Find your Focus

January 12, 2024 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

I recently read an article that suggested that we each should spend time being in our flow. From what I’ve read, being in your flow is about enjoying a creative endeavor. I thought about the many times I’ve enjoyed being in my flow while writing. Enjoying creativity is a flow we all need.

Can we create this same kind of flow during our work or school day? Work or school may not feel like a creative flow, but it can be a way to get lost in our tasks by being completely focused. Yet, maintaining focus in today’s fast-paced world can be challenging. With some effective strategies on hand, you can enhance concentration, be more productive and then get back as soon as possible to your flow.

Set Clear Goals for the Day

Clearly define your goals for the day and create a list that contains what you want to achieve. Knowing what you want to achieve helps you prioritize tasks and stay focused on what truly matters. You can break down your tasks into a list of actionable items. This not only helps you organize your work but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you check off completed tasks. Try to tackle the most important items first, which will help minimize the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Time Blocking

Allocate specific blocks of time for different activities. This strategy can help you avoid multitasking and ensure dedicated focus on one task at a time. When I find myself getting distracted in the middle of a task, I use the Pomodoro technique. It emphasizes working in short intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by short breaks (typically 5 minutes). All you need is a timer to get started. Give it a try to help improve concentration and prevent burnout.

Minimize Distractions

Identify and minimize potential distractions in your environment. Turn off notifications, create a quiet workspace, and let others know when you need uninterrupted time. You may need to hide your phone and shut down all of your tabs on your computer. I don’t find the phone distracting, but I usually have about 15 tabs open on my computer. I use the tabs as reminders of what I need to get done during the day, but they often distract me when I’m trying to focus on one topic. Determine your distractions and work to eliminate them.

Sleep, Exercise, Hydrate

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps with focus. Lack of sleep can significantly impair your ability to focus, so prioritize a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you are well-rested and alert during the day. Regular exercise boosts your energy level and brain health, which helps with your concentration levels.. Dehydration and hunger can negatively impact your focus and energy levels. Ensure you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support cognitive function.

Stay Organized

It’s hard to keep your focus when your workspace is cluttered. You may have a system where you know how to find everything, but if your workspace looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in a few months, clean it and organize it. A tidy environment can help reduce mental clutter, decrease distractions, and enhance focus.

Set Realistic Expectations

Each morning when you create a to-do list, be sure to be realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe. You don’t want to overcommit yourself and then end the day feeling like you failed. Instead, create a list of what you know you can accomplish and then at the end of the day acknowledge and maybe even celebrate your productivity. The positive reinforcement will help keep you motivated as you continue making progress.

A New Start, A New Semester

January 5, 2024 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Although the leaves on the trees are gone and everything outside looks stark and bleak, this time of year can be a time for growth. Personal growth can begin at any time of the year, but a new semester is the perfect time to refocus goals and a commitment to learning. Setting learning goals can begin with a simple reflection about your last semester. Did you achieve deep learning? Did you prioritize learning over other parts of your life? Did you finish the semester feeling proud of the work you completed?

If the answers to the above questions satisfy you, then you have nothing to change as the new semester begins. However, if any of your responses cause you pause, then you have the opportunity to make some changes before the new semester begins. The first step to making a change is to decide on one or two long term goals. A long term goal can last for several months and it takes small incremental steps to achieve the goal. Focusing on just a couple of goals will help you prioritize and make progress.

You can begin by setting a long term goal and then making a plan on how to best achieve it. For example, if you know that you tend to procrastinate with assignments and would like to change that habit, you need to create a plan that will motivate you to complete assignments early. Perhaps you can create your own due dates that allow for extra time to complete the assignment days before it is actually due. And, if you succeed, create a reward system. Rewards can come in any form. You know what you like, so make a list of some of the rewards that might motivate you to complete your assignments by your “own due date.”

Create a daily schedule, one that is reasonable and therefore doable. Sticking to a schedule will help you form a habit. Daily habits will help you reach your long-term goals. You can begin by doing an examination of how you spend your time each day. Many believe they have no time in their day to add another task; they already feel overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Yet, if you take some time to examine each minute of your day, you may begin to see things that need to be changed and where you might consolidate your time. Maybe you spend too much time scrolling on your phone, watching TV or hanging out with friends. These activities do not need to be eliminated, but you can begin to put a time limit on how long you do each one.

