Shanelle's Journey Through 811

In my last post I created a list of Outdoor & SEL focused ideas that I hope to implement in my future teaching roles. While some of them did really focus on self reflection and awareness, most of them were high energy tasks that promoted movement, communication, and collaboration. While I hope that students feel exhilarated outdoors at times, it is also important to highlight the calming effects that spending time in nature can do for us.  Below are some outdoor activities that will encourage slowing down, focusing on the task, and hopefully help learners self regulate.  Spatial Awareness Shape Puzzle - Retrieved from: https://littlepinelearners.com/work-on-spacial-awareness-with-this-simple-nature-shape-puzzle/    I could see each student drawing a large open shape and filling it with different natural materials. Rocks, pinecones, leaves etc. I thinking making this a silent activity would be a great way to promote a growth mindset and problem solving skills....

I recently found out I have been laid off again, so I am unsure of what I will be teaching next school year. I will likely find out my teaching role(s) in mid-late July.  This is the third year I've gone through the lay off process and although it has been frustrating and stressful, I am thankful for the experience as it has allowed me to explore new roles and work in new schools. Unfortunately, I have yet to have the chance to work at the same school twice, so I have never been around long enough to implement and see the end results of my ideas and contributions.    With that said, the ideas that promote Outdoor Ed and SEL below are more geared towards an elementary classroom teacher role. Though many of these ideas could be collaborative school wide initiatives.  Designated Outdoor Learning area (ideally an open area with some tree coverage and larger boulders arranged in a circle to promote a sense of community)  Sit spots (students either make or bring sit s...

With only 4ish weeks of preps left, I am torn with whether I will take all of my K-5 classes outside instead of staying in the music room. Working at two schools this year and with social distancing not being as much of a priority, I did not utilize the outdoors as much when teaching music preps. I created a pros and cons list below to hash out whether I should go for it or not. Clearly, every class population and this list was made keeping all of my 16 classes in mind.  Cons:  lugging instruments and potentially chairs outside can always be interesting some students are potential flight risks and EAs break schedules may leave me with no support  other classes using the school grounds which could cause distractions  potential encounters with members of the public or animals (dogs/bears are around in these neighbourhoods)  lack of visual support space unless taping things to the exterior wall / bringing out whiteboard not lots of time for behavorial expectations ...

I feel like I blinked and the month of May was gone! With many personal commitments and end of the year tasks coming up in June the last couple of weeks have left me feeling exhausted. I wasn't able to get outdoors at much lately due to a busy schedule and definitely felt a shift in my mood and mindset.  I am making it a priority moving forward in June to commit to spending at least an hour outdoors everyday. Whether that be before, during my work day, or in the evenings I need to get fresh air.  Even after being on Recess supervision, I feel more alert, relaxed, and positive.  In the past, some colleagues I have worked with have gone for a quick stroll around the block during lunch time to get some movement and fresh air in to break up the day. During peak Covid times, it was also fun bringing camping chairs and eating our lunches outdoors together. Depending on the day, I might go for a quick solo walk or ask a colleague to join and hopefully this will help give me some...