Becoming a Happier Teacher

"Nothing without Joy." ~Loris Malaguzzi

The Happiness Project. Have you read it? As someone who craves organization and structure, I was in love with this book! The idea is that you make resolutions, break them down into achievable steps, and track your progress. It occurred to me that the same concept could be applied to teaching. I LOVE my job, but I get frustrated and worn out often.

Here are my resolutions: 

1 Maintain my energy

• Sleep for at least 7.5 hours
• Drink 6 cups of water
• Bring a healthy snack
• Exercise an hour a day
• Run a teaching blog!

2 Revamp my lessons

• Find the right balance of routine & novelty
• Take time to browse for new ideas
• Incorporate my passions into teaching

3 Revamp my classroom management

• Develop an "attention getter" bank
• Reflect on and provide for individual's needs
• Give them time
• Use Class Dojo & keep it positive

4 Get organized

• Place master copies in binders
• De-clutter
• Organize & label cabinets
• Organize plans for the year into files

I'll delve way deeper into each of these areas in the next few weeks.

For now, here's a "TO DO" list I keep on my desktop to remind myself of my goals every day!