It's been a while since I have shared anything on my blog. I have personally been through a lot with my husband having open heart surgery in early December. I have also struggled this year in feeling like I have anything good to share and that I am not living up to my expectations for myself. It has been hard teaching both in-person and online students at the same time.
However, one thing I have not stopped doing is bringing JOY to my classroom each and everyday. So, I'm here to remind you that JOY in the classroom starts with YOU!!
I read this tweet this morning and it resonates big with me.
I have not lost sight of academics and TEKS, but this year I am sharing and looking for the JOY in each and every day that the Lord has given me.
Some ways I am bringing JOY into my classroom:
1. Sharing fun facts and riddles on my daily slide deck with my students to start each day. Thanks Kelsey French for this idea. These always get laughs, students' sharing memories and stories, and get the day started on a positive note!
2. FriYAY 3-2-1
We all look forward to this one! We spend some time on Fridays just reflecting and sharing with one another. It builds our classroom culture. Grab a copy here!
We all look forward to this one! We spend some time on Fridays just reflecting and sharing with one another. It builds our classroom culture. Grab a copy here!
3. Dress Up Days, Celebrations, and Escape Rooms-
I'm an elementary teacher so I love a good theme! I find any excuse to dress up, celebrate my students, and give them activities to look forward to. JOY is contagious. The more excited I am the more excited they are!
4. Smile and Decide to Choose Joy-
Joy is a feeling, and I decide to choose it each day even on the tough days. My students deserve it! We talk about it often and I remind them to choose joy as well. I told my students my middle name was joy this week, and the best compliment was when they all agreed it was the perfect name for me.
I know you are doing hard things each and every day in your classroom, but you are also doing amazing things! Remember above all Choose JOY because you and your students deserve it! I promise you, you'll leave school feeling better too!
