A high school English teacher....dabbles with writing...fanatic about fitness...thrives on coffee and reading professional books to gain new ideas to try with students...loves NHL, walking, travelling and reading for fun!
Our school community of learners must be valued as readers because reading exercises a person’s mind, improves concentration, vocabulary skills, the child’s ability to write, and develops a child’s imagination. February is “I Love to Read Month,” each year, the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg encourages educators to promote reading, writing, and sharing the joy of literacy. The theme this year is” Our Voices are Unique”. Sharing our own stories and listening to others’ stories can promote different perspectives.
We can teach students to read for personal enjoyment and help them develop a love for books by conveying a love of literature by reading and discussing it with them. Teachers’ and librarians’ goal is to expose students to a wide variety of books by many authors.
Displaying books using current titles and featuring authors are ways I have noticed libraries generating buzz and interest in books in the schools where I am a guest teacher for the day and when visiting teacher candidates as a Practicum Advisor for the B.Ed program.
If the students see that their teachers value reading, it will encourage them to find value in accessing information for personal enrichment and learning.
During my years as a teacher, I valued choice reading because it encouraged lifelong readers; therefore, our ELA department collected numerous books for our classroom libraries so that our students had access to diverse books that covered a multitude of topics, including fantasy and mystery, love, friendship, family relationships, LGBTQ, and the classics. In addition, there are also non-fiction books that explore various individuals’ life stories, scientific research, history, and travel.
It’s almost the end of October, and I realize I haven’t blogged recently. Ah, the beautiful embrace of autumn. As the leaves turn shades of gold and russet and the air takes on a crispness, nothing is better than sweater weather because it signals the beginning of autumn. There is something so magical about these months, with the colourful leaves falling gracefully to the ground. I can pack away my canvas sneakers, collection of summer dresses and shorts for cozy and soft layers, especially my oversized shacket. It’s like getting a warm hug from an old friend. But one bonus of dipping temperatures is that I cozy up in warmer clothing. I adore my mock turtlenecks, which pair well with some of my higher-waisted pants and jeans.
With sweater weather, it’s the perfect time to take leisurely walks in the neighbourhood, breathing in the crisp air and crunching on the fallen leaves. It is also the season for pumpkin carving, dressing up for Halloween and taking scenic drives on the outskirts of Winnipeg. With the arrival of cooler weather, I rediscover the joy of warming my hands around a cup of hot chamomile tea with a dash of honey paired with a delicious pumpkin spice cookie topped with buttery cream icing.
As the days grow shorter, I treasure the coziness of our home with a thick comforter and reading a good book. It is the perfect time for moments of reflection and gratitude. Autumn is lovely and forces me to savour every moment, including the traditional excitement of giving out Halloween treats to the little ones who can barely walk with their pumpkin buckets and decorative costumes. “I’m so glad I live in a world with Octobers.” — L. M. Montgomery
I am grateful for applying and accepting the Practicum Advisor representative role of the Bachelor of Education (BEd) program at the University of Manitoba.
I am grateful for the professionalism and support of other PAs who provided me with different perspectives.
I am grateful for the opportunities to work with teacher candidates and mentor teachers to interact and collaborate with diverse personnel.
I am grateful to you all for the guidance and for building partnerships to allow my educational landscape to flourish.
I’m grateful for all the conversations, whether it was phone calls, emails, in-person or via Zoom, our voices were valued, and because of that, we grew more assertive.
I am grateful that the Practicum office provided many learning opportunities for us in this new role.
And I am grateful to be with a caring and supportive team.
My goal was to grow as a reflective Practicum Advisor and to offer my wealth of learning to my teacher candidates. I will continue to pause and reflect, to impact teachers and learn along with them.
The Practicum office is a niche where everyone is knowledgeable, communicates and offers many opportunities for us to be open-minded, reflective, and successful.
Teacher candidates were compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals who instilled curiosity, energy, and kindness in their students. They ranged wildly in their learning abilities and preferences and taught me something new during each school visit.
As an educator, I passed on my passion for teachers to plan cross-curricular teaching plans and create a fun, inspiring, safe and inclusive classroom. Students should love coming to school, feel safe within the classroom, learn about topics that interest them, and be able to make mistakes and learn from them in all courses.
When working with teachers, I often shared that I try to learn something new every day and hope that I can bring this into our reflective practice. The best teachers are those who strive to learn and reflect on their work so that they can continually grow not only as teachers but also as individuals.
