I learned to crochet during lockdown. Along with a lot of other people, I found the repetitive motions, soft textures and cheerful colours a welcome sanctuary from the extreme stress of the news. Why does crocheting sooth my brain? Sensory Activities For Students. Crocheting is among some of the recommended sensory activities that can help… Continue reading Granny Secrets
Tag: retiredteacher
Cheerleading At Any Age
I love my cheerleaders, but I don’t tell them often enough. Our cheerleaders are the people who support us and cheer us on, when we embark on new projects. As a teacher, they were the ones who supported me when I tried new lessons, or methods to teach the harder to reach students. As a… Continue reading Cheerleading At Any Age
Looking For A Mentor
Having a model to follow is a valuable way to learn. As a teacher, I knew that telling my class something would have a limited impact. However, modelling the behaviour gave them the ability to see the idea in action and understand it better. We all need mentors in our lives to show us how… Continue reading Looking For A Mentor
Multitasking Myth
I used to be able to do it. I did it for years and it was necessary for my job. But now, I’ve lost my ability to multitask. I used to be able to re-direct three students while assessing another student, walk across the room to grab a missing worksheet, and drink my tea. All… Continue reading Multitasking Myth
Oh, Martha!
Did you see Martha Stewart on the cover of the swimsuit edition of that magazine? (This photo is not her) Some people were celebrating her appearance and marvelling that someone “her age” could look like that. For me, it’s her confidence and attitude that I applaud. She views ageism as “boring” and focuses on “good living.”*… Continue reading Oh, Martha!
The Selfishness Of Retiring, The Possibility of Volunteering
I made my decision to retire almost a year ago. At the time I gave myself an arbitrary amount of time to flounder: a year. I told myself that I would take the first year to recover, to explore and to relax. As my first year anniversary approaches, I wonder if continuing to stay retired… Continue reading The Selfishness Of Retiring, The Possibility of Volunteering
Out Of My Control
It’s very difficult to let go of control. As a teacher, I felt the pressure to “control my class” which really meant keeping them quiet and engaged. I never quite managed the peaceful part of that. I preferred to keep my students noisy and engaged. However, there are times that I have had to acknowledge… Continue reading Out Of My Control
Ignore The Grind
There’s no denying that daily grind of getting up and doing work. It’s ingrained in us from the time we start school. The idea of taking time off or staying home when you’re sick is frowned upon by parents, schools and your boss. Consistent attendance is rewarded by schools and then cherished by businesses. It’s… Continue reading Ignore The Grind
Forgetting To Remember To Be Present
I’m trying to use my time wisely and that’s more challenging now that I don’t have a regular work schedule to plan around. You’d think that having more time would make it easier, but often it doesn’t. Time gets frittered away on numerous things during the day and suddenly it’s dinner time again. Being mindful,… Continue reading Forgetting To Remember To Be Present
Where In The World Is…
Considering that I’ve always lived on the same planet, I have managed to stay remarkably ignorant of its countries. Sure, I can find where I am on the globe, and the places that I’ve visited, but that’s about it. Sadly, most of my knowledge is extremely North American and Euro-centric. Challenging My Ignorance. A year… Continue reading Where In The World Is…
Retired, And Now What? 