Importance of communication

 Now that English teachers and students meet again at school,  there is a constant complaint. "Students do not even know what they are doing. It is like going back to the starting point." Students have been away from school for two years. We have to keep in mind that our job is not just to teach them content but to establish a connection that might help them be better people. That is the lesson we learn in the video I am sharing today. It is the moment to ask our students what is it that they want me to know?

The presenter develops her talk around some powerful concepts such as the importance of listening to our students, giving them a voice, being empathetic and compassioned.

I love her way to present three principles that we have to consider: 

Connection

Complexity

Reflection

What kind of teachers do we remember?

 Probably, the title of this post helps you recall the good experiences from the past when you were little kids or teens. Yes, teachers impact our lives in one or another form.

This year dear colleagues what is the impact you want to imprint in your students? To me a good teacher must always be prepared, trusty and helpful.

To begin this year, the call is to diagnose your students in an appropriate way. Regarding this topic a piece of advice:

1. Identify the areas you want to diagnose. Consider not only linguistic aspects.

2. Break each aspect into two or three punctual descriptors.

3. Create an instrument (check list, for example) and use it as you are implementing your diagnose.

4. Keep in mind that it is a process not a product.

Now enjoy the following video.

What do we do with our time?

 

We are getting ready for Christmas and New Year's eve. Perhaps, some of us start worrying about our accomplishments. We can even come with vain justifications for those mistakes that did not help us fulfilling our goals.  We forget the great potential given to us. Today, I want to share the image below to drive you to think about some of the reasons that do not allow us to fulfill our dreams, despite, we have the same amount of time and talents that many famous or prestigious people got?

Let's consider the first reason, disciple. 

We need to discipline to get up every day with the desire and hunger to make our dreams come true.

The second important reason is motivation.

Maintain your motivation. Your desire to foster your dreams must be the fuel to spark the inner stimulus in your life, 

The third reason is to stay focused.

These days, it is easy to get out of focus. Your job is not to keep your sight away from your dreams.

What are you going to do with the time given to you?

Motivational capsule for students

We all know we have been living hard times. More than ever, our families have been split and affected economically, socially, and psychologically among others. Our students are probably demotivated and have lost interest. But also teachers too. I invite you to watch this video and reflect on it.  I hope the following words resonate in your hearts. 

Be disciplined. Success does not come from a life without discipline

Be motivated. No matter what, keep your motivation high. 

Have vision. A person with a clear vision understands what s/he wants to accomplish in life. 

Be uncomfortable with average. You can go beyond. Prosperous people do not think average. 

Avoid excuses. There is no room for false justifications.  Stay focused.

Be resilient. Adjust yourself to the changes and keep walking. Try to see an opportunity in everything you face.

Share some of these ideas with your students. Motivate them and connect the material to the STEAM strategy.