I was nervous and excited when I started as a Practicum Advisor last September. The first month was a blur. During my Fall term, I experienced some of the most profound learning with teacher candidates. Valuing each other’s differences and accepting our similarities allowed us to collaborate on what worked well and how to improve their lessons. It highlighted the importance of building community, self-confidence, and collaboration. My first year as a Practicum Advisor was an incredible experience and allowed me to learn and grow.
I brought what I learned in 39 years as an educator into my PA experience, which scaffolded my learning. It is essential as a teacher to look at what works and what we can do better and to gain new insights and perspectives while constantly searching for relevant, meaningful lessons matched to the curricula outcomes. Students should also be allowed to make choices in their learning, and teachers provide them with real-world learning experiences.
I asked the teachers to reflect and respond to the following two questions in their self-assessments. What is your most important goal for the upcoming week? Tell me about a time when you positively impacted a student’s life. What specific things did you do that promoted a positive outcome?
If you look at these famous hockey players, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, and Mark Messier, they got better every game, and that’s how I see myself, becoming a more decisive leader and learning new things all the time throughout each practicum season. We are all learners, and let’s continue to have casual conversations with our students and get to know who they are and their interests.
Hanging out with a couple of girlfriends – not to study or work on a committee but just plain chilling out together on a mini-road trip was a perfect way to begin the spring 2023 season. Our purpose was to have an unstructured time with no specific agenda and catch up on conversations with the gals.
Getting together with friends, starting a road trip and getting there is more than half the fun. Some of us struggle to map out unstructured social time with our friends. However, I like to schedule time with friends and have quality visits with them for coffee, lunch, shopping, or an evening out at one of our favourite restaurants.
The overnight mini-road trip proved beneficial because it helped us confirm what matters most about friendship: carving out time, reminiscing about the great times in our lives, and shopping at unique boutiques. We all lived exciting lives and told stories about our families, friends, and colleagues. One day away with girlfriends was a time to reminisce and make new memories together. Fargo is a destination where all of us can sit back and relax and shop along Broadway Avenue. There is something for everyone in our group.
Nothing brings friends closer together than a road trip. After two years of travel restrictions, getting away and exploring a different place felt terrific. I appreciated the fact that no one spent time on their social media. The trip was an opportunity to unwind, reconnect, mellow out and recharge about life. No matter where you go, immersing oneself in the experience while creating memories with friends is essential. An all-girls escape overnight can have a therapeutic effect. Good times, hearty laughs, and fresh perspectives can renew anyone’s energy. “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.” __Ralph Waldo Emerson
Summer 2022 has arrived. Have you found your exercise passion?
Why not carve out a few minutes of your morning and build a foundation for your summer walking adventures? It might consist of a trip to the beach or a walk in the park. Start slowly and increase your steps. Soon you will exceed many kilometres.
Having summer days free to go for an early morning walk is a splendid opportunity to see many other people exercising and feeling confident. Building your passion for walking is essential rather than seeing it as a must-do. I like to walk 5k or more daily and reflect on how grateful I am to be in good health. I increase my distance gradually and walk at a comfortable pace.
Walking is a fun way to exercise. It doesn’t require expensive equipment and provides a sense of calmness. Also, walking boosts one’s awareness of sights and sounds that I cannot get while working out at our gym. For example, I might look at the canopy of trees and colourful flowers or pay attention to people as they zoom past me on their bikes or running. Therefore, mindful walking is supposed to be suitable for everyone.
We spend most of our days driving to work and sitting in front of computers and TVs. However, one’s sedentary routine can change with a quick mindset to list walking as one of your daily recommended activities to improve your lifestyle.
My daily walks take me on the path of sustaining awareness and taking it all in. So give it a try, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
For a number of my teaching years, I have worked collaboratively with teacher candidates, and it is the hope that both of us collectively agree that there is a noticeable impact on our students. I recently attended Cale Birk’s three-part series on how we observe educators doing and demonstrating if they were effectively meeting the needs of all of their students.
My teacher candidate this year consistently coordinated his time and ideas with mine. He was always flexible, adaptable and respectful. He demonstrated a somewhat reflective practice in his performance. During our daily feedback sessions, he was able to look at the strengths and areas of improvement in his lessons. Teacher candidates must apply new ideas and suggestions to enhance their development as teachers and lifelong learners.
