Tag: growth

Image shows a woman reading a book at a table. The words say, "Women's Brain Health Day"
Self-Care and Wellbeing for Teachers

New Learning: Women’s Brain Health Day

mindstogrow

Did you know that December 2 is recognized as Women’s Brain Health Day? After learning this information today, I instantly wanted to learn more. I will talk about my interest in brain health and share a few resources I’ve found, including the best website on women’s brain health.

I only learned of this today! I’m so happy to now know that it is recognized in Canada as of 2019.

Why the Interest in Brain Health?

Just a little backstory for you. When I chose the name, “Minds to Grow” for my website and blog, there were several different reasons for the selection. It resonated with me because it connected to the following: being a teacher and working with young children, my recent interest in caring for plants since the start of the pandemic, as well as the fact that I absolutely love learning new things each day.

I have been interested in learning about the brain for quite some time now. As a teacher, I enjoy helping my students learn about having a growth mindset. They always like learning that their brain is like a muscle and that they can grow their brain by doing challenging things. Check out this short video to learn more about growth mindset.

From a self-care and wellbeing perspective, I have been interested in learning more about brain health over the last decade. I feel blessed to have many special seniors in my life and so I have been learning a lot about health and aging. In that learning, I discovered that concerns about brain health and potential cognitive decline are not just limited to when we’re older, but instead an important focus at any age.

Most recently, I ordered and started reading a book with a title that caught my attention. Of course, the title makes it sound too good to be true, yet after reading through it, I learned that key lifestyle changes can help people take better care of their brain. I see the importance of physically working out, and surely see the importance of focusing more on brain health, too.

a book, summer reflection guide for teachers, on a table

What’s the Name of the Book?

The book, “The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution: The Definitive Food and Lifestyle Guide to Preventing Cognitive Decline”, was written by Dean Sherzai, MD, PhD, and Ayesha Sherzai, MD, MAS. This book is divided into four parts:

  1. A Proven Plan for Alzheimer’s Prevention
  2. What to Eat, What Not to Eat, and Why
  3. The Neuro Plan: 30 Days of Brain-Boosting
  4. Recipes

I learned a lot from the explanations and descriptions, appreciated the practical tips included in the book, as well as the delicious, easy-to-make recipes. I’ve already tried out a few recipes multiple times! Quick example: the Chickpea Omelet on page 99 is a new favourite for me!

Read this! Self-Care for Teachers: My Favourite Beverages

Video: Women’s Brain Health Day: Advocates say brain-aging disorders under-researched in women

See below for a picture of the planner!

Important Topic, Important Day

Today is the third annual Women’s Brain Health Day in Canada. It started in 2019 and I’m so glad to know that it is something being recognized.

This image shows photographs of different groups of women. The text beside them say, "Did you know that it's Women's Brain Health Day on December 2?"

A most wonderful resource that I found today is the Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI). On the website, it shares its mission:

“Women’s Brain Health Initiative (WBHI) helps protect women’s brain health by focusing its resources on research to combat brain-aging disorders that disproportionately affect women, and by creating compelling preventative health education programs, grounded in science, so there is a greater understanding by the public of the best ways to prolong their cognitive vitality.” (https://womensbrainhealth.org)

Now that I know about this website, I look forward to visiting often and learning as much as possible. It is a resource that will help me continue to build my knowledge on brain health and ultimately be of help to me, and hopefully even others reading today.

“70% OF ALZHEIMER’S SUFFERERS ARE WOMEN.

YOU CAN’T IGNORE A NUMBER THIS BIG

Women’s brain health initiative (WBHI), www.womensbrainhealth.org

Closing Thoughts

Have you been interested in learning more about brain health, too?

If so, what kinds of new learning do you have?

Have you changed any particular habits or behaviour to help focus more on self-care and wellbeing?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.

photo of toddler smiling
Teaching

Teacher Tip: Share a Sunshine Note

mindstogrow

Spread Some Joy with a Sunshine Note!

A sunshine note is a happy little message from you to your students and their families. You can send it home on paper, with a quick message over the phone, online by email or even via your virtual classroom. This post will focus on the start of the school year, but you can send a sunshine note at any time of the year!

click for free weekly planning page template

Why Is This Important?

The start of the school year means the start of creating community, building trust, and engaging students and families. One way to show them that you are over the moon to work with them this year is by sending a sunshine note early on!

Click above to get a FREE Sunshine Note template!

How Do I Use Sunshine Notes in my Classroom?

Each year, I purposely send out a generic Sunshine Note at the end of the first week of school. Why generic? Simply because it helps me make sure that every child receives one at the start of the school year.

Once I start learning more about my students, I intentionally plan certain times in the year when I will send out sunshine notes for the whole class at the same time. I also plan and send out short, yet personalized sunshine notes when I wish to share observations, positive behaviours, growth in learning, etc.

