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Tag: Life-Work Balance

Refill Your Cup: Finding Balance in Teaching

September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 ~ wordancerblog ~ 7 Comments

This week, my joyful moment came in the form of a little second-grade girl named Victoria.  Victoria rarely smiles and usually speaks in a whisper.  Her writing, however, is full of sophisticated humor.  I know that there is a sparkly little girl inside her somewhere. 

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  1. Trish's avatar
    Trish on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 29, 2026

    I loved reading this observation: "I was just setting the stage for children to create.  They did not need help;…

  2. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    Come to New Jersey anytime, Kim. You have an open invitation!

  3. kimhaynesjohnson's avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    What's so fascinating is that children are accepting and agreeable when it comes to working together (mostly)- - far more…

  4. Anita Ferreri's avatar
    Anita Ferreri on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    I think you should give yourself a round of applause for inspiring their creativity!

  5. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    Yes, this is the best part of my job. I'm a learning specialist, but I made room (literally) for crafting,…

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7 responses to “Refill Your Cup: Finding Balance in Teaching”

  1. dkzody Avatar
    dkzody
    October 1, 2024

    I love your attitude about the right people being put together for a REASON. This year has not started well with one new second grade teacher.

    In my retirement I am a volunteer storyteller in an inner city school, and this is my 11th year with first grade and 6th year with second grade. There are new teachers in both grades. I’m the veteran!

    The new second grade teacher appears to not like me nor want me in the class, but her students, who know me well from last year, do want me. They are just struggling with how to behave. I’m at the point of bowing out and leaving the new teacher with her students and not bothering any of us. I hear a small quiet voice, though, saying, “you are the professional here, you have the experience with lots of people. You can handle this new teacher better than anyone.” Hmmmm.

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    1. wordancerblog Avatar
      wordancerblog
      October 1, 2024

      Thanks for your note and your honesty. Go with your gut and do what you think would be best for the KIDS. That’s what I do. Sometimes I put myself in uncomfortable situations – but it always turns out to be a learning experience and I know the KIDS appreciate it (and the teacher will come around most probably – eventually). It’s hard to be new and to trust. Trust is at a premium these days.

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  2. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie
    October 1, 2024

    “The book club members felt good taking time to talk with each about the ups and downs of teaching.  I’m glad I was able to carve out a little space in our day for this.” 

    What a gift. Thanks for sharing this title and your great optimism.

    I was immediately drawn to your post by your title. 🦋

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Trish Avatar
    Trish
    October 1, 2024

    This post, as it often does, comes along at just the right time. To begin with, I love your ending with a moment of joy. Let the sparkle continue. For inspiration, though, I am going to take a close look at Teach Happier This School Year. We are considering a book club/study for a statewide literacy meeting we conduct once a month. This one sounds like just what the doctor (of morale) ordered!

    Let your experience be your guide; that is a perfect mantra.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs
    October 1, 2024

    Joanne, what a sweet post. I’m so glad you started the book club. It sounds like a great idea. I can appreciate the idea of having your half-full / half-empty cup “refillable.” It makes us remember the importance of self-care, that our cups really are refillable. Of course they are. So happy for Victoria and her relationship with you that will grow and develop this year.

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  5. Erika Avatar
    Erika
    October 1, 2024

    How wonderful to have made time to center happiness with your colleagues! Think of the ripples this will create! This year I am taking a free course on teaching happiness. Bhutan made it a priority to focus on gross national happiness and I am learning so much through this course. Like you, with this book, this is not about toxic positivity, but about cultivating skills of noticing and making small shifts. Thank you for bringing us into your book club.

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  6. Stacey Shubitz Avatar
    Stacey Shubitz
    October 2, 2024

    When you say a 10-day schedule, do you mean that it cycles through ten days and then goes back again? My daughter had a 12-day cycle in sixth grade and I told her that she’d have to remember when to wear sneakers for PE since that was more than I could be expected to handle at my age! (Thankfully, she rose to the occasion so I didn’t have to!)

    I’m actually writing a chapter on joy for the book I’m writing RIGHT NOW! Have you ever read Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book, JOYFUL?

    LikeLike

    Reply
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