Across the first three weeks of the practicum, he developed a learning plan that somewhat demonstrated an inquiry-oriented teacher. His inquiry questions focus on a novel study, getting to know the students and how to meet their learning styles better, using technology in the classroom and exploring instructional strategies. In addition, a teacher candidate shares their learning plan before the teaching block, indicating a commitment to their growth as a developing teacher. Indeed, he did, and I offered suggestions along the way.
It takes practice and time to devote to the success of all students. I demonstrated accommodations and modifications to meet the needs of learners, recognizing the diversity and abilities within a class of 28 students of all students. The teacher candidate is sincerely devoted to the success of all students. It’s not an easy task to create an effective program and interactive activities to ensure the success of every student. It takes practice to be attentive to those who occasionally lose their focus. He encouraged risk-taking, asking questions and encouraging feedback while building on the existing classroom structures to maintain an inclusive learning environment for all. On his last day, we both celebrated the successes of all students.
Steve Bollar, in his “The Art of Relationships” chapter, for example, recalls how his art teacher nurtured his growth by providing a safe space in her classroom for him to work before the beginning of the school day. When he suggested “letting a few of my friends hang out in the morning with me,” the teacher readily agreed that “by the end of the school year, there was a sizable group of students hanging out in the art room before the school day began.” Hearing that story brought back memories of how teachers need to connect with their students to nurture their growth as lifelong learners.
Some examples of observable evidence that impacted my students included that he encourages students to develop and have confidence in their ability to think independently and with others. I promote voice and choice when producing a final product. Teachers must shift ownership to students. Using the KAHOOT learning tool, students could generate questions after they complete their novel study.
What one word encapsulates what you require for the year ahead?
How can you focus on “one word” for the year that allows you to simplify what you want to accomplish? I couldn’t settle on one word; therefore, I chose an overarching theme of the three C’s, with connections being my first pick followed by consistency and creativity. Human connections are imperative. I will lean in a bit more to connect with students, colleagues, families and friends. If you believe in your one 2022 word, sprinkles of joy will find you. Consistency is how I want to simplify and strive for more balance in my life. Finally, I will carve out a mindset change that permits creativity to work its way into my blog posts and learn to take photos that will tell an anecdote in a single shot.
Tim Cavey, educator, podcaster, and a middle school vice-principal in Surrey, BC, hosted a thought-provoking live podcast on January 1, 2022, titled #oneword2022. Tim is the Teachers on Fire podcast host who profiles inspiring educators about what and who shapes their thinking. Voice is important. I was intrigued with his kickoff to 2022 with the essential question: What’s the one word in 2022 that will change your life? Tim interviewed educators on the podcast, and they chose words such as to invest, firm, lift, purpose, energy, etc.
When our January 2022 classes went online for the third week of January, I proceeded with the one-word motivator check-in question for my grade 12 students. However, I chose to do something different for the new year. I challenged my students to select a word encompassing their graduating year. Their one-word focuses on them thinking about themselves and their goals. It’s important to allow young teens to know how powerful their voices and ideas are. They do not need to wait to experience their one word; do something now. It begins with fine-tuning your mindset. I introduced them to the musician Matthew West’s song Do Something, Amanda Gorman’s 2021 US inaugural speech, and The Hill We Climb to inspire them.
I have included a sample of my students’ one-word and their responses:
Satisfaction – having satisfaction will bring positivity to your goals.
Positivity – during these last few months at high school, I want to be optimistic and not think about the negative things; I will get through my graduating year by having a positive mindset.
Music – throughout the pandemic, it is used as a way to de-stress.
Grow – I want to see myself grow into a better person as the year moves forward.
Understand – I have to understand that it’s time for me to get ready and leave behind what has been my life for the past twelve years; I need to realize that these last couple of months will be the end of many relationships with people that I have called friends for years.
Conversations – as this year is stressful, I value meaningful connections and discussions with friends more so than ever.
Graduation – it’s a big deal to graduate on time; not many people in my family have; I’m excited to pursue post-secondary education; therefore, not graduating on time is not an option.
Notice – I hope my teachers will notice how much effort I have put into my final semester assignments.
Motivation – To succeed in high school is a necessity; with the right incentives, you can accomplish anything.
