COUNSELING TIPS 2021-22 (1)

GETTING OFF A GOOD START BRING PARENTS INTO THE “CASSROOM” A personalized touch: When Research shows that the more deeply a parent is in-person parent meetings involved in their child’s weren’t possible due to the pandemic, embedding learning, the larger the ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION impact on the child’s short, introductory videos in achievement and Two-way communication emails is an effective alternative. A video format performance in school. where parents can listen and receive information, shares your personality and Show off your families’ can speak and be heard, strengths: Give parents a warmth with parents while chance to highlight their ensures a healthy exchange also outlining the syllabus and explaining classroom talents, experiences, and of ideas that welcomes them as partners. Share expectations. We can skills to get them more regular information about engaged in the classroom. foster strong parent Students could mention any how students are engagement, break down barriers, and provide skills that they might want progressing and engaging with lessons at school. support for all students. to share with the class. expectations. HTTPS://WWW.EDUTOPIA.ORG/ARTICLE/TEACHER-PARENT- COMMUNICATION-STRATEGIES-START-YEAR-RIGHT

CULTIVATING CONNECTION WITH COLLEAGUES https://barrcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Teacher-Back-to-School-Toolkit-1.pdf Event-Planning and Collaboration Communication • Form a committee that leads Short, sweet, and positive communication: • Send a quick text or email with an celebrations for birthdays and special events (virtual or socially-distant uplifting message, GIF, or meme. gatherings). • Passing along information and • Back-to-School Social Event Recognition celebrations for peers. celebrations. • Best Virtual Background competition Virtual competitions (photo, cooking, etc.) • Consider both in school and out of school projects. For example, your team could volunteer at a community event or fundraiser. • Merge classrooms and join in co-teaching experiences whenever possible - this change in routine will be fun for students and staff. Take on a special project together. One-on-one Connection Ideas Consider partnering with a colleague - no work, just engaging socially. Each week, pick a new activity to try. • Virtual or socially-distant coffee dates • Have prompts ready if conversation starters are needed • Complete a collaborative \"work of art\" - gather supplies quickly and use what you have to create a masterpiece together in no more than 30 minutes. • Back-and-forth activities, such as writing a story line-by-line, or taking turns drawing something can be a fun way to get creativity and laughter flowing. https://barrcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ Teacher-Back-to-School-Toolkit-1.pdf

You got this! A bingo board with self-care ideas from your fellow educators! https://www.teacher2teacher.education/teacher-self-care-bingo/

https://barrcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Teacher-Back-to-School-Toolkit-1.pdf Taking care of ourselves must come before taking care of others. While we know this to be true, putting it into practice can be challenging. Be kind to yourself and remember that learning is a lifelong journey and we are all human. Ensure you are meeting your own basic needs - food, water, exercise, connection. • Be sure to hydrate regularly. • Don’t skip lunch and if you are crunched for time, pack nutritious snacks. • Go for “walk-and-talk” meetings for brief conversations to get the blood flowing and body moving. After a crisis or a major stressor, maintain a sense of normalcy wherever possible. Routines, schedules, setting clear expectations - all of these things limit extra stress and allow us to navigate the complexity of back to school more effectively. • Similarly, having consistent expectations across classrooms/teachers, and sharing the load will help staff just as much as it helps students. Set healthy and clear boundaries for your physical, emotional, and social health. • Recognize your boundaries and what’s right for you - everyone deals with stress in their own way. • Find a place and time for yourself to have space and reflect. • Communicate your boundaries - to family, colleagues, and friends - and respect your limits. Benjie, Aisa, Joy, Triana, Shaq, Aiz, Carla, Triza, Tin, Ela, Lizbeth, Maricel, Leah, Vette, Len and Monique