Sometimes I send a few at the end of the week for a period of one month, until all students receive a quick, personalized sunshine note.

Sometimes I write the messages by hand, other times I send them in a short email. Last year, I started creating digital sunshine notes that were generic, uploaded them to an email for a parent, then typed a quick, personalized message.

Whether it is done on paper, online, or by phone, students and parents appreciate the gesture. It feels great to be a source of joy in this small way, too. Celebrating my students’ growth in learning and choices is a joy!

*non-affiliate / unsponsored links*

Why is a Simple Sunshine Note or Message Powerful?

  1. It shows students and parents that you care!
  2. It puts a smile on the faces of your students. BONUS: Add a sticker to see an even bigger grin!
  3. It helps a parent learn about positive behaviour their child is showing in class.
  4. It can help a parent learn about strengths or improvements you have observed.

photo of toddler smiling
Photo by Alexander Dummer on Pexels.com

Questions about Sunshine Notes

  1. Have you ever sent Sunshine Notes before to your students and families? If so, what was the response?
  2. How often do you send them? Do you send them on a regular basis or a few times during the year?
  3. Do you prefer to send them in writing, online, or with a phone call?

Stay Connected!

Let’s chat on social media! Stay connected with Minds to Grow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also keep in touch with linktr.ee/mindstogrow.

rollercoaster, roller coaster, big dipper
Teaching

Perseverance: What A Roller Coaster! Teaching In a Pandemic

mindstogrow

rollercoaster, roller coaster, big dipper

Amused by Amusement Parks

Memories of my childhood include trips to amusement parks with family and friends. It would either be an amusement park that had a specific, stationary location (e.g., Canada’s Wonderland) or a small carnival that would be set-up in a mall parking lot for a short period of time. Whenever cousins from abroad would visit, I would always look forward to putting one on my list as a “Place to Go”.

I recall going one year to Canada’s Wonderland with a group of cousins. One was adamant about us going on a roller coaster. I wasn’t so thrilled with the idea, but agreed that I would try going on one of the smaller roller coasters. So, we went, and once the coaster got to the top of the first drop, I remember the intense fear I felt, the loud screaming (from myself and others), and my glasses having difficulty staying still on my face. There were even moments of laughter as I began to enjoy parts of it…until it started going down a steep incline once again. At the end of it, I was thankful it was over, yet amazed by the array of emotions from start to finish in the short ride.

 

 

Once Upon a Time…

Fast forward to March 2020.

Prior to that point in time, working in education always had its unique challenges.  When I reflect on classroom experiences from prior to March 2020, I catch myself thinking about them as the “good old days” when we could do this or do that at school.

So much was taken for granted in those much more simple times. Who would have thought that we would even consider that short while ago as much more simple times?

 

click for free weekly planning page template

 

We took so much for granted. Once upon a time, we could…

  • be in our school and classroom without masks
  • smile at others while showing our teeth (e.g., a mask-free smile)
  • share materials with peers without a second-thought
  • sing songs during class time
  • give a High-Five or fist bump without immediately thinking about sanitizing or washing hands
  • put desks in groups of 2 or more
  • attend whole-school assemblies in the gym
  • have group games or clubs after school

The list goes on and on.

As I said before: those were much more simple times, yet ones that were actually really special. I truly treasure those experiences now more than ever.

The pandemic has caused education to rapidly change (and it continues to do so each day). Post-Pandemic (whenever that will be), our classrooms, schools, and approach to teaching will permanently be different, too, compared to our Pre-COVID-19 world. We just have to keep riding out this roller coaster-of-an-experience to see what it will look like for teachers, staff, students, families.

 

A Roller Coaster Ride of Epic Proportions…

Every educator will surely have their own unique story to tell from this experience of teaching during a pandemic. In short, this is how my 2020-2021 school year has played out so far:

  • In-Person (September to December)
  • Online (January to Mid-February)
  • In-Person (Mid-February – Early April)
  • Online (April to whenever more details are available)

Switching from in-person teaching to online teaching has been interesting. So many things that can be done rather quickly or easily in-person, needs to be adjusted to fit the various media being used online (e.g., laptop, iPad, cell phone, etc.) Just the same, there are many things that can be done while learning online, that would be more difficult to do in-person.

I never imagined my particular situation this year would include switching back and forth twice (so far).

It truly has felt like being on a roller coaster of epic proportions.

So many highs, lows, a range of emotions, moments of fear, excitement, and more.

