
On Monday, when schools in Wales return, it’ll be 109 days (not that I’m counting) since I set foot in a classroom to teach. Mental health issues, as written about previously (The key to a healthy life is having a healthy mind), and having lockdown restrictions in place has meant a sustained period away from doing what I’ve loved doing for the past 10 years. At the start of my time off though, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d ever get back into the classroom. I had started to explore my options: change in career path within education, leaving the profession completely, anything! It was hard. It still is some days. But now, I genuinely can’t wait to return to my classroom on Monday. Yes I have anxieties, something I never really suffered with, and they’ll grow leading up to Monday but I know I have strategies to help me now.
Below is a basic reminder to me of a few of the things I can do (amongst others) to keep my wellbeing in check (this will stay with me in my classroom) – thank you so much to @stokesynic (https://twitter.com/stokesynic?s=20) for the inspiration and yes, my list could be far, far longer!!!
Lockdown has allowed me to get my head around my situation, look at what potentially works for me and what doesn’t. It has also allowed me to spend invaluable time with my beautiful family and to work from home. It’s the latter that has had the most surprising impact.
Working from home has given me the opportunity to work without scrutiny and pressure and out of the gaze of colleagues. The feeling of being judged by others and wondering if their perceptions of you have changed is something many suffer with. Working from home has (almost) eradicated those irrational thoughts for me. I have been able to moderate my wellbeing and effectively timetable my day to suit how I felt on that particular day. This has been invaluable. It has also allowed me look more in depth at home learning strategies, blended learning and given me something different to focus on: a new challenge! I’ve never been a big reader but now I’m enjoying books too. It’s the little wins we need to hold on to.
I suppose the reason I’m writing this is to give people hope. If you’re going through dark days and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, I assure you there is a light. Take that step, reach out to someone. They will help you find it. There can and will be good days again.
The author
Read more
Read more
Read more
Read more
Read more
Read more
Read more
Read more
Is it Time to Play? provides high-quality planning, resources and training rooted in the core value of play-based learning. Specifically tailored to the unique needs of the Early Years (including Reception classes), Is it Time to Play? resources truly make “Play and Learning Fit”.
Brightcore Consultancy delivers comprehensive, reflective, and transformational training and consultancy support for education setting and related businesses in the fields of safeguarding, mental health, and wellbeing. Brightcore Consultancy is led by Lead Consultant Oliver Welsby who has extensive experience as a senior leader; both as DSL and a Senior Mental Health Lead, and who specialises in the development of effective mental health strategies and safeguarding practices within education settings, and regularly speaks at sector conferences on these topics. Oliver leads a team of expert associate consultants and trainers who have extensive knowledge and experience in both of these fields, along with individual specialisms to further support Education settings.
A-life provide interactive workshops Health & Wellbeing that take the workload off the teachers and engage children so they learn to develop healthy habits from a young age. We have taught over 1 million children through our school workshops that are engaging and accessible-for-all.__https://www.youtube.com/watch
https://discoveryschemeofwork.com/
Discovery RE® is an enquiry approach to Religious Education for Primary Schools which consistently delivers excellent learning outcomes. The programme is a comprehensive set of detailed medium-term planning for Religious Education from Nursery to Year 6 (for 3–11-year-olds).
CREATE, INNOVATE and INSPIRE with 3D printing technologies for STEAM education. CREATE Education aims to support teachers and educators to bring 3D printing technologies and additive manufacturing technologies to young people through CPD, workshops, supplies and more!
www.optimumleadershipsolutions.co.uk
Experienced former HTs, offering bespoke services and products such as SEF-SIP pack, Teaching over Time Evaluation Matrix, Subject leader pack, Governing training pack, Prep for Ofsted pack, HT appraisal,Training programmes for leaders at all levels & School Improvement Support.
Bookteq, a B-Corp certified digital platform with a social purpose, unlocks the potential of school facilities, spaces, and wraparound activities. We enable schools to better support families and the community by reducing barriers to access, and nurture happier young people through easy access to sport, activity, and play.
https://schoolpolicytracker.co.uk
School Policy Tracker is an online software solution that was created by school leaders for school leaders. Our online policy tracker can save you valuable hours, making sure you know exactly which policies are in need of review and ensuring you are fully compliant and up to date with all statutory requirements.