There is a lot of help (and overwhelm) out there about distance learning, navigating teaching during coronavirus, and tips and tutorials. But what about on a human level?

Are you having trouble focusing and needing to just zone out? And yet, you feel so lost and depressed if you just veg out?

Help is here. These are some ways to nurture your teacher soul while still feeling productive. Some days right now, you need rest blended with a rewarding feeling that comes from productivity and creativity.

This is for all of you teachers stuck at home during this tough, unprecedented time! You are stressed out and overwhelmed with everything on your plate. You need ways to soothe your soul, while feeling like you're not wasting your precious time while so much still needs to be done to help your students.

You may struggle to binge-watch tv or some other mindless activity that feels like a waste of time, but you just need a mental break from all the overwhelm of distance learning. Here’s something you may not be remembering:

Self-care is just as important as helping your students. There is a reason that on planes, before takeoff, they tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting anyone around you. Think of self-care that way too.  You need to take care of yourself first. Then, you can adequately support your students.

These are scary and unknown times; it’s OKAY if you need a little more self-care than usual.  If you’re still reluctant to just sit around and binge-watch tv, here are some ideas you can use to relax and take care of your teacher soul, while still being productive:

SnowDay Magazine
SnowDay Magazine is a brand new creative lifestyle magazine just for teachers!  Created by Math Giraffe, SnowDay is a premium book-style magazine that is available quarterly for creative educators of all subject areas and all grade levels.  We are passionate about creativity inside and outside the classroom, and are focusing on fueling all the many facets of the teacher life & soul.

Each issue is a book-style magazine, and filled with beautiful pictures and inspiring articles specifically for teachers.  Issue One includes things like:

•  Plants in the Classroom
• Building Wealth on a Teacher Salary
• Nutritional Coffee Hacks
•  Papercrafting and Bookbinding
• ...and so much more!

If you’re not ready to pay for a physical issue yet, SnowDay offers a free 40 page "MiniMag" too!  This sample magazine will show you the unique blend of life and soul that we offer in our full issues.

Enter your email here to sign up and be a part of the SnowDay teacher community.  SnowDay will send over your free e-magazine, plus more to fuel your entire soul.  
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Whether you’re reading the free digital issue or a premium full issue, it’s perfect for reading in a bubble bath or curled up the couch with a mug of tea or glass of wine!

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​Teacher-Specific Lifestyle Quizzes
On my SnowDay Magazine website, I made some online quizzes just for teachers!  These free, fun quizzes help answer questions like:  

• What’s your teacher style?
• What kind of classroom plant should you get?
• And does your classroom have good Feng Shui?

These light-hearted quizzes will let you take a breather from this crazy world, and help you fuel your teacher soul!

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​Optimize Pinterest
You’ve most likely gone down a Pinterest rabbit hole, so you already know the creative space’s potential impact on your life. Optimize that by looking through and following specific boards.  

For instance, let’s say you teach middle school social studies at a Catholic school.  You love Math Giraffe’s content, although all of the math education pins don’t pertain to you.  You can go to my “Boards” and follow only my Catholic Education board and boards for teaching teens, like Teaching Teens and Tools for Teaching Teens!

You can specifically curate your Pinterest Board to show exactly the types of pins you want to see!  No more wasting time scrolling through meaningless content.




Now, we want to hear from you!  What is your favorite way to relax?

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“Teenagers are so easy!”
-said no one ever.
 
Teaching teens middle school and high school can feel joyful and rewarding most days, but can also frustrate you with one challenge after another.  They go through so many changes and so many ups and downs at this stage of life.
 
 Young adult brains are still growing.  Contrary to popular belief, students’ brains do not stop developing after childhood (or even until partway through their 20’s!) and brains are also greatly influenced by their environment.
 
Teen brains are physiologically different from adult brains, and these differences need to be taken into consideration. To catch up on the neuroscience, read What Teachers Need to Know About Teen Brains. 
 
Here are some podcasts to help you in your journey of teaching teenagers.  Whether you’re trying to understand adolescents’ thoughts and actions, or looking for classroom tips these podcasts are for you!
 
1.  Inside the Mind of Teens and Tweens

This podcast, for teachers, parents, counselors, or anyone who deals with teens goes into the science behind why teens think and act differently.  Dr. Regina Lamourelle brings on guests, and together they provide insights and neuroscience behind the minds of adolescents.

2.  The Unstoppable Teen Podcast

This podcast delves into details that can help parents, teachers, caregivers, and teens themselves to elevate daily life.  It covers so many topics, ranging from essential elements of teen health to how teens can learn more effectively.

3.  She’s Mindful Podcast

The hostess, Tina Mavadia, teaches moms and teen girls with Mindful Living to live better, stress-free lives.   She discusses the highs and lows along with the challenges and rewards of parenting or teaching a daughter in their teen years. Each episode is easy listening, so grab a cup of coffee, go about your day and hit play if you have teen girls close to your heart.

4.  The Google Teacher Tribe Podcast

This weekly podcast for K-12 teachers shares useful tips and tricks for using G suite and other google tools in your classroom.  Their goal is to empower teachers to transform student learning with Google Tools.

5.  The Creative Classroom

The host, John Spencer, hopes to help teachers transform their classrooms into spaces of imagination and wonder.  These high-quality podcast episodes discuss things like how humor in the classroom boosts creativity and problem-solving, and making rest a priority in the summer.

6.  Talking to Teens
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This parenting podcast is directed for… you guessed it- parents of teens.  However, I think this podcast is so relevant for teachers of teens, too.  Afterall, you spend a lot of time with them, and can have a significant impact on their lives.  This podcast centers on conversations with experts on the art and science of having conversations with adolescents. 
 
 
Teaching teens requires some creativity and resourcefulness.  I've set up an email series to send you some ideas, inspiration, info, and materials that will help! Click the link and enter your email to subscribe.  Do you teach teens? Share your best tips or favorite resources below!