How are you surviving the start of the year?

Survival… I think that is the best way to describe what we are all doing right now. I have never been more tired or more busy in my life! I am sure you are feeling the same. Here are some ideas that might help!

Collaboration is key:
🍎Consider using a Google Doc or Google Slides planner to share and collaborate with your teammates.
🍎Divide and conquer with your team. Is someone more techy? Is someone stronger with Math or ELA? Divide responsibilites so someone isn’t taking over all of the work.
🍎Connect with your colleagues as much as possible, especially to troubleshoot!

Get Organized:
📂Take some time (if you can) to organize your Google Drive WHILE you are adding/creating new files. This will make it easier to locate things later.
📂Find a planner or list that you love! I have learned to LOVE Google Keep!
📂Set Reminders and create lists that help you stay focused, stay balanced, and feel like you have accomplished SOMETHING. If one task is crossed off, THAT IS A WIN RIGHT NOW!
📂Create folders or tags in your email so that you can revisit things later.

Teaching Ideas?
💡Use small groups over the whole group – you feel like you are getting somewhere with kids and can help them more, especially with virtual teaching.
💡Find ways to use incentives, like badges or Class Dojo, to encourage participation and to reinforce positive behaviors
💡Practice Tech Tools over content during the first weeks – this effort will definitely pay off in the end!

Communication and Connection is Important:
💬Keep in contact with parents and students using a variety of tools (email, Class Dojo, etc.)
💬Create a way to energize the kids each morning (Apparently my music video is energizing according to my kids! Who knew!)
💬Find ways to connect with kids: Create a talk and share time with kids or find jokes or videos that the kids will enjoy to lighten the mood

SELF CARE is NECESSARY:
❤️️Take time for yourself and create boundaries. See a recent blog post about this.

You’ve got this everyone! I know this list is probably not eye-opening, but it might just reassure you that you are doing your best and that we are all working to accomplish what feels like the impossible right now.

You will survive, in this Crazy Teacher Life!
❤️️Ainsley