Author: Margaret Murray

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.

Source:

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2311305475607/9-ways-walking-benefits-your-health-according-to-doctors

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. 

Why podcasts? The pandemic broke my routine, and I had to find new patterns in my daily life. I craved stories and podcasts that provided me with the experience of getting to listen to voices. I wanted a connection with people. I searched for podcasts with familiar voices that offered comfort but meaning, gratitude, knowledge, and escapism from COVID-19 daily news. Also, I discovered that podcasts piqued my interest, made me laugh, and gave me courage, hope, and information. Some podcasts have many episodes and attracted me to return often.

Where did I find resonating podcasts? Somebody can locate podcasts on Spotify, Radio.Com, iHeartmedia, The Current, Apple, and Pandora. Podcasts that reverberated with me were the ones that left me with a joyful experience. My Top Ten are listed below:

1. Unlocking Us: Brene Brown. She is comforting and joyous to listen to as we navigated our way during remote teaching. She provided a distraction for me when schools shuttered in March 2020. We need a human connection, and it takes courage to engage in meaningful conversations.

2. Heather Moyse: Redefining’ Realistic’…I love Heather’s enthusiasm for life and how she continues to inspire me with her life stories and motto, “Believe in the Possibilities.” She is an Islander and is known as Canada’s best ever-all-around female athlete. She is a 4 -time Olympian and 2-time Olympic gold medalist. If we ask ourselves, what determines the direction and story of our lives? Heather says, “It’s our choices.”

3. Michelle Obama. Her podcast featured diving deep into conversations with family, friends and colleagues about our lives’ relationships that make us unique. Her life and everyday issues that resonate with her are compelling. Also, Michelle is grounded firmly with guiding principles and how important it is to give back to one’s community. Michelle defines it as a valid measure of happiness.

4. Jennifer Gonzalez: The Cult of Pedagogy. One of Jennifer’s podcasts struck me with fascination. We teach our students remotely, in-class and online during the disconnected world when we need to connect with our students.

5. Beautiful Writers: author Linda Silverstein brings world-renowned bestselling authors chats on writing, publishing, and creativity. Some guests include Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Tom Hanks, Glennon Doyle, and Dr. Jane Goodall. The rich conversations shared were exhilarating in today’s tumultuous times.

6. The Creative Classroom: John Spencer builds the tone about empowering community when students are lonely and isolated from their friends during the shift toward virtual and hybrid learning.

7. Ali on the Run Show. It’s crucial to discover a community where women redefine strength. I marvel at being empowered to do what I love and be confident in who I am as I persevere on the fitness journey. With our gym closed for more than six months, we continued to run and develop strength exercises at home to stay fit. We walked daily and racked up 2700+kms in nine months.

8. The Passion Project. Little Brown Jug’s Brewery story stuck with me because all it takes is a motivated former Winnipegger to return to his roots and create a passion for craft beer and architectural restoration in the Exchange District.

9. Teachers on Fire with Tim Casey. This educator is from Canada and chats with educators about their teaching experiences and passions. His vision is clear. What are our innovative practices?

10. Chef Michael Smith and Jon Montgomery-what a pair! Michael is known worldwide for his best-selling cookbook and writer now lives and works on Prince Edward Island. He has cooked for 85,000 Olympic athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This podcast provided me with fond PEI memories of my family’s love for seafood.

Do we wish to pursue happiness or can we define happiness in bits and pieces? I appreciate a fresh cup of coffee prepared by myself Monday to Friday and on weekends we walk to our neighbourhood cafes to grab a coffee to go. It’s imperative these days to support our local small businesses as much as we can.

Before pandemic, I was socially active, spending time with friends and family, and dividing out socializing events on our calendar and eight months has drifted by us and we have had to find other ways to fulfill our desires.

We are walking eight or more kms a day, running outside, reading and watching movies and exploring the nature around where we live in order to feel like a small getaway from screen time.

There is plenty to be grateful for during this unprecedented time of 2020. We are thankful our families are safe and healthy. Also, I am happy that we both have jobs, good food and a warm comfy house to live in.

Some of my best productive happy moments during the past eight months include the following: attended many virtual conferences, read books, listened to podcasts, self-taught how to use Microsoft teams, participated in a writing course and an online book club.

Finding happy moments in our everyday work routine is compelling because it’s obvious to become bogged down with issues that are out of our control. Discovering happiness is letting go of negative vibes, embracing change and having a sense of purpose to become better at what we value in life.

It’s influential to hold on to the moments of happiness and to admire the memories when we feel down. Be resilient and preserve the words, “I’ve got this and I own it.” This is the season when we sing Joy to the World. We all need joy during this pandemic. There was plenty of political turmoil, social unrest, and people losing their loved ones and feeling helpless through all of it.

What will bring you joy today? I will continue to create joy by sending handwritten cards to mom’s friends and ours during this Christmas season. The messages I put into to writing them brings me joy knowing that our friends and families will know that we were thinking of them.

