Welcome Back to School - Great Resources for Teachers

Welcome Back to School - Great Resources for Teachers

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a great summer and was able to relax and recharge. Most schools around here start next week, with new teachers starting this week.

The beginning of the year is always a little crazy for all teachers. Getting your room setup, implementing new ideas into your lesson plans, getting to know your students, and just settling back in to the routine can be busy and stressful. Remember to not over do it and take time for yourself.

One thing I've done in the past that helped me is using a check list of everything I have to do when school starts, including setting up my room (computer, bulletin boards, etc), things I want to post in my room, lesson ideas and more in Evernote. I modify it each year, adding new things for the following year.

Here are some more tips, resources, and help to get your school year started on a positive note, and keep it that way.

Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession

Summary of new teacher tips, urban schools issues, technology resources


Google for Educators - Google has a huge number of free resources for teachers and students. Check them all out (they're all free).

Microsoft Education Resources - resources for admin, IT and teachers

Evernote for Education Resources - the ultimate note taking, web clipping, lesson planning resource

Create a Personal Learning Network - a PLN is an excellent resource for help, advice, and sharing ideas.

Overview of some free technology that can help you be more organized and efficient.




Related:

List of What Makes a Good Teacher - created by students

Great resources for New Teachers - advice, support, and training

Advice to New College Graduates about to enter the Teaching profession

Making School Relevant for Students

10 Important Skills Students need for the Future

10 Tech Skills Every Student Should Have

Getting Students and Teachers Organized - tips and resources


Good luck and I hope everyone has a great school year!!




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Back to School can be stressful - here are some tips to make it easier

Back to School can be stressful - here are some tips to make it easier

Back to School can be a stressful time for everyone, especially children. Here are some tips for coping with new year stress:

And find some more Back to School Resources Here

Going Back to School? R.E.L.A.X.

AmeriHealth Caritas offers tips for coping with new school year stress

Philadelphia, Pa. — Going back to school can be both exciting and stressful for children. There is the excitement of a new year and the new opportunities presented by advancing a grade level. But this annual occasion also marks the return of homework, exams, social pressure to compete with their classmates, and other challenges. This can lead to stress, which can take a physical and mental toll on children.

“You may notice that your child is avoiding responsibilities, having trouble sleeping, acting angry, or just feeling sad or depressed. While you shouldn’t let these symptoms linger, you also don’t need to take drastic steps to relieve them,” says Dr. Andrea Gelzer, senior vice president of medical affairs for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need. “Some simple activities can help your children cope with the stress that often comes with the return of classes, homework, and other school-related pressures.”

It can also be a stressful time for parents, particularly those with lesser financial means or parents of children with disabilities. In addition to helping their children cope with their stress, they must find money to pay for school supplies, school lunches, and after school care.

Income, education, and food access are some of the social determinants of health, or factors in people’s lives that can influence their health. As a national managed care company committed to addressing social determinants of health, AmeriHealth Caritas’ Medicaid health plans hold or participate in back to school events in a number of states. These programs include backpack giveaways, health screenings, and/or other activities that can help children start the school year on a healthy and happy note. In other states, similar events are often organized by churches, community health centers, and other local organizations during August.

AmeriHealth Caritas offers the following additional tips for parents to help their children start the school year on a happy note:[i]

Rest: Make sure your children gets enough of it

Children need plenty of sleep under normal circumstances (nine hours per night is recommended), but especially during stressful times. To help their children sleep soundly, parents should reduce their children’s television time and have them avoid caffeinated drinks late in the day. Quieter activities, such as reading, will help them wind down.

Emphasize your children’s strengths

You should encourage your children to use their strengths in a positive way. Spending time with friends also helps lessen stress.

Look for healthy outlets for stress

Physical activity is not only an important component of physical health. It also can help you cope with mental stress. You can also encourage your children to listen to music or find hobbies that make them happy.

Axe your bad mood by getting outside

The weather is often still summer-like when the school year begins. Being outside can boost your childrens’ mood. Taking a few extra minutes to spend time outdoors each day can make a big difference in their state of mind.

About AmeriHealth Caritas 

AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 15 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5.3 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visitwww.amerihealthcaritas.com.

 

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[i] “Back to school: Exciting and stressful!” Healthy Now (Select Health of South Carolina member newsletter) Summer 2017: p. 5.