Culmination – it’s the culmination of twelve years of school; all these years signify a new beginning; while one journey is ending, a new one is also in the works; an expensive one.
The overall notion of selecting “one word” could be a great return to school idea for September or January. Students sent their one word to me using Microsoft Teams chat after viewing and listening to a few motivational speeches and songs. Also, students can research their one-word create art or blog. I informed my students that there is no perfect time, the perfect moment, or the perfect word. The time is now. Explore your one-word; write it down; learn as you go but go!
Has your September and October teaching style generated curiosity, engagement, and opportunities for your students?
My usual introduction to my students went something like this: I hope you all had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful summer weather we’ve had these last few months. I am optimistic that the 2021-2022 school year will be one of safe, caring, and engaging. I am grateful as I will see all of my students in person and aim to engage them in their learning.
While reflecting on the first two months of school, teaching students is a job that evolves daily. So, I begin with an essential question. How can teachers create an environment within which students will motivate themselves? Unfortunately, I’ve discovered that some teachers are ‘stuck’ and do not see the enthusiasm in teaching as many of us do. I’m thankful that I have grown as a teacher over thirty-eight years and as a person.
One of the ways educators can create learning environments and assist their students with the desire to learn is to praise students’ efforts and acknowledge how they persevere to overcome their learning challenges. By doing so, we reinforce a growth mindset. Therefore, I aim to give feedback verbally or written in their writer’s notebooks. Some examples I have used include: it’s impressive that you have completed two writing drafts, and it’s incredible that you have put extra effort into your writing.
The first week of school, I read the children’s book LIFE by Cynthia Rylant. Students reflected on what and who they appreciated about life. The opening begins like this. “Life begins small. Even for the elephants. Then it grows.” The book generates many wonderings and thoughts about gratitude and appreciation, especially the more minor things in life. There is also a message about being hopeful when struggling with today’s challenges. As we know, life is not always easy. My grade 12 students reflect on the theme because it percolates many fabulous writing ideas. I thrive on reading students’ drafts in their writer’s notebooks and assessing their final writing pieces.
September and October flew by quickly. The weather was warm and delightful. I cannot believe we are already eight weeks in, and hopefully, it has been a great start to the school year for everyone. Additionally, it has been rewarding to get to know students, such as reading their autobiographies and memoirs. However, we must continue to ask thought-provoking questions to engage students further and sustain deep learning. In ELA classes, it’s pertinent to ask students to reflect and have conversations about what they are reading.
Our school has started voluntary extracurricular activities, and everyone is thrilled to welcome students to clubs and fall sports. As long as we can stay safe and get back to doing the things at school that we love, it’s the little things that make the day that much better. I tend to view each step in my growth journey as a piece of the giant puzzle.
What are you relishing about the summer of 2021? My husband and I make it a priority every day to get outdoors. We walk with our freshly brewed coffee for twenty-five minutes daily before we dive into any work or, in my case, reading while off for the summer holidays. Experiencing the outdoors is imperative for one’s well-being, and our motto is ‘keep moving forward one step at a time.’
We have shoes that are perfect for any outdoor activity. Walking boosts our mental and physical health. During COVID-19, there was no need to have a personal trainer for walking. No special skills were required. Walking is undemanding on the joints, requires no equipment and can fit easily into anyone’s schedule; it’s free.
Getting outdoors for a walk promotes benefits. We discovered a few of them, something that distracts the mind from work, a change in scenery, and getting Vitamin D and fresh air. Also, we engage in socializing and chatting about our future goals or current events.
In addition, a daily walk helps clear our minds and enhances our creativity. During eighteen months of COVID-19, getting out of the house to go for a walk was a fabulous way to break up the day and take us away from our screen time. Whether alone or with your spouse, the best thing about walking is that almost anyone can do it, and when the gym is closed for those few months, all that was required was a comfortable pair of walking shoes or a pair of Blundstones during the winter months. Twenty-five minutes of daily walking prove to us that we are healthy. “Every step you take does more for your health than you probably realize. Walking benefits every part of your body from your brain down to your ankles,” claims Kaitlyn Pirie, a senior editor at Hearst, New York.
Setting a goal to walk 25 minutes five times a week is enough to experience the health benefits that a fast-paced walk can bring you. Daily walking combined with somewhat healthy eating helps to keep our waistline in check. We do not count calories, but research says excess belly fat is not suitable for our health. Many people make excuses and say they don’t have time for daily walks; however, you can get devices to track your progress and help keep you motivated. It’s best to set small goals and then surprise yourself with how those small changes can make a difference.
Even a little bit of walking is good, but more is better. Over time, increase the intensity of your daily walks—Scout out different walking routes in the neighbourhood to keep the momentum fresh. No one can walk your path; do it for your benefit and encourage others along the way. Own your walk.
One year ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. Schools across the world quickly adapted to virtual learning, with teachers, students, and administrators preparing for a new life way. When I returned to my high school in September 2020, since shutting down on March 25, 2020, the hallways were one of dead silence. I teach at one of the largest schools in my school division, with approximately 1250 students attending each year and class sizes as large as 30 students per period. When I think about what my classes will look like with the current health and safety guidelines, I was feeling slightly anxious.
In-person instruction, remote learning, hybrid teaching, and blended learning are a series of terms that I refer to as “The Year of COVID,” with instructions on how to teach the students. I read multiple teacher websites, listened to several podcasts, watched the news, and talked to my colleagues about how teaching during COVID could ever work during a pandemic. I think daily about my students, but now, those concerns are growing. I never thought the Friday we said goodbye to them would be the last time I saw them. I never imagined not walking back into my classroom full of 9th,11th and 12th graders practicing their written and reading skills. I never even got to say goodbye to them this time. There is so much more I wanted to teach them. It’s not only about English skills but also about being good citizens, about growing up and learning how to overcome life’s challenges.
Disappointing grade 12 students who won’t see a graduation dinner and dance and the absence of yearbook pictures will never happen. Teachers don’t get to celebrate moments with their students and finish the year with kids we have grown to appreciate over the past seven months.
Lives turned upside down. I am grateful that my family taught me to adapt and be resilient, but not everyone can do that easily. Listening and watching parents being frustrated by becoming teachers overnight and kids not being able to go anywhere is taking a toll on everyone’s mental health. We are all human, and we are sad that we can’t meet every need out there. Teachers have big hearts, and we wish the best for every child.
We want to work with our students and help them in any way we can. Also, we are learning how to navigate digital learning and adapt to a less structured educational setting. We continue to be the support for students. We realize that teaching is a work of heart, and all of us have our hearts in the right place moving forward. Supportive messages from the Superintendent’s department help us to remain grounded and include these words, “Helping the kids is what is on our hearts during this pandemic, and we need to do that together.”
Upon return in September, we couldn’t join as one to begin the school year. There is no unity; teachers and students are in cohorts. We repeated the instructions daily, sit two metres apart, no sharing of school supplies, and masks on. Preparing for the year was physically and mentally exhausting. All schools made several structural and procedural changes to comply with new guidelines.
There are no cheerful conversations about summer holidays and travel escapes that occurred during the summer. Hallways once buzzed with happy conversations changed dramatically. Most kids now sit and stare, their eyes filled with a lack of enthusiasm.
On those first few days beginning a new school year, the moments felt so fascinating. I would see new faces, bubbly and goofy personalities. It felt right. By the second week of this September, I sensed disappointment. I’m used to hearing and seeing students interacting with each other when I’m delivering my lessons. Some of our classes moved online, and many teachers expressed the same feeling about students on mute — I didn’t hear much laughter. Now, I ask students about their learning in other classes and how they spend their time away from school. I keep my expectations high, but flexibility is imperative. We have learned to pivot during this pandemic to broaden our scopes to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students.
Not everything is perfect. COVID-19 has changed education, including technology, equity concerns, and school budgets. However, when we collaborate, we will discover light in this darkness. Keeping us all safe and healthy is hard work, but we will not forget the words of Dr. Roussin, ‘keep practicing the fundamentals.’ I’m focused and determined to give it my all.
There are some beautiful moments, and students are excited to be back. I feel I can relate to my students. I am learning with them, and I’m hopeful for a better future. None of us were prepared for this one year ago. A teacher is always a learner, so I look for engaging lessons. My students are resilient. They sanitize; they wear masks without complaint; sit two metres apart; embrace the opportunity to be in school; my grade 12s are planning for the future, and they are remarkable kids. And I am fortunate to know them.
2020 is now gone, and what a year this has been. But we did it. We managed to persevere and provide learning opportunities to all-time to celebrate all the small moments.
Uncommon Beauty in Writing 