Once you’ve examined how you already spend your time and understand where you can add opportunities to work on assignments, create a schedule. Write it down and make it visible. You are in charge of creating the schedule, so create one that makes you happy. A schedule that allows you to take short breaks throughout the day. One that allows time to focus and accomplish and time to refresh and relax. The schedule does not need to be to the minute, but you should set aside blocks of time to work on school work. Time when you are energized and ready and open to new learning. Do you work better in the morning? Would you rather work after dinner? Or do you prefer short increments of school work throughout the day?

Only a very small percentage of people keep their resolutions throughout the year. But, don’t look at setting a learning goal as a resolution. A learning goal can become a way of life if you create one that motivates you. A goal that will make you feel proud of yourself if you keep it. Taking small steps towards the goal can be a simple change. Focus on one course or just one assignment. Any small change will benefit you.

New Year’s Resolutions and New Learnings

December 31, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

It’s the time of year to reflect on the past and look to the possibilities of the future. As I write this blog on New Year’s Eve, I’ve thought a lot about the types of resolutions I’d like to make to be a better version of myself. Will I stick to each one? I hope so, but I’m also realistic and know that some will fall through the cracks. Sharing some of my professional resolutions in a public forum will hopefully help me achieve my goals… time will tell.

2024 Resolution #1

To begin, I’d like to be more consistent with my Online Learnings’ blog. I feel so good when I post a new blog, yet I haven’t made time for writing, one of my favorite activities. Writing this blog is something I enjoy, so why haven’t I made it a priority? I’ll start small by creating a new writing schedule for myself.

Making a goal achievable should begin with action steps, a way to make the goal possible. Setting aside a time to write each day will be a part of my daily schedule. The weekends will be optional, but I can set a time to write every morning during the work week. I’ll begin with just ten minutes each day because I know I can keep this schedule. Once I get into the rhythm, I’ll be able to add more minutes, and hopefully, produce blogs every 7 to 10 days, which is another goal of mine. How do I hold myself accountable? I’m going to keep a tracker on my iPad and tell family members about my plan. Keeping track and telling others about my goals will increase my chances of success.

Resolution #2

In my professional life as an instructional designer, I want to continue learning more about artificial intelligence and how it can help instructors create amazing courses and students engage in significant learning. We all have a lot to learn about AI, and it will be interesting to see what 2024 will bring. Will instructors begin to embrace AI? Will it become embedded in our everyday tasks? Will students use it to assist them in their learning?

Of course I’m hoping for the best with AI. The technology is rapidly progressing and it can be difficult to stay on top of the changes. At times I feel overwhelmed; it seems impossible to learn it all, but reading an article or watching the latest video 3 or 4 times each week will help me continue to progress.

Along with seeking out and reading the latest articles, I want to use AI more in my everyday tasks. And, while I feel confident in my knowledge of ChatGPT, I’m eager to delve deeper into other AI technologies like Claude and Bard. Exploring their functionalities will not only broaden my expertise but also open new possibilities in my teaching and instructional design projects.

Measurable?

How will I know if my AI resolution is achieved since it’s not really a measurable goal? While goals should be measurable, I’d like for my goal of learning more about AI to be charted through my writing, teaching, and designing. I will begin by keeping a log of the articles and videos I’m reading and watching. I’ll include the link of the article or video and write a brief summary for each. I’ve been collecting articles over the past year, but I don’t always create the time to read each one. Writing brief summaries and playing with AI technologies will increase my knowledge base, which will begin to show in my work. It already has to some degree, but I’m ready to do more and share more of what I learn and how I use these technologies.

Learning Goals

Include a learning goal as one of your resolutions. Creating a goal that involves learning something new, like my AI goal, is a fun way to keep progressing and improving. If you’re a parent, showing your kids that you’re still a learner is an excellent demonstration of the importance of lifelong learning. If you want to climb the ladder at work, share a new skill at a party, or just challenge yourself, create a resolution that involves learning. Noone regrets learning something new, so pick a topic and start exploring. Begin with just 5 minutes each day. We can all afford 5 minutes out of our day, so set a reminder on your phone and begin.

More writing, more blogs, and more usage of AI seem to be the main resolutions for my professional side. I know many people don’t believe in making resolutions and many break them within the first week; however, I’ve always loved the idea of a fresh start, a new beginning. It doesn’t have to be on January 1st each year; it can be the start of a new week or month, really any day can be a do over. I’m going to get started tomorrow and let you know about my progress every few months. You’ll know whether I’m producing more blogs, but I’ll keep you updated on my progress with AI. Feel free to post a comment about one of your resolutions and how you plan to achieve it.