Time to take a deep breath and get super pumped that it’s 2020. No need to change the diet, nor the workout. Why be so critical of ourselves? Begin the year by appreciating who we are and showing gratitude for our accomplishments. Turned sixty in 2019 and this was a major milestone for myself. Am I worried about the future or where the time has gone? Not really. The word “retirement” has been percolating in my mind. Not to worry, my wisdom will be valued and we will have money to pursue our dreams…some travel, volunteer work and continue to embrace regular exercise. Also, it’s a time to do all the things I didn’t have time for when I was teaching. It’s important to be proud of who you are, to laugh a lot, and to set aside ‘me’ time. Age is just a number; seize life and pursue those passions.

I focus on happiness, peacefulness, joy and things that bring me a sense of adventure. I have learned to appreciate myself, to be confident and believe in myself that I can do anything I want to pursue in life. I love being around people so I see myself remaining active and engaged in life. It’s best to keep positive and let happiness control your day. I always take care of myself because this is the best time of our life. For 2020, I am committing to writing for a few minutes on the weekends, practicing mindfulness at yoga once a week, listening to educational podcasts, and reading more insightful books.

I am looking forward to many more positive learning opportunities in this new decade. One of Bryan Adams songs “It’s a brand new day” has become my theme song for the beginning of a new semester. Music at work can be a helpful motivator. Why not create a list of your favourite tunes to work to and this could be your upcoming blog post.

Running is similar to teaching…it’s purposeful, it’s motivating, and it provides happiness. If running is to be meaningful, then you are more likely to stick with it. Several positives come with running, including the desire to get outside and find beauty in the journey. I’m in control of where I want to run, and I get to experience all my senses. I’ve invested eighteen years into running. Being the captain of my ship and feeling inspired by its destination is reassuring. I continuously master new running techniques to improve my pace and heart rate.

Weekly goals are an essential part of being a runner. My belief is to do something to improve your fitness. Running a race gives me a positive vibe and hearing the upbeat crowd keeps inspiring and introducing me to some new running friends. My motto is to stay a healthy strong.

While training in the spring of 2019 for the 10km at the Manitoba Marathon, I asked myself what my goal was. “To finish,” is the usual response; however, I wanted to experience a personal best. I signed up with Nike+Run app for a seven-week moderate training schedule which involved speed work, strength training, and one long run a week. I gradually built up my mileage to 110km over two months and aimed to finish each run stronger than the previous one. Also, tracked my progress after each run. Running at a consistent pace when starting and increasing a bit of speed throughout is challenging. Spicing up my workouts was imperative to avoid boredom.

Each time I lace up to run, I find the energy, stamina, and confidence to continue to challenge myself. The goal is to capture the right moments to use my strength and push forward. Each day I run, I appreciate the scenery and the smell of fresh air. Harmonious passions make life worth living, but an obsessive passion plague the mind (Adam Alter, 22). Always tell yourself you can accomplish anything in life.

To grow as a runner don’t get caught up in all the latest gadgets, apps, nutrition, and training advice. Go out and enjoy the sport by taking a simplistic approach. To get motivated sign up for a race and you’re bound to keep moving.

To achieve my goal, I think like a coach and devise a plan for myself. What works for me is scheduling two runs and three cross-training strengthening sessions a week to challenge different energy systems and to avoid injury and burnout. Start 20 seconds slower than race pace and speed up each mile 10-20 seconds faster than race pace; the key is to build distance.

Enjoy your accomplishments and stay focused on the next step. Just do something to improve your fitness and push past your endurance. Race day is the positive vibe to keep you inspired. Some days it’s fine to run purely for the enjoyment, peace and positive mood it provides.

Run in the zone with a speed that feels light and sustainable for the journey ahead. No matter the result, running is worth it. Years later, I continue to run to be my best self. It’s a chance to pursue my own adventurous path. Getting and staying in shape changes one’s life.

Running should be enjoyable. Not every race needs to be a personal best. It’s so easy to get caught up in training; however, racing should be considered an experience. I love crossing the finish line. It’s exhilarating to hear finishers yell, ” I’ve never felt anything like this.” Whether it’s to get fit or to crush a personal best, devise a plan for yourself. Congratulate yourself for every run accomplished.

Races unites runners from all backgrounds, abilities and disciplines. Running and working out is a core part of my identity. I love the friendships that comes with running a race. The idea of everyone tolling through the strain of the journey towards their personal goals is satisfying. There is inspiration when you see the accomplishments of so many different kinds of people. Older runners still crushing their goals. New people, trying to achieve a different level of fitness and health. Motivation is everywhere. The mental health benefits are tremendous. According to Runner’s World, Jennifer van Allen states, ” researchers found that even a single bout of exercise lifts the mood of someone suffering from depression.” Researchers concluded that physical activity was not only an effective strategy to treating depression it also helps people cope with stress, anxiety, and boosts sleep quality.

Having a purpose behind each run brings consistency and discipline to make running easier and manageable. Goals are an essential part of being a runner. They help us focus, progress, and remain on track with our workouts.

The greatest gift that running has given me is a global community of like-minded people. I can strike up a conversation with just about anybody. We’re all in this together mentality among runners on a starting line. It’s great to be able to celebrate joys and successes together. Take advantage of your running moments.

_MM

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton