A weekly installment of tips, tutorials,
and techniques for the Rambler family.
An Educator's Christmas ListWe’ve all heard about Oprah Winfrey’s “My Favorite Things List”. I can’t tell you how many years I watched the Oprah Show and wished I could be a part of that audience! All those interesting and cool things that everyone should have!
This season I’ve created a list too. I am calling it the “If Oprah Winfrey Were an Educator These Would Be Her Favorite Things” list. Please know that I don’t have any affiliation with these companies at all. Some of these items or things I came across while Black Friday Shopping Online, some of the items were shared with me by other educators. I’m just passing along the information to you. Enjoy! For those times that you are grading papers and watching your child or grandchild play at a sporting event or a band competition, and it feels like it is 28 degrees below zero. I think you will agree the Big Comfy will come in very handy and keep you warm. I hope one of these is under my tree! My backpack contains everything I need for work. However, it gets a little disorganized at times. Maxpedition has some really efficient pouches to keep all the things organized inside of your backpack. I love to read and during 2020 I had more time to fill than I expected. I started researching productivity and routines. I thought productivity was measured by the number of widgets or things made in an hour or other measure of time. Yes, that is one measurement of productivity; however, there is also personal productivity. My research led me to some great authors that have helped me use the time I have to be focused, establish reach and stretch goals, how to identify the distractions hinder my personal productivity and finally how to establish routines that work for me and not against me. Here is the list of books:
I think this is a good list full of great non-fiction works on productivity. Maybe one of these will find its way into your stocking. Oh, I almost forgot, if you want to enjoy some great fiction the new David Baldacci thriller is great!! Don’t forget if you need a feel-good Christmas movie, The Hallmark Channel is the go-to station on your television. In my dreams all books are free and reading makes you skinny!
All About Documentation and
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Everyone in the field of education is acutely aware that documentation is a matter of great importance in our duties and responsibilities. The question is how can we make documentation efficient and effective. We’ve all heard work smarter not harder. I like to say “work as hard as the job requires”. Sometimes the documentation we need to do is akin to dragging an elephant uphill using a wet noodle. Yes, that hard! Here is the good news, I have found a great tool that may just help you get that elephant up the hill.
I have to give big props to the organization Life Skills Advocate. I use this web resource for many great social-emotional tools to help our LHS students cope with the ever-changing emotions of being a teenager. However, I found this particular educator tool to be extremely helpful. It is the Parent-Teacher Communication Log developed by Amy Sippl at Life Skills Advocate click here to learn more. I believe the original intention was for parents to use this tool when they communicate with their student’s teachers. I am sure that is a great use for it. Plot twist ... I don’t use it for that purpose. I use it to collect the documentation of conversations, phone calls, text messages, or emails that I have with parents and students. I just flipped the original purpose of the tool and made it work for my needs. I am pretty sure it is what Dolly would do! I have been using the log for about two weeks and I love, love, love, it!!! Hmmm, I meant to say, I have found it to be very effective and efficient. Does that sound more professional? I like doing my documentation immediately after the conversation occurs. I also like handwriting my notes. Yes, true confession, I like to have a paper copy much more than I like having a digital copy of my notes. If you are more of a digital documentation person then I believe you can easily convert the PDF to a digital format so that you can type right on the form. I keep track of the communication logs in a folder that I have labeled for each student. I simply place a log for each student that I work with in the individual folder. You might just want to keep the logs in a binder that is divided by your classes. That way all your documentation is in one place. I am fairly certain this same type of system can be duplicated in a digital format as well by employing Google Drive. You can download a PDF of the communication log below. Just click where is says download file. |
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Celebrate Everything!
I admit until 2020 began showing its greediness I thought lighting candles was reserved for momentous occasions. Occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, prayer vigils for loved ones we lost too soon, and midnight Christmas Eve services. All of these are appropriate places to light candles and it is a comforting part of the ritual. However, two weeks ago I lit a candle at dinner. No one noticed the first night. The next evening, I lit two candles. My son asked me, “What’s up with the candles?” I replied, “We’re celebrating tonight.” He paused for a moment and said, “What are we celebrating?” I looked at him and said “Everything. We’re celebrating everything.”
He gave me one of those I don’t understand looks and asked me, “What do you mean?” Here is the explanation. It is not an understatement to say that 2020 has taken many things from us. It has taken lots of momentous occasions and celebrations. Sure, we have celebrated some of these occasions in different ways, but there is always a tinge of sadness to go along with the celebration. “Aunt Oliva couldn’t be here because she can’t leave the house”. We got used to hearing announcements like, “We are canceling the wedding shower because we don’t want to take any chances that someone might infect the bride with COVID before the wedding.” I heard something like this next one lots of times, “Lilly and Jake had a new baby girl but we can’t go to the hospital and see that sweet baby because of COVID.”
I wanted to get rid of the regret of lost celebrations and the tinges of sadness. I decided that I would start celebrating everything. Yes, everything! Even a simple weeknight dinner of pork chops and mashed potatoes. Why celebrate something so mundane? Because we were all sitting at the same table, at the same time, and no one was missing. Our family was together. I lit the candles to celebrate being together. A couple of nights later we were eating dinner, candles were lit, and we talked. In fact, we talked so much about all the things that we lost track of time. I do not remember exactly what we talked about, but I do remember that we talked and laughed for more than an hour. That experience is etched in my memory. I treasure it.
I encourage you to celebrate everything too. The momentous occasions and mundane occasions. Celebrate your child cleaning their room. Celebrate time with your family at brunch, at dinner, or whenever you are spending time together. Celebrate your grandchild learning to whistle. Celebrate your sister learning to bake bread from scratch. Celebrate the fact that you washed, dried, folded, and put away the laundry all in one day! It does not matter what you celebrate. It just matters that you light the candles and celebrate. As for me, I am going to continue to celebrate EVERYTHING. I hope you will too.
He gave me one of those I don’t understand looks and asked me, “What do you mean?” Here is the explanation. It is not an understatement to say that 2020 has taken many things from us. It has taken lots of momentous occasions and celebrations. Sure, we have celebrated some of these occasions in different ways, but there is always a tinge of sadness to go along with the celebration. “Aunt Oliva couldn’t be here because she can’t leave the house”. We got used to hearing announcements like, “We are canceling the wedding shower because we don’t want to take any chances that someone might infect the bride with COVID before the wedding.” I heard something like this next one lots of times, “Lilly and Jake had a new baby girl but we can’t go to the hospital and see that sweet baby because of COVID.”
I wanted to get rid of the regret of lost celebrations and the tinges of sadness. I decided that I would start celebrating everything. Yes, everything! Even a simple weeknight dinner of pork chops and mashed potatoes. Why celebrate something so mundane? Because we were all sitting at the same table, at the same time, and no one was missing. Our family was together. I lit the candles to celebrate being together. A couple of nights later we were eating dinner, candles were lit, and we talked. In fact, we talked so much about all the things that we lost track of time. I do not remember exactly what we talked about, but I do remember that we talked and laughed for more than an hour. That experience is etched in my memory. I treasure it.
I encourage you to celebrate everything too. The momentous occasions and mundane occasions. Celebrate your child cleaning their room. Celebrate time with your family at brunch, at dinner, or whenever you are spending time together. Celebrate your grandchild learning to whistle. Celebrate your sister learning to bake bread from scratch. Celebrate the fact that you washed, dried, folded, and put away the laundry all in one day! It does not matter what you celebrate. It just matters that you light the candles and celebrate. As for me, I am going to continue to celebrate EVERYTHING. I hope you will too.
Watch 2 Movies and Call Me
in the Morning
How many have you have called the doctor with aches and pains that just seemed to have appeared out of nowhere? What about the sinus infection that we get during the annual pollen festival? You know the one that is celebrated by our cars being coated in yellowish-greenish pollen dust. Don’t forget the encore, the infestation of ladybugs on our porches, and back yard decks. Yep, those are special times. Wouldn’t it be great if the doctor said, “Watch these two movies and call me in the morning? Oh, here is some nasal spray for the pollen invading your lungs” I think so too! I’ve got some good news, we don’t have to wait for a doctor to tell us to do this. Nope, we are fully capable of watching two movies all on our own. We don’t even need a doctor’s prescription.
Since we know that we are fully allowed to watch two movies to restore our tired minds and bodies the question is “Which two movies should I watch of the thousands, maybe even millions that are available on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Disney Channel?” I’m going to help you out with that decision. The answer is The Social Dilemma and Dolly Parton: Here I am. I highly recommend two both of these movies. Both are available on Netflix. I only have 2 subscription services. We don’t have cable TV either. But I’ll tell you the story of getting rid of cable TV another time. Okay, okay, no cliff hanger on this blog - our decision has nothing to do with economics, instead, it was about information and misinformation overload.
Why do I like these movies so much? Dolly Parton: Here I Am is absolutely full of inspiration and positive energy. Dolly Parton doesn’t waste any time talking about what went wrong in her life, instead, she speaks directly about the good things that came her way via hard work, intelligent decisions, persistence in the face of naysayers, and 100 percent confidence in her calling to be a songwriter and an entertainer. She doesn’t take her gift lightly and she values each and every person who helped her get to where she is today. This is my favorite bio-documentary of 2020. I bet you’ll really like it too. Here is a link to the trailer.
The Social Dilemma will give you pause before you like that post on Facebook or Instagram. This documentary reveals how the creators of Google, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media applications use algorithms to keep you hooked on social media. Yes, the creators offer you a free service that is paid for by advertisers who want to pinpoint people like you who can buy stuff or watch just one more video at 2:00 in the morning about the greatest invention ever known to humankind the Peloton. No seriously, this documentary was eye-opening, fascinating, and has the Orwellian overtones of a War of the Worlds remix but set in 2020 with a global pandemic thrown in. Here is the link to the trailer for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy the recommendations and are able to rest your tired mind and body very soon.
Since we know that we are fully allowed to watch two movies to restore our tired minds and bodies the question is “Which two movies should I watch of the thousands, maybe even millions that are available on Netflix, Prime, Hulu, or Disney Channel?” I’m going to help you out with that decision. The answer is The Social Dilemma and Dolly Parton: Here I am. I highly recommend two both of these movies. Both are available on Netflix. I only have 2 subscription services. We don’t have cable TV either. But I’ll tell you the story of getting rid of cable TV another time. Okay, okay, no cliff hanger on this blog - our decision has nothing to do with economics, instead, it was about information and misinformation overload.
Why do I like these movies so much? Dolly Parton: Here I Am is absolutely full of inspiration and positive energy. Dolly Parton doesn’t waste any time talking about what went wrong in her life, instead, she speaks directly about the good things that came her way via hard work, intelligent decisions, persistence in the face of naysayers, and 100 percent confidence in her calling to be a songwriter and an entertainer. She doesn’t take her gift lightly and she values each and every person who helped her get to where she is today. This is my favorite bio-documentary of 2020. I bet you’ll really like it too. Here is a link to the trailer.
The Social Dilemma will give you pause before you like that post on Facebook or Instagram. This documentary reveals how the creators of Google, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media applications use algorithms to keep you hooked on social media. Yes, the creators offer you a free service that is paid for by advertisers who want to pinpoint people like you who can buy stuff or watch just one more video at 2:00 in the morning about the greatest invention ever known to humankind the Peloton. No seriously, this documentary was eye-opening, fascinating, and has the Orwellian overtones of a War of the Worlds remix but set in 2020 with a global pandemic thrown in. Here is the link to the trailer for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy the recommendations and are able to rest your tired mind and body very soon.
Educator Life Hack
Less than five minutes to read
On our Fall Break this year my intentional goal was to engage in some serious self-care and I did just that. I took naps, I played with dogs, I cooked and ate chicken and dumplings, played board games, watched a documentary about Dolly Parton (more on that next week) and I spent lots of time with my family. There were a few things that I needed to get done like switch the clothes in my closet from summer to fall/winter and get my flu shot. This my friend, is where the educator life hack comes into play.
If you don’t know about Publix Deli and their awesomely delicious sub sandwiches then pay close attention, I will tell you how to get one for free. By the way, this post is my personal opinion and is not a paid or sponsored post. During fall break, I made plans to get my flu shot at Publix pharmacy. Why Publix, right? Let me share, Publix Pharmacy will not charge you for the flu shot, they will accept what your insurance pays. On top of that, they will give you a $10.00 gift card that can be used to purchase anything at Publix.
Here is the Educator Life Hack. Right now, the deli at Publix, highly regarded as a great deli, will give you a discount of $1.00 for the foot-long sub sandwich combo (includes a medium drink and chips). Then when you check out at the register this month’s store special will give you an extra $2.00 off the combo. That’s a total discount of $3.00 off of the sub sandwich combo. If you get the flu shot, then you get a $10.00 gift card for each person who receives the flu shot. For our family, the total was $30.00 in gift card cash! We still had five dollars left on the Publix gift card after we purchased our sub combos! #winningatlife
But wait there is more… I mentioned to you last week that we were going to spend some time at Harrison Bay Park. We enjoyed our sub combos at a beautiful picnic spot on the bay. We soaked up nature and the terrific weather. If you’ve never been to Harrison Bay in Tennessee it takes about 45-60 minutes to drive from LHS depending on traffic at I-75. It is so worth the drive. I’ve included a few pictures of Harrison Bay taken on our Educator Life Hack Day last week. So, if you have an opportunity to spend some time outdoors Harrison Bay offers walking/bicycle trails, picnic spots with tables, soothing sounds of slow waves hitting the banks of the bay, and beautiful views. Here are a few pictures of Harrison Bay.
On our Fall Break this year my intentional goal was to engage in some serious self-care and I did just that. I took naps, I played with dogs, I cooked and ate chicken and dumplings, played board games, watched a documentary about Dolly Parton (more on that next week) and I spent lots of time with my family. There were a few things that I needed to get done like switch the clothes in my closet from summer to fall/winter and get my flu shot. This my friend, is where the educator life hack comes into play.
If you don’t know about Publix Deli and their awesomely delicious sub sandwiches then pay close attention, I will tell you how to get one for free. By the way, this post is my personal opinion and is not a paid or sponsored post. During fall break, I made plans to get my flu shot at Publix pharmacy. Why Publix, right? Let me share, Publix Pharmacy will not charge you for the flu shot, they will accept what your insurance pays. On top of that, they will give you a $10.00 gift card that can be used to purchase anything at Publix.
Here is the Educator Life Hack. Right now, the deli at Publix, highly regarded as a great deli, will give you a discount of $1.00 for the foot-long sub sandwich combo (includes a medium drink and chips). Then when you check out at the register this month’s store special will give you an extra $2.00 off the combo. That’s a total discount of $3.00 off of the sub sandwich combo. If you get the flu shot, then you get a $10.00 gift card for each person who receives the flu shot. For our family, the total was $30.00 in gift card cash! We still had five dollars left on the Publix gift card after we purchased our sub combos! #winningatlife
But wait there is more… I mentioned to you last week that we were going to spend some time at Harrison Bay Park. We enjoyed our sub combos at a beautiful picnic spot on the bay. We soaked up nature and the terrific weather. If you’ve never been to Harrison Bay in Tennessee it takes about 45-60 minutes to drive from LHS depending on traffic at I-75. It is so worth the drive. I’ve included a few pictures of Harrison Bay taken on our Educator Life Hack Day last week. So, if you have an opportunity to spend some time outdoors Harrison Bay offers walking/bicycle trails, picnic spots with tables, soothing sounds of slow waves hitting the banks of the bay, and beautiful views. Here are a few pictures of Harrison Bay.
Self Care is the Best Kind of Care
This morning as I walked into school there was the smell of fall in the air. The morning was cool. I even used the seat heater in my car this morning as I drove to campus. There was the smell of a wood-burning fire and I had visions of wearing cozy sweaters and comfy socks. Oh, how much I love fall! I can probably list a hundred reasons why I enjoy the fall season and those reasons don’t have anything to do with a Venti Pumpkin Spice Chi Latte from Starbucks (wink, wink).
There is always something exciting about the change in seasons. I’m not sure if we are excited because there is a sense of renewal or maybe it is comforting to know that time is marching forward as it should as it has for thousands of years. When I started working in the field of education and school counseling we didn’t have a fall break holiday. I sure didn’t have them as a child or teenager. Back then, our first break in the school year came at Thanksgiving. Looking back, I am not at all sure how educators in the 80’s made it through September, October, and November without a break.
Now I have come to really appreciate the break from the routine in October, I have decided to be more intentional about how I use the time. This year my focus is self-care. I admit I have not been really good at self-care in the past. It is more my style to pack my free days with things like cleaning out closets, going to the dentist, doing household chores, working on projects for school, and checking those things off of my to-do list. No rest, but lots of things got done. As a result, I was just tired as I was before the break.
I have made a commitment to myself that I am going to embrace self-care. I have actually planned a day or maybe two to wear pj’s all day. I bought a new fiction novel and I’ll be diving into that book during the break! It has been so long since I’ve had time to read a fiction novel. I know I am going to really enjoy that time. I have also decided to take a social media hiatus while we are out of school. I need to give my mind some time to re-set and re-charge. Sometimes social media is a huge distraction and makes me want things I don’t need - I’m sure you know what I mean. Our family is planning on taking a hike around Harrison Bay with our dogs and we’ll enjoy nature one afternoon. None of these things cost any money and the return on the investment in yourself is priceless. I hope you will invest in self-care. Unplug, read a book that has real pages that you turn, take a walk or a hike. Play catch with your children and pets. Plan some pajama days and do something for yourself. Invest in yourself this fall break, you are worth the time and effort!
What Is A Brain Dump?
How many of us are really able to focus on just one task at a time? I would hazard a guess that most high school educators only dream of being able to focus on one thing or task at a time. What a luxury that would be! Sometimes my mind is like a computer with 20 tabs open. I am scared to close any of those tabs for fear that I will forget something that I was supposed to do or promised a friend or student that I would take care of ASAP. I know my brain is on overload when I can’t seem to get anything done or I am jumping from task to task. I start one thing or task which automatically makes me think of the three or four other things that I should have gotten done or need to be done. It seems like an endless cycle and my productivity is low.
I have a tool that I have found helps me manage all the open tabs on the computer of my mind. This tool was introduced to me a few years ago when I was working full time, going to graduate school full time, raising my son, managing a busy household, volunteering at church, and being married. I had just a few plates to keep spinning in the air and honestly, some days the plates crashed. Some days the tabs closed, sometimes I forgot to do something and I always felt so bad when that happened but I wasn’t sure how to go about fixing the problem. I thought to myself, everyone I know has tons to do and I’m not so different from them so how do they manage all the things!?
Believe it or not, the answer came to me when I was working on a graduate project with a school-mate. She was a great believer what she called the Brain Dump and she shared with me the power of the brain dump. This is not an original idea with her. David Allen, author of Getting Things Done advocates for the doing weekly Brain Dumps, You can read more about productivity tools here.
Here is the quick and simple way to complete a brain dump:
Yes, that’s right walk away from your brain dump and do something totally different. I take a walk, fold laundry, or play with my Labradoodle.
Step 4: Categorize.
When my brain has more space to think, I revisit the list and place each thing into a category. My categories are Communication, Financial Management, Household Management, Personal Care/Fun. Stuff, and Work. Then I make a plan to give each thing a deadline and weave into my weekly calendar.
Some folks enjoy doing a brain dump on a computer or use the notes app on their mobile device. I found that I need to be free of distractions when I tackle a brain dump. I like going to a quiet place and using paper and a pen. Many times I light a candle and drink a Diet Coke while I am writing. If I use my mobile device, I am instantly distracted and I find that my brain stays full and I stay frazzled jumping from one task to the next without getting much of anything done. The old school way works best for me but electronic brain dumps might work for you. The key is to find what method works best for you so you can free up some space in that overcrowded brain of yours by trying out the brain dump technique.
I have a tool that I have found helps me manage all the open tabs on the computer of my mind. This tool was introduced to me a few years ago when I was working full time, going to graduate school full time, raising my son, managing a busy household, volunteering at church, and being married. I had just a few plates to keep spinning in the air and honestly, some days the plates crashed. Some days the tabs closed, sometimes I forgot to do something and I always felt so bad when that happened but I wasn’t sure how to go about fixing the problem. I thought to myself, everyone I know has tons to do and I’m not so different from them so how do they manage all the things!?
Believe it or not, the answer came to me when I was working on a graduate project with a school-mate. She was a great believer what she called the Brain Dump and she shared with me the power of the brain dump. This is not an original idea with her. David Allen, author of Getting Things Done advocates for the doing weekly Brain Dumps, You can read more about productivity tools here.
Here is the quick and simple way to complete a brain dump:
- Step 1: Take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.
- Step 2: Write down everything that comes to mind.
- Nothing is out of bounds. If it is on your mind then write it down. Many times my brain dump has groceries I need to pick up, calls or texts I need to make, reading I need to do, places I need to go, and emails that need a response, chores that I need to do it all goes on the brain dump.
Yes, that’s right walk away from your brain dump and do something totally different. I take a walk, fold laundry, or play with my Labradoodle.
Step 4: Categorize.
When my brain has more space to think, I revisit the list and place each thing into a category. My categories are Communication, Financial Management, Household Management, Personal Care/Fun. Stuff, and Work. Then I make a plan to give each thing a deadline and weave into my weekly calendar.
Some folks enjoy doing a brain dump on a computer or use the notes app on their mobile device. I found that I need to be free of distractions when I tackle a brain dump. I like going to a quiet place and using paper and a pen. Many times I light a candle and drink a Diet Coke while I am writing. If I use my mobile device, I am instantly distracted and I find that my brain stays full and I stay frazzled jumping from one task to the next without getting much of anything done. The old school way works best for me but electronic brain dumps might work for you. The key is to find what method works best for you so you can free up some space in that overcrowded brain of yours by trying out the brain dump technique.
Five Minute Chats with Students
Many students are looking for a connection with a trusted adult. It is hard to imagine a high school student not having a connection with their peers or their family members but some of our students, struggle with this situation every day. Now that we are Incorporating digital learning into the school climate, making connections becomes even more complicated. As we strive to master technology, create lesson plans suitable for face to face learning, and online learning, the thought of making intentional connections with students may seem to be overwhelming. Your question might go something like this, “How do I make connections when I only have about 5-10 minutes a day to talk with students before I have to deliver instruction?”Great question! The purpose of the individual or small group chats (think Pit Crew) is to hear about your student’s experiences and perspective so that you can know them as an individual and they have an opportunity to build a relationship with a trusted adult. Here is how to have a five-minute chat with a student or a small group of students.
Step 1 Initiate - In a virtual or in-person group setting, let the students know that you want to connect with them. You want to hear about how things are going, how their jobs and other classes are going, and certainly, you want to know if they need help. Invite students to email or talk face to face, both are possible with technology. Step 2 Open - Show that the students are important to you and that you care about them. Perhaps you can start the conversation with, “I’m excited to have you in my Pit Crew/class this year. It is going to be a great year! Step 3 Personalize - Ask questions that invite students to share as much or as little as they are comfortable sharing. Be more specific than “how are you?” You might want to ask, “What’s been on your mind lately?” “Have you been able to manage all the stress of starting the school year?” Step 4 Invite Feedback - Show your students that you value their perspective and are open to hearing what they have to say. “Tell me about a challenge you are facing.” or try “How does virtual learning feel? Are you stressed about it?” Step 5 Close - End on an optimistic, forward-thinking note. Thank the students for speaking with you and talking about what is going right. You may want to say something like, “What is the best thing that happened today?” Or “What is making you happy right now?” Here are a few other tips and phrases that may be helpful when talking with your students
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