Trying Out Artificial Intelligence

November 24, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Photo by Dan Cristian Pu0103dureu021b on Pexels.com

Is the hum of Artificial Intelligence present in your classroom? I’ve tried to make it a part of my role as an instructional designer and as an adjunct instructor. From crafting workshops to unlocking the untapped potential of AI-driven brainstorming sessions, my journey with ChatGPT is closer to a rollercoaster ride. I’ve had some successes and some failures, but I continue to climb the hill towards integrating Generative AI into the very fabric of teaching and learning.

Artificial Intelligence is now a part of our world. We use it when we ask Siri for the weather forecast or when we type a new restaurant into our phone to find directions. We’ve been using some form of AI for years on a regular basis; it’s just a part of how we operate in our daily lives. Yet, when ChatGPT and other Generative AI (GenAI) models made headlines, we weren’t sure how they might become part of our daily lives.

Although many have not tried to use these new tools, others are becoming more familiar with their use and capabilities. No matter where you are with your understanding of GenAI, they are here to stay and will impact our everyday lives including our jobs.

The education world has been struggling with how and if to use GenAI technology. As with any new tool, some instructors are early adopters while others question its use or dismiss it entirely. I’ve been an early adopter. I believe it will significantly change how we teach and how we learn, so I want to be on the cutting edge of this change. One of my goals for creating these blogs is to get more people interested in how these tools can help with teaching and reduce workload.

When I first used ChatGPT and tried some basic prompts, the responses I received were sub-par. I asked the Large Learning Model (LLM) for help with marketing a workshop I had created for faculty. The response sounded like a commercial for a kids’ Saturday morning TV show. The tone of it was so over the top, I feared no one would take the workshop seriously. However, I kept prompting ChatGPT to tone it down a bit and eventually received a short paragraph that clearly described the workshop. I only had to revise a couple of words for it to sound more like what I wanted.

I don’t think my first experience with using the tool saved me any time since I had to keep prompting the tool in order to get it how I wanted. I’m pretty sure I could have written it on my own much faster. But, I kept playing with ChatGPT for other tasks and started to get the hang of it. My favorite use of the tool is its brainstorming capabilities. I used it to brainstorm ideas on how to begin a class about understanding credibility, relevancy, and currency when conducting research. I received ten different ideas. After choosing one of the ideas, I asked ChatGPT to provide sample articles for my students to explore. It gave me ten articles, brief summaries, and explanations on their credibility. In under five minutes I had a class activity for my students. It would have taken me hours to find the articles and determine the credibility for each. I was impressed with how much time it saved me and the quality of the activity.

I do want to caution people about hallucinations. ChatGPT and other GenAI tools hallucinate, which is basically making up responses. Of the ten articles I received from the brainstorming activity, one did not exist. I found all of the other articles, but I could not find one of the articles although it sounded legitimate. Still, nine articles is better than no articles, and it saved me an incredible amount of time.

The brainstorming capabilities of ChatGPT continue to impress me. Often the ideas it suggests lead me into a new direction. It has opened me to more creative ideas, so I will continue to ask for more ideas. I’m also getting better at writing prompts and explaining exactly what I need. Writing prompts for AI is a skill in itself, but I learn more each time time I try. I’m still not in the habit of turning to the tool for everything I do, but I am beginning to explore other ways to use it.

Reflecting on the integration of Generative AI into my educational toolkit, the evolution has been both fascinating and transformative. As an early adopter, the initial hurdles with ChatGPT’s responses showcased its learning curve. Despite the early skepticism, persevering through prompts led to a revelation: the true power lies in its unparalleled brainstorming capabilities. From generating innovative class activities in minutes to effortlessly unearthing relevant articles, ChatGPT became more than a tool—it became a collaborator in my teaching journey.

As I close this blog, I want to be transparent. I wrote the entire blog except for the last paragraph (the paragraph above this one). I asked ChatGPT to give me suggestions to improve my blog. It told me to begin with a hook and to add a concluding paragraph that summarized my main points. It had a few other suggestions that I completely ignored. I wrote the introductory paragraph with a hook and then asked ChatGPT to write the concluding paragraph. I didn’t change anything so you could see what it does. I think it is a solid paragraph, but it did not capture my voice and tone; it’s a little stiff. What do you think?

Artificial Intelligence in Education

October 27, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

With the announcement of ChatGPT back in November, educators scrambled to make sense of the new technology. At first, many believed that artificial intelligence would be the downfall of our schools and universities. Students would no longer be able to think critically or write a coherent essay.. With this in mind, the knee-jerk reaction was to police the new technology and forbid its use. However, as time went on and instructors began experimenting, attitudes slowly changed and AI was seen as a tool that could assist both teachers and students with all types of tasks, thus reducing the workload. The next several blogs will discuss how AI tools such as ChatGPT can act as an assistant in the classroom that will prove to help both teachers and students.

One of the first areas to understand about AI is that it is merely a tool. Yes, it is a powerful tool that continues to improve everyday, but it is still a technology tool that is only as good as the prompt used to create a response. Like all technology tools, ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) can be used to reduce workload and increase student engagement in the classroom. It’s just a matter of learning the tool and becoming more comfortable with how it works. My suggestion to teachers is to play with one of the LLMs, Google’s Bard or Open AI’s ChatGPT have free versions, but there are many other AI tools you can choose.

The introduction of a new technology can feel overwhelming, especially when teachers already have so much to get done. Who has time to learn a new tool? Yet, these tools are easy to learn and will quickly reduce workload, so it won’t take much time to get the hang of it. I know when I started playing with ChatGPT, I wasn’t sure what to ask. I was already completing my workload without its assistance, so why start now? However, as soon as I learned the tool and thought of questions to ask, I kept thinking of how it could help me with the class I was teaching and the courses I was designing.

My recommendation to you is to take the first baby step and begin experimenting with just one or two AI tools. Get familiar with how it works and see what it produces for you. I asked ChatGPT to create a lesson plan for me, and I didn’t like the result because it was too formulaic and lacked creativity and depth. However, when I asked it to brainstorm ideas for projects surrounding a specific concept, it quickly spat out fifteen ideas.Many of the ideas seemed obvious, but a few of them were new to me, which sparked other ideas. This is only the beginning of what these tools can do. Let me know what you tried and if you liked the results.

Study Breaks, Rewards, and the Help of AI

September 23, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How to Schedule Breaks and Some Fun During Study Time

Everyone knows the importance of studying. Everyone also knows how hard it is to concentrate when you’re tired and feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Studying does not have to be stressful or tiring if you know how to include breaks and a little bit of fun.

The best way to study is over several days. If you can organize your time so that you plan your study time way ahead of the test or exam, you can make studying last just twenty minutes each night. However, if you are a procrastinator or your teacher decided to give a test in just a few days, you will need to study in much longer chunks of time. So, how can you study for hours without losing your motivation and energy?

The tips below will help get you through your next study session.

Get Outside

If you hit the books hard and get through the first several chapters of notes, don’t forget to give yourself some free-time. Every hour of studying should have a 10 to 15 minute break.

If you’ve been focused for the last 45 minutes, spend the next 15 minutes by stepping outside. The fresh air will give you renewed energy and your mind a break from staring at a book or notes.

Move

You can also spend some time moving around. Most likely you’ve been sitting at your desk or kitchen table and studying, so when it is time for a break, get up and move. The movement will get your blood flowing which will help with your energy levels. You probably won’t feel like moving, but it is the best thing you can do before you hit the books again. Whether you take a walk around the house or just go to another room, don’t sit down, just keep moving.

Fuel

Hydrate with water and fuel your body with a healthy snack. Studying is not the time for sugary drinks or salty foods. Get up from your desk and grab some water, baby carrots, sliced apples, or a handful of almonds to fuel your body. The water and snack also help you maintain your energy. Again, leave your study environment for a change of scenery. Make this a true break to let your mind wander as you feed your body.

Find Fun

Study Buddies

Studying does not have to be boring. To add some fun to your studying, join a study group. If you can find friends who have a similar work ethic as yours, you can form a study group and ask each other questions. Oftentimes, your friends will uncover information that you didn’t have in your notes.

If you can’t find a study group, you can practice teaching the information to your younger siblings or stuffed animals. This strategy gives you the opportunity to view the information in a different way. Consider how you would explain your notes to someone else; it will force you to break it down into smaller chunks. You can even create visuals that will help you demonstrate your knowledge.