It would be easy to focus on just the lows and moments of fear, yet, I choose to focus on some of the highs because it has helped me to learn so much (and also facilitate learning for my students).

book, character, glasses
pixel cells, idea, visualization

Perseverance: Moments of Growth During the Ups and Downs

Here is just a small sample of the amazing things that have come out of this difficult time of a global pandemic for my Grade 1 students and me:

  • They love reading and continue to show growth in their reading!
  • They are all Rock Stars simply because they continue to show such resilience each day. They are my heroes as they tackle this challenging time and adjust as needed. Side note: A favourite word in my classroom is flexible. We use it daily!
  • I have learned how to maximize my teaching time even more. Following all of the important and necessary health and safety protocols takes a lot of time out of our day. Mini lessons are powerful!
  • I have learned how to set-up and teach in a virtual classroom setting. There has been ample time to practice, refine, and practice some more.
  • My students, although just 6 years old, know how to navigate many platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Slides, and more!
  • We focus a lot on the 4 C’s in my classroom (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity). My students have surely been strengthening their critical thinking skills and enjoy doing things creatively simply because we sometimes don’t have a choice but to be creative!

I smile as I think of other Ups during this time of so many Downs, but I will share more another time.

One of the most important things my students and I have held onto this year is having a Growth Mindset. It has helped us, and continues to help us, persevere and not give up when things get tough. We recite a Growth Mindset pledge each morning and I truly hope they will remember it for the rest of their lives because it’s simply powerful Self-Talk.

sunset, roller coaster, ride

Hold On! We’ll Get Through This Together!

This pandemic has been totally challenging for every one experiencing it. Despite it all, we can still find some beauty in our experiences. There are glimmers of hope and new learning that has emerged as a result of this time.

I know it’s been hard and continues to be tough, yet you have made it this far. This Pandemic Roller Coaster is one that has squeezed us and exhausted us in ways we never imagined, yet we are here.

Let’s continue to hold on because there are brighter days ahead. We will get through this together.

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.

Walter Elliot
Image shows a wooden pathway surrounded by trees. There is some sunlight shining through the trees onto the pathway. Words, "Keep going, keep growing" by www.mindstogrow are at the bottom of the picture.
Professional Growth for Teachers, Self-Care and Wellbeing for Teachers

Encouraging Words: Keep Going. Keep Growing.

mindstogrow
Image shows a wooden pathway surrounded by trees. There is some sunlight shining through the trees onto the pathway. Words, "Keep going, keep growing" by www.mindstogrow are at the bottom of the picture.

Keep going. Keep growing.

Some days may feel tougher than others, but be encouraged to keep going.

This past year has surely been and continues to be challenging, yet we have been gifted with being here now.

To the teacher who feels frustrated by all of the changes that need to be made in order to create learning experiences for students during this time: keep going.

To the parents who feel more exhausted than ever, trying to balance their own work at home along with remote learning for their children: keep going.

To the students who may feel confused about the times we live in and feel isolated because they cannot connect with their friends as before: keep going.

It’s harder to think so on some days, but it will get better.

It’s my hope (today or one day) that we can see the experiences we have gone through (and continue to go through) as ones where we grew because we kept going.

One step at a time. One day at a time.

Let’s keep encouraging one another.

Keep going. Keep growing.

#grow #growthmindset #keepgoing #keepgrowing #pandemic #pandemiclife #teachers #teaching #learningathome #betterdays #encouragement #thoughts #youmatter #blessed #grateful #mindstogrow

Personal Growth for Teachers, Professional Growth for Teachers

How Will I Grow My Mind Today?

mindstogrow

Every year when teachers get their class list for the following school year, we start planning in our minds about how we can reach this future group of students. We think about what worked well (and what didn’t work well) in the past year. We think about new strategies, lessons, and activities that we can use to help facilitate learning with our next class. 

A few years ago, as I was preparing to teach Grade 2, I looked at my new class list and recognized some familiar names. One name in particular got me thinking about how I would be able to help that learner. You see, that student had some difficulties with learning and as a result, was also struggling with low self-esteem. It’s not easy seeing your peers learn new concepts that you consistently have a hard time understanding. When I saw the name, I knew that I had to focus on building self-esteem and to help shift their thinking in order to help create a space for learning and growing. 

Enter Growth Mindset. I was determined to find a way to help that particular student from the very beginning of the school year. Once I learned more about Growth Mindset, I knew that it would not only (hopefully) encourage that student in question, but also benefit all of my students. In my mind, it was worth the effort to teach lessons on Growth Mindset and just watch what happens.

Well, I’m happy to say that it not only helped that child’s self-esteem, but it also strengthened the self-esteem of my other students! Growth Mindset revolutionized my classroom and helped me become a better teacher, too. It’s something that has also been a blessing to me personally as well. I am truly looking forward to exploring and sharing more about Growth Mindset through my Minds to Grow blog, website, and other social media. 

A question I like to ask myself each day is, “How will I grow my mind today?” Sometimes it’s just a small task (e.g., learning a Life Hack) and other times, a larger one. I love learning new things and for that reason, it’s exciting to challenge myself to do things that I may have thought were too difficult to do in the past.   

So I ask you today, too: How will you grow your mind today? What do you have in mind to try out that you’ve wanted to try, but perhaps felt too afraid to try in the past? 

Let’s encourage each other and watch each other grow!

How will I grow my mind today?