Creating a Healthy Classroom

I want to keep my students safe and healthy. We have added pressure to keep classrooms clean and have rigid sanitizing protocols. I have been wearing a mask in public, but I forget it is important to clean my mask. I use my own water bottle, but I forget to clean it with soap and water. Recently I listened to a doctor explain that a dirty mask can create its own complications. I want to keep striving to create a healthy space for learning. The CDC has mask washing guidelines/suggestions.  

1. Wash your mask after each use.

2. Machine Washing: Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest water possible.

• Hand washing: 
• 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
• 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water (check to see if the bleach is made for disinfection).
• Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.

 

It can never hurt to help students and families navigate through these new health protocols.  Let's keep helping each other.  Look for more resources at Liz and Ron's Educational Resources. 

Z Tangled

A close friend taught my family how to draw Z Tangles.  We were taught that the process was more important than the product.  There were no "right or wrong" answers.  Finally, to enjoy the repetition, patterns, and rhythms.  My husband enjoyed the freedom to express, but felt safe within set artistic patterns.  

Some pieces can be more compartmentalized like the first photo or the patterns can flow into one another.  The beginning and end become the same. (odd number of sections)

There are many sites that will teach patterns with a step-by-step process.  

How to Draw Z Tangles

Zentangles

Finding Peace and Quiet

Every teacher needs time to rest and reflect.  It is getting harder to balance needed reflection time and work demands.

Recently I was introduced to a new website called, Stop, Breath, & Think.  There are many mindfullness programs online, but this is my favorite.  Stop, Breath, & Think will ask for your mental, physical, and emotional health each day.  The program will tailor several activities based upon your responses.  This program is free and has many options.

Another website that combines meditation and devotion is Sacred Space.  The Irish Jesuits and Loyola Press work jointly on this project. Sacred Space is available on Apple/iOS and Android/Google Play devices.

A poet-friend, Laurie Klein writes daily reflections on her blog.  Her photography captures small details, wonder, and beauty.   Laurie's new book called, Where the Sky Opens, a Partial Cosmography takes the reader on journey of love, grace, struggle, and renewal.  She knows how to use words to open the very soul of the reader.

Club Slow Motion (Found on FB)-This is an all women's hiking group.  The hikes are well-paced.  Most of the hikes range from 3-5 miles distances.