates might need a rethink for today’s classrooms. 1. Increased Student Anxiety with Reading Aloud… Read more
“Bystanders” by Jonathan McKee: Book Review
Bystanders by Jonathan McKee (Get your copy here) is an emotionally gripping, realistic fiction novel about a teenager who is relentlessly bullied. After seeking help through multiple avenues, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Behind his parents’ backs, he drains his college savings, purchases weapons, and studies school shootings to devise what… Read more
15 of the Most Powerful Phrases Teachers Can Say to Students
Being a teacher is about more than just teaching – it’s about building trust, providing emotional support, building relationships, and showing care. Here are some of the most impactful phrases that can help foster a positive and supportive relationship and environment for your students: These simple but powerful phrases can help create a classroom environment… Read more
Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver: Book Review
Such a Good Family (get your copy here: https://amzn.to/48CIAkW), by Caitlin Weaver, is an emotional story about two teenagers, who are neighbors and fall in love. Their parents are best friends, they live in a wealthy neighborhood, and everything has always gone smoothly. One day, Knox (the teenage boy) is accused of raping Summer (the… Read more
5 Reasons Why I Don’t Believe In Homework
1. Kids need to be kids Kids sit in school for 7-8 hours a day. Let them be active after school. No homework allows for more time to play outside, play with friends, spend time with family, be involved in extracurricular activities, etc. 2. Not all kids have help at home Not all students are… Read more
How To Get Control In the Classroom Again
As a beginning 8-12 grade science teacher, I remember a time where I gave my students an inch….. and then that inch led to another inch… and another… and so on. Before I knew it, I was no longer in control of my classroom. I was spending so much time and energy on classroom management… Read more