We hate to break the news, but August is here, and with it, the beginning of a new school year. As the school year nears and summer comes to a close, many of us begin the lamenting process of saying goodbye to the warmer weather, the extra family time, and the rest and relaxation associated with this particular season. Though the start of fall brings us a lot of excitement at Mobile Ed Productions, we know it may also cause some feelings of stress for educators across the country.
This year will be especially stressful for both staff and students as many schools return to in-person learning after a year of hybrid and/or virtual learning (and everything else in between). Wondering how the students will adjust, keeping students engaged, and following ever-changing mandates only scratch the surface of things we must prepare as educators.
If you were face to face last year, you know that mandates and guidelines change by the week. On top of all of the staff concerns, students will have a whole new set of concerns and emotions that educators will have to deal with. COVID fears, social anxiety being amongst their peers, and feeling disconnected from the school community all can cause students to stress out and can disrupt the learning and teaching processes.
Mobile Ed can help.
We are supporting our teachers with five pieces of advice that will make this transition just a bit easier:
- Rest
Your students will learn the most if their teachers are mentally and emotionally able to serve them. Not only will your students learn in a more energized environment, but your intentional summer reset will provide energy and motivation through the tough moments of the school year. Discover how you are best able to recharge and commit to it intentionally.
Though summer is perfect for rest and relaxation, rest and mental well-being should remain a priority throughout the school year. Plan ways you can commit to finding time for rest each week.
- Reflect
Though we’re educators, we’re also lifelong students. It may be time for you to have a tough conversation with yourself about how you feel the past school year went for both you and your students.
What worked well for you?
What worked well for the students?
What didn’t work well for you?
What can you change?
There’s no need to feel frustrated about what didn’t work so well but rather reflect on opportunities to grow and show up for your students in more effective ways this year.
- Communicate
Perhaps one of the biggest things the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is the importance of community and human connection. Whether in-person or virtually, get in touch with your community of educators. Have an honest and reflective conversation with other educators to discover more perspectives that could provide new ideas and directions for your classroom.
- Set Goals
Setting personal and professional goals for everyone is imperative for growth, especially educators. Based on your reflection time, write down ways (small and big) you can improve as a teacher, co-worker, and leader. Intentional awareness of your specific goals will make your goals closer to reach.
If your professional goals feel a little out of reach, don’t worry! We’ve been there. Mobile Ed has fundraising programs for schools to support their students. Our various fundraisers are hands-on, fresh, and fun for both students and parents. Trust us, we put the “fun” in fundraising with our wildly popular, interactive assemblies.
- Plan
After an adequate amount of rest and reflection, begin collecting and designing a few activities for the upcoming fall. Planning in advance for students’ return to a “new normal” after a year of instability will prevent future frustration and stress.
Having trouble finding interesting and fresh activities? Our educators provide activities, small and large, for students of all ages. Free classroom activities can be found on our blog.
Feel free to book one of our various live or virtual assemblies if you need fresh and relevant activities for your students. Mobile Ed Productions offers affordable assemblies that meet curriculum requirements for a variety of topics such as STEAM, history, and the arts. Check our trusted assemblies, both in-person and virtual.
Our team is excited for the new school year and here to help our nation’s most important workers. For more helpful education tips for your classroom, check the Mobile Ed Productions blog.