Another study option is to ask ChatGPT or another artificial intelligence tool for help. You can ask ChatGPT to create questions in the form of a quiz or test to help you preview what the actual assessment might look like. This preparation can help you simulate an actual testing situation without the pressure of a final grade. You can also ask ChatGPT to breakdown concepts into simpler terms. For example, if you are studying the process of photosynthesis as a middle school student, you can ask the tool to explain the process to an elementary aged student. This breakdown will help you remember basic concepts from which to build.

Rewards

Sometimes the possibility of a reward will help get you through the toughest parts of studying. Rewards can be simple. You can allow yourself to watch your favorite television show if you study for an allotted amount of time on a given number of days. Or, you can allow yourself time on social media after your study session. The bigger rewards may come after you receive your high score on the test or exam. You can tell yourself that if you receive an A (or whatever grade you’re trying to get), you will treat yourself to a night out with friends. The rewards should be fun and motivating, but only you know what that might be.

Fine Motor Skills and School Readiness

June 12, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Getting your toddler ready for preschool and kindergarten begins early. Along with developing gross motor skills such as getting out of bed, running, jumping, and riding a bike, it is important to develop fine motor skills. These skills allow for increasing independence because they include buttoning buttons, working zippers, handling crayons, and brushing teeth. Fine motor skills help to create the building blocks connected to learning in later years. So, practice these skills often with your child and she will be well on her way for school readiness.

School requires students to write and draw for extended periods of time, so it is important to begin strengthening muscles in the hand, wrist, and fingers. Children develop fine motor skills at different rates, and this is completely normal. It is important to remember that comparing children and their rates of development may be natural but are not recommended. So, rather than comparing children, learn methods on how you can help your child with how to develop fine motor skills.

You can help your child develop these skills through play. Afterall, play is how children learn and build strength, so get on the floor with your little one and try some of these activities.

Blocks and LEGOS

As soon as your child can sit on her own, she can begin playing with blocks. As time progresses, show her how to stack the blocks into one tower or a wall. Try to work towards a tower of ten blocks. When your child is old enough, she can play with LEGOS and work to connect the pieces. These simple activities help to improve strength and fine motor skills.

Finger Painting

Finger Painting not only builds fine motor skills, but it also helps with creativity. You can work on learning colors and also creating shapes. But, just the act of using fingers to paint helps with understanding the process of “pen to paper” as well as individual finger strength.

Puzzles and Games

Building puzzles as a family is a fun activity that brings everyone together. All can play a part of finding the puzzle pieces but let your little one place the pieces together. Begin with large and age-appropriate puzzles. Eventually, you can challenge your child with smaller and more intricate pieces.

Also, play board games that involve rolling dice. You can play card games such as Go Fish, so your child can work on holding the cards and removing or adding cards. These skills can be intricate for tiny hands, but eventually the skills and strength will improve. You can begin with helping your child hold 2 or 3 cards and then gradually add more.

Set the Table and Pour Drinks

Give your child the responsibility of setting the dinner table. The act of placing the utensils beside each plate and folding napkins create stronger hands and fingers. As your child gets older, you can help them pour drinks until she can do this task on her own.

Other Ideas

Use a hole puncher

Play with clay

Use a cookie cutter and roll dough

Make mud pies

Place rubber bands around a can

Cut-out simple shapes

Color with crayons

Draw with markers, pen, pencil

Regular practice with all of the above ideas will help your child with fine motor skills. When school begins, she will be ready to take part in all of the fun activities that school has to offer.

Making Learning Fun for Children

May 19, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / 1 Comment

When students are having fun in the classroom, they are engaged in learning. This engagement increases learning outcomes because students are more likely to take risks, participate, and retain the information.

Although a quiet classroom is needed at times so students are able to concentrate and work independently, many studies show that long-term learning involves activity. The active classroom where students are out of their seats, working in groups, and talking to others not only makes learning fun, but it also engages them in multiple intelligences.

Make it Relevant

When lessons are overly abstract or difficult, students can become bored, distracted, or frustrated, which prevents learning. Instead, teachers who create lessons where students understand why they need to know this material and can see the relevance in the lesson bolster learning outcomes. Simply using material that interests students will help engage them in the lesson. For example, a math problem could center on how students might purchase a new iPhone or video game. A grammar lesson can include sentences about celebrities or the latest app. Reading stories about diverse people and topics not only interests students but also promotes a multicultural classroom. Teachers who utilize topics that connect with students will pique their interests and create an environment of engagement.

Make Connections

A positive classroom environment encourages learning and bolsters students’ participation. Creating this uplifting environment can begin by helping students make connections to prior learning. When beginning a new concept, it is best to begin by capturing students’ attention with a KWL. Find out what students already know about the topic, and then find out what else they want to know about the topic. So if you are beginning a unit about the Declaration of Independence, students might share that they know it occurred on July 4th, 1776, but they might want to know who wrote it or what it says. After teaching the unit, students can then share what they learned. A simple KWL at the beginning of a new unit of study helps students make connections to prior learning which ultimately makes the learning more engaging and relevant.

Think, Pair, Share is another strategy that helps students make connections. The teacher can begin a new unit of study by asking a question and providing time for students to think about possible responses. Students individually brainstorm ideas. Once the thinking time is over, they can discuss their ideas with a partner. This pairing allows students to talk out their ideas. Since it is only a discussion with one other student, the activity is low stakes, so students do not feel the pressure of answering in front of the entire class. After they have had an opportunity to discuss, students are more willing to share their responses with the class. This teaching strategy helps students connect with their classmates as well as the topic.

A Community of Learners

Students do not want to learn in isolation. They attend school with their peers, so teachers should use this as an advantage by creating a community where students thrive on learning together and being a part of the team. Incorporating small group activities in the school day helps students learn collaboration skills, and it gives them a break from some of the tedious lessons that require intense concentration.

While working in small groups, students can get involved in some competitive fun. At the end of a unit, students may review material with a game of Jeopardy or Kahoot. Students not only review the information, but they also learn to help their team win. Prizes can be bonus points, candy, or just the knowledge that they won. It is more about creating an atmosphere where students are learning how to collaborate for a common goal. And, when students do not win, they learn how to console each other and congratulate the winning team.

In a community of learners, students also engage in traditions and routines unique only to them. Teachers may begin the morning with pointing out the day of the week and the weather forecast. Eventually, a student can take over this daily task. Other routines can be established such as allowing students the opportunity to learn a new dance or earn free time on Fridays. Or, the teacher can regularly allow students an opportunity to color, draw, or even garden. These types of activities, when done together, encourage bonds between classmates. Also, once routines become the expectation, students begin to feel less stressed and anxious and can show their true personalities. When children share their true selves, the classroom becomes a safe environment for all.

Encourage Different Intelligences

Each child has many gifts to offer others in the classroom. Some students work best when asked to write a paragraph, while others may be able to show what they learned through a song. When asking students to show their knowledge, let them have choices in how they show what they’ve learned. Most will choose to show you in ways they are most comfortable, and that is okay. Once you’ve established a strong relationship, you can encourage other ways for students to demonstrate their learning.

Creating a fun and interactive learning environment only requires some planning and creativity. Once you get to know your students, you’ll have a better idea of the types of activities that work best for them. When learning is fun and active for students, they retain more information and are more likely to remember what they’ve learned for a longer period of time. And, when you see your students enjoying themselves while learning, it is very rewarding because you know you are making a difference in their lives.

Summer Break Learning

May 6, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.com

Everyone loves the summer break, especially students. Just watch students on the last day of school; they grin from ear to ear as they throw papers in the air and backpacks under the bed or in the trash. It is a time to celebrate. The lazy and hazy days of summer are about to begin. However, as much fun as summer can be with swimming, video games and vacations, it is not the time to stop learning.

The summer slide or summer setback is a real phenomenon that occurs each year. Specifically, students often lose math skills and most disadvantaged youth lose both math and literacy skills. After this particular school year with remote learning and disruptions occurring regularly, most students are already behind where they would have been during a “normal” school year. Many districts have decided to extend the school year to try to recoup lost instruction. However, if your school district is adhering to a typical summer break, you can prevent the summer slide and add to your learning by following some of the suggestions below.

Follow Your Interests

The best part about summer learning is that it does not have to feel like school at all. The summer is your opportunity to work on subjects where you often struggle or dig deeper into topics that hold your interest. Really, you can do both. You now have time to read, work on crossword puzzles, and play math games on the internet.

Check Out the Internet

The internet offers an array of fun tools to help you continue learning throughout the summer. You will find several ideas on how to occupy your time in a fun and beneficial way. Check out Common Sense Media for an array of math games and apps for all ages. If you are looking to add to your creativity and you have a propensity for art, you can check out Art Projects for Kids.

