Doing individual apple pies was almost a week long activity for some students and just two days for others. This is a picture of one of the grade 10's apple pies at my school. It's actually not one of my students but I wanted to show you the type of project that they completed a couple weeks ago. It was a challenge to coordinate, a challenge to demonstrate and to cook! The pies take about 45 mintues and our class is just over an hour. All that being said students were soooo proud and excited that they were taking home a whole pie that they had fully made!
Why Trying to Do Too Much is Actually a Good Thing for Teachers
Have you ever heard someone say that you're trying to do too much? As a teacher, you might feel the pressure to scale back and simplify your approach. However, what if I told you that over-planning and taking on a lot can actually be beneficial? In this post, I'll explore the benefits of having a lot on your plate and how it can lead to more engaged students and a more creative classroom environment. We'll also dive into how taking on more challenges can build resilience, and the importance of self-care in a busy lifestyle. By the end of this article, you'll see that trying to do too much as a teacher can actually have positive outcomes. So, let's dive in and discover how a little bit of extra effort can go a long way in the classroom.,
Over-planning Leads to More Engaged Students
When teachers plan out every minute detail of a lesson or unit, it can lead to a more engaging experience for their students. Over-planning allows teachers to think through every aspect of the lesson, including potential roadblocks that could arise. It can also lead to more creative solutions to classroom challenges, rather than sticking to a predetermined plan. This type of preparedness allows for improvisation and adaptation in the moment, fostering a more responsive and dynamic classroom environment. In fact, when students see their teacher flexibly adapting to and incorporating unexpected elements, they become more invested and attentive. Creativity thrives in a busy classroom environment, and over-planning can lead to just that.,
Creativity Thrives in a Busy Classroom Environment
When teachers have a packed schedule and a lot to accomplish, it can seem like there's no room for creativity. However, the opposite can actually be true - creativity can thrive in a busy classroom environment. With a lot to accomplish and unexpected challenges popping up, teachers often have to think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions to keep their students engaged and on track. This can lead to exciting and dynamic lessons that keep everyone on their toes. Additionally, students are often more invested in a lesson when they see their teacher trying new approaches and incorporating outside-the-box ideas.
Taking on more challenges builds resilience, and it's important for teachers to feel comfortable adapting to a busy schedule and unexpected changes. By embracing the unexpected and staying open to new ideas, teachers can create a classroom environment that's both productive and engaging. When teachers are willing to try new things and take risks, they model important skills for their students, encouraging them to become more resilient and innovative as well. So, while a busy classroom can be overwhelming at times, it can also be an exciting and rewarding place for creativity to flourish.,
It also doesn't mean everything you try stays. Sometimes I try to make apple pie in two class periods and realize it actually needs to be 3. Maybe I see my students can't handle a muffin recipe with a garnish on the first day they do muffins but they can on the third day once they understand the basic technique. It's a don't be afraid to build on skills mentality. So I cook with students every day! Do I take detailed notes on their skills every day, nope but that might be something I build up to.
Taking on More Challenges Builds Resilience
Teachers can benefit greatly from taking on more challenges and embracing a busy schedule. This not only fosters creativity in the classroom but also builds resilience. In a fast-paced environment, teachers have to think quickly and come up with innovative solutions to keep their students engaged. This approach challenges students to think outside the box and creates a dynamic and exciting learning environment. When teachers model a willingness to take risks and try new approaches, they encourage their students to become more resilient and innovative.
However, with a packed schedule, it's essential for teachers to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. In a profession that demands so much emotional energy, teachers need to make time for themselves to recharge and avoid becoming overwhelmed.,
The Importance of Self-Care in a Busy Lifestyle
With the many responsibilities that come with being a teacher, it's easy to forget the importance of taking care of oneself. In a profession that requires constant emotional investment, it's crucial for teachers to make time for self-care to avoid burnout.
Self-care can come in many forms, such as taking a break during a busy day to meditate, going for a walk outside to get some fresh air, or simply taking a few moments to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. It's important to prioritize self-care to ensure that teachers have the energy and mental clarity to continue providing quality education for their students.
When teachers take care of themselves, they model healthy behavior for their students and demonstrate the importance of self-care. This not only teaches students valuable life skills but also creates a positive classroom environment. Additionally, self-care helps teachers stay motivated and engaged in their work, which ultimately benefits both the teacher and the students.
In the end, it's clear that taking on more challenges and embracing a busy schedule can be beneficial for teachers. However, it's equally important for teachers to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and continue providing quality education for their students. By finding a healthy balance between work and self-care, teachers are better equipped to face the challenges of the classroom and become more effective educators.,
In conclusion, while many may argue that trying to do too much as a teacher is detrimental, this article has shown the benefits of over-planning and taking on more. It can lead to increased student engagement, a more creative classroom environment, and build resilience. However, it is important to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. Remember, don't be afraid to take on a little more and see the positive effects it can have in your classroom. As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and neither is the perfect classroom. Keep pushing yourself and your students to be the best they can be.