OK so this is the teacher dream, right? Doing what the rest of the world *thinks* teachers do - working contract hours?! It’s almost laughable as any teacher knows that is virtually impossible if you want to do a decent job… Well, believe it or not, there are habits you can adopt that will actually help you get closer to this goal of leaving teaching at school. I recorded some “podblog” episodes where I recorded my efforts to try different strategies to try and get as much work done during the school day so that I could actually adopt some self-care and have a life when I got home. After much trial and error, in this episode I share some of the best habits I adopted that helped me get that bit closer to working contract hours as a teacher!

Resources mentioned in this episode: 💻 Free tiny task teacher checklist: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p3a3c0 Podcast episodes mentioned in this episode: 1. Reduce teacher overload and get it all done: https://www.teachersresourceforce.com/podcast/reduce-overload-and-get-it-all-done-ep142 2. How to stop thinking about school when you're not at school: https://www.teachersresourceforce.com/podcast/how-to-s140 3. How to deal with an overflowing teacher workload: https://www.teachersresourceforce.com/podcast/125

If you're looking for some random but effective tips to help you be much more productive during the school day and get more done so there's less you have to do in your free time, then this episode is for you!

As your technology collection continues to grow as you teach remotely from home and school, you have likely had to have a bit of a revamp to accommodate the increased use. These are some of my most favourite technology home/school office supplies from Amazon that I have purchased this past year that have made my life so much easier!

Products mentioned in this episode: 1. Blue light glasses: Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3uT98K2 Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3ydbplk 2. Bluetooth keyboard: Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3bxaVNq Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3eV90nO 3. Computer stand: Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3tQJNiE Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3orpAPk 4. Phone boom stand: Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/33PThjw Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2S3MZtQ 5. Wireless earbuds: Amazon USA (similar): https://amzn.to/3yi393F Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/33Uiw4q 6. Ergonomic computer mouse: Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3eWOUJT Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3hA3oRQ

Are you a teacher feeling overwhelmed with all the things to do in your life? Overwhelm is a result of your brain being overly efficient trying to keep your to do list front of mind. While that's all very nice, it does not a happy teacher make. It leaves you feeling frazzled, stressed and overwhelmed! Listen to this episode to learn the ultimate 3 step system to organize your life and reduce overwhelm!

Kindness is more important now than ever, as we are adapting to a new way of living; teaching and learning is even more challenging than it usually is. Schools around the globe are having to adapt to online, hybrid learning or face-to-face learning while dealing with all the uncertainty, fear and devastation that comes with a pandemic. It is crucial that we do our best to nurture a culture of kindness in schools. Listen to this episode to learn some ideas but how to do this in your virtual online, hybrid or face-to-face classroom!

As students spend more and more time on asynchronous activities and learning remotely, it is becoming extra challenging to keep them on their toes and exposed to new and fresh websites to keep remote/hybrid learning interesting. If left to their own devices too much, we know what they will likely revert to (ahem TikTok, video games…) Well this episode is about how to utilize some wonderful underrated websites out there that will help make your life easier as you teach in a virtual or hybrid classroom!

Are you frustrated that your students are not completing their assignments right now as you navigate the world of online or hybrid learning? Maybe they’re not engaging in your lessons? You can’t monitor what they’re doing as they learn from home, and can’t offer the same amount of support you would “pre-COVID”. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Listen in to learn ways in which you can help motivate and engage your students during these challenging times of online/hybrid learning.

Morning meetings 🌅 (a.k.a. tutor time / form time / advisory / guidance period - it has many names!) is an extremely powerful way to start the school day with your students. It sets your students off on the right foot. It gives them a routine that is safe and predictable, whilst still being something exciting to look forward to, when done right. Establishing a powerful morning meeting is easy to do and doesn't need hours of prep, if you know where to look! I hope you enjoy these tips for an effective morning meeting with your big kids!