Read and Write

If you’d like a different kind of entertainment, find a good book. When was the last time you took a visit to your local library? The librarian will show you the latest books and make suggestions according to your preferences. You can take the book to the beach or pool. And, once you finish reading it, you can keep track of what you liked (or didn’t like) about it in a journal. Keeping a journal is another way to help you improve your writing skills. If you are willing to share your writing with someone else so that you are actually writing for an audience, you will improve your writing even more.

Find a Tutor

If you prefer to have some interaction with an instructor, yet want to establish your own schedule, the summer is a great time to find a tutor. If you attend a tutoring session one to two times per week, you can work with an adult who can help you build your skills. These sessions are your opportunity to work on the topics and skills that often cause you stress. The tutor can help you improve your skills and provide a few tips that will help you once school begins again.

Don’t let the summer slide impact you. Follow your interests and enjoy the flexibility the summer offers. It can be a time to improve your learning and discover a new talent or passion.

The Importance of Physical Connection

April 29, 2023 / Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

Physical connection matters to all humans. We are not meant to live in isolation or experience the world alone. Humans need physical contact to thrive, so it’s important to make touch a part of every child’s learning environment. Utilizing touch in the classroom can help calm fears, decrease anxiety, and communicate empathy. It relays a lasting and positive feeling that helps with wellbeing and social development.

Sense of belonging is the feeling a student must have to succeed and feel connected. The desire to belong and feel a part of the community is a basic human desire and applies to people of all ages and abilities. For teachers to help students feel that they belong, it is important to build the student-teacher relationship by showing interest, creating a caring environment, and being sensitive to their needs. The teacher is the leader when it comes to building a community within the classroom. As the leader, you must demonstrate recognition of every child. By showing your acceptance to all opinions through your words, tone, and gestures, you are fostering a community where children feel wanted and valued.

Building relationships takes time, but it is a vital part of the learning process. With this in mind, teachers should intentionally take steps beginning the first day of school to create these positive adult-child relationships before initiating touch. There are many ways for teachers to help build this positive connection. Showing interest in students’ lives can begin this relationship. Taking the time to greet students at the door and asking them about their day or their latest soccer game begins to build the bond. Once students feel accepted, it is time to begin with simple gestures of touch.

It takes time, but once the relationship develops, the teacher can initiate touch. Giving hugs, pats on the back, or a touch on the shoulder help students feel secure and valued. Affectionate and supportive touch is one of the best ways to create a healthy and successful student-teacher relationship. However, you want to initiate touch slowly.

While building relationships, you want to establish touch early (not suddenly) and then make it part of your daily routine. Many studies validate the importance of touch within the classroom. It should not be applied suddenly but should begin with asking for a high-five. Once the high-five is established, you may be able to move to a pat on the shoulder and progress from there. Teachers should understand students’ body language as well as their individual backgrounds. Parents are an excellent resource and are able to explain their child’s limitations with touching. For example, hugs may be too stressful for students, but you may be able to do a fist bump or high five. The more you know and understand your students, the easier it will be to initiate different levels of touch.

However, before beginning to initiate touch, you must be aware of the situation and the relationship you have with the child. Some children do not like being touched, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. If you do not have a relationship with the child, then you should first ask if you can hold her hand or touch her back. You can also try putting out your hand for a handshake. This gesture provides the child with a choice; she can either take your hand or not. When a child does not answer you, it does not mean she didn’t hear you. If you have a relationship with this child, you can lightly pat her back for encouragement. If you do not have a relationship, try to make eye contact by getting down to her level. You want the child to understand that you do not want to place pressure, but you want to support and encourage.

After establishing rapport and a routine, you can provide opportunities for children to experience touch. Children love to be read to, so why not add to this positive experience by allowing children to sit on your lap or hold your hand. You can place your arm around the child to promote the feelings of safety and security. Children must have a safe environment in order to thrive in the classroom. It should be a safe physical space but must also be emotionally safe for students to learn and grow.

When children are working out a problem in math or reading, a hand on their back demonstrates you are there for them. You become their ally; someone who wants them to succeed. A light touch on the back or a hand resting lightly on the shoulder is a simple gesture to show students you are there to support, encourage, and motivate. It’s a simple gesture that lasts longer than the amount of time a student sits in class.

It is imperative that you as the teacher understands each student’s limitations. With this understanding, take slow steps before incorporating touch into your teaching. Build the relationship first by getting to know students and then ease into adding touch as part of your daily interactions. Touch is vital to learning, but so are the steps you take before applying it.

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