New Year's Resolutions

It's mid-February, so it's a good time to check in our New Year's Resolutions.  So far, I'm doing okay.  Here are my 3 main resolutions (this is the wallpaper on my computer, by the way):

Right away in January, I contacted a local non-profit to see how I could help.  I anticipated they'd like me to tutor local students or something like that--something that spoke to my current strengths and profession.  However, I was asked to chair a golf outing.  I said yes, and boy, will it certainly fulfill my goal to volunteer...all year long.  On that note, if you have any recommendations for Silent Auction items--or are willing to donate an item or experience for the Silent Auction, let me know!

To further my meditation practice, I paid for the full access to the Headspace library when it was on sale.  I was doing pretty well with this in January, and I was definitely feeling the benefits.  I've let things slide a bit in February, so it's time to get back at it.

Finally, to get off of my phone, I've taken a few measures to help reduce my attraction to my phone.  They include:

1. reducing the number of notifications I receive

2.  using the Screen Time tracking on my iPhone to help me set goals to reduce my screen time

3.  deleting the twitter app--a major time-suck for me

There are some other great suggestions at these sites:

Distraction-Free Iphone

Configure Your Phone to Work For You--Not Against You

Of course, I wanted to work on the whole get-healthier-exercise-more thing, but those were my top three.  I also wanted to read more.  

I read an article like this: Listen to Audio Books While You Work Out.  It wasn't exactly this article ( I can't find the one I read), but this one addresses the same idea.  

I always thought it was dumb to listen to an audio book while working out.  That wouldn't get me pumped up!  I needed music to really get me going!  But...I thought I'd give it a try, and I was surprised by the results.  I was actually more motivated to get back to listening to the book than I was to get on the treadmill.  But...since I was so intrigued by the book I was listening to, I wanted to listen to it more and more--and made it my habit that I would only listen while I was on the treadmill.  I couldn't believe that that worked!  I even got up early just so I could walk and read!  Yes, at this point, I am only walking and reading.  But walking briskly.  And sometimes on an incline!

Elizabeth Graves, Editor in Chief of Martha Stewart Living magazine, stated this in her Editor's Letter: "I'll focus lesson the things I think I should do, and make more space for what I want to do."  That really struck a chord with me because it helped me think about my treadmill reading in a new way.  I wanted to read.  I knew I should exercise.  This was such a great way to get me to do both.

How are your New Year's Resolutions coming along? I'd love to hear what they are and how you are progressing.

The Importance of Play

It's possible that students have always felt the anxiety that is present in our classrooms today, and that we are just noticing (and managing) it more now.  Even so, the number of students who seem or verbally express their anxiety and stress is higher than ever in my classroom.  Some perspective: I primarily teach AP Literature & Honors courses at a high-performing high school.  More and more, I see students struggling with managing their school work, studying, completing applications, etc.  And frankly, their stress leads to my stress.  And I don't like it. 

As an adult, I have the coping mechanisms to manage my own stress.  I recently started meditating, and I LOVE it.  I use the app Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/ ), and it brings me an incredible sense of calm.  I receive no sort of incentives to say this.  I just like it.  And it's on sale now.  I digress.


I know that I need to manage my stress, and so I do.  I find ways to cope.  Whether that's through meditating, getting outside, exercising, focusing on the good in my life, playing a game with my family, or any other means, I make sure to take time for me.  And that's something I don't see my students doing.


I recently read the article "Record Numbers of College Students Are Seeking Treatment for Depression and Anxiety--But Schools Can't Keep Up" by Time Magazine writer Katie Reilly.  Important take-aways from the article:

• the number of students visiting counseling centers has increased by about 30% on average (while enrollment overall increased by less than 6%)
• 40% of college students said that they had felt so depressed in the prior year that it was difficult for them to function
• 61% (SIXTY ONE PERCENT, people!) said that they felt overwhelming anxiety

So, as a high school teacher, how can I help?  There are several things I have tried in my classroom, but the one I will highlight here is: the Importance of Play.

As noted in "Current Health," taking time to play helps relieve stress in a variety of ways:

1.  exercise is good for the body AND  the mind
2.  play usually requires engaging with other people (which is good for you!)
3. "it makes life fun!"

To incorporate play, the last day before Final Exams, I host Stress Busters in our class.  This includes coloring sheets, board games, a physical game (my favorite: Catchoo!), and, of course, food! This year, as a part of my seniors' Senior Bucket List (another great idea to keep them focused on something positive they look forward to), we hosted The Great Litish Bake-Off!  Students brought in treats to Stress Busters, and we voted on Star Bakers!  It should be noted: this was OPTIONAL.  Students were not required to attend (they could go study elsewhere if they wanted), and look how many showed up!  They craved the chance to have a space to relax and enjoy each others' company before the long week ahead.

Here are some photos of our Stress Busters in action:

These groups are playing BananaGrams:

Judging for the Bake-Off:




Here is Catchoo! in action:





Some of our Star Bakers:

Who doesn't love Apples to Apples?

I'd love to hear some of the ways you help your students manage their stress!  Feel free to share in the comments!