All Day, Every Day



All Day, Every day

I was sitting in a meeting the other day and the room was filled with sneezing, coughing and running noses. It was apparent that not everyone was feeling 100%, but they were there trying their best to participate. Even though I was not under the weather, I started to think about how I can stay healthy when everyone else is coming down with something.

Reflecting on the day and the situation, I relate it back to education. As parents, students, co-workers get tired and unmotivated, it is our job to keep the focus on the right thing. The focus must remain on KIDS. During this time of year there are so many distracting elements that try to pull us away. Stay strong, stay focused and keep pushing forward.

I don’t wake up everyday with the energy and desire to get up and get after it. I must reach into my toolbox and use those tools to help myself, help others.

Here are some reminders on how to Bring It Every Day, All Day:

  1. Celebrations and Acts of Kindness- How are you celebrating kids? How are you showing others kindness? My daughter came home from school the other day with a card that she had put on her desk at school. The class did a kindness walk and all her classmates came by and wrote down the things that they liked about her. She was pumped, she was excited and rejuvenated because others valued her. Adults can do this as well. Too often we respect each other, but don’t tell each other why.
One of our classrooms was fortunate enough to participate in Classroom Champions this year. With the Olympics happening one of our classes decided to celebrate both the Olympics and our school and set up an Olympic field day. This was a day that took tons of work, but the energy was high and contagious.

  1. Tell Your Story- If you look at parent communication and social media, does it look the same as the first day of school? Too often when I peruse other schools social media accounts, you see a huge drop off after the holidays. This is the time that we must flood our stories with positivity and all the great things that are happening within our walls. Share the story with all stakeholders and allow everyone to know that you never stop. When educators share their story and what they are doing, everyone wins.

  1. Passion Projects- Everyone has something that they like to do, something that gives them passion. Whether you are woodworker, knitter, athlete, writer, or artist, your passion is what makes you who you are. Education is an amazing opportunity to share those projects with your colleagues and your students. When we hit the times where it is tough to stay focused and bring the energy, incorporate your passion projects within the day. Share them with your colleagues and community to bring everyone together and stay focused on the kids.

  1. Interaction- Who are your people? Everyone must have a group of people that can serve as their sounding board. People that you trust and can lean on when times are tough. Create a PLN that knows what the job is like and can support you whenever it is needed. At any point, I can reach out to colleagues from across the country and know they know what I am talking about and they will pick me up.
Get out of your classroom or office and sit with kids. Get to know them and build relationships. Too often or perspectives are jaded and it takes a refresher of why we are
         there to put us back on track.

  1. Environment- Our environment plays a huge role on how we are feeling and our outlook for the day. Change your environment and make it work for you and your students. Don’t be afraid to change it up. Changing of environment brings a fresh look and provides an opportunity for something new. Changing things up is a stress reliever for me and allows me to focus back in on what is important.

No matter the method that you choose to stay focused, you must bring others with you. Our kids need us all day, everyday. Be the ONE that is not afraid to try something new to ensure that you bring it all day, everyday.

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