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10 Ways to Uplift & Inspire Your Students this Thanksgiving Season

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Show Notes:

I don't have to tell you that there's been a whole lot of negativity on the internet lately about the teaching profession, and I think that's putting it mildly. I know that things are crazy, but I also know that amazing things are still happening in classrooms everywhere around the world despite all of these challenges. In no way am I minimizing how difficult things are in schools right now. Instead, I am making the choice to use this podcast to continue to focus on inspiring and lighting you up.

My goal is to constantly remind you of all the good and the joy in the world and in your classroom every single day. This reminder is not to encourage you to ignore all the negative things that are going on, but so that you can continue to be the light for those little ones in your care every single day.

It’s normal to get stuck in the negativity and in our own unique challenges. It can suck up our energy and make our lives really really hard and heavy. If you are feeling this way right now, I want to share an expression that I absolutely love. Sometimes in the middle of our own little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed. This is so true. Yes, life is down right hard right now for so many reasons, but there are families all around the world who have lost everything whether it be from COVID, fires, floods, hurricanes, or poverty.

Even though we are overworked and in the midst of an epic period of burnout, we also have the tremendous privilege of coming home to a place where we have things such as food, a warm bed, and clean running water. It can be so easy to take it all for granted. We truly are blessed. So, this episode will focus on that spirit of incredible gratitude for all that we have and for the incredible lives that we have the privilege of living.

Just as it is important for us to practice gratitude, it's important for our students as well. In fact, research shows that practicing gratitude consistently results in an increased feeling of life satisfaction and a more positive outlook on school. I'm super excited to share with you some fun, simple, and intentional ways that we can cultivate more gratitude in our students. When we do take the time to count our blessings and focus on all of the good in our lives, our students will be uplifted, inspired, and engaged, especially during the Thanksgiving season.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Why sharing what you’re grateful for can make a positive impact on your students.
Specific ways to get students used to using affirmations.
How to incorporate mystery motivators this holiday season.
Examples of games to play to teach seasonal vocabulary.
What gratitude walks and gratitude scavenger hunts are.
How to make parent teacher conferences a positive experience by getting your students involved.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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