Surviving the Dark Ages

 After 30 years in the classroom, I confidently say that the 3rd nine weeks is the most difficult time of the year for classroom management and student attention spans. On a good day, students are a little wiggly and talkative, but most days are crazy rowdy. This is due, in large part, to the weather. We can't get outside as much and there is little sunshine, which results in less endorphins and less natural vitamin D. All of that affects both mental and physical health.

At the Air Force Academy, they call these days the "Dark Ages". 😂 The long, cold, dark days seem endless, and it definitely affects our moods. Compassion for our students and ourselves is essential to survive these days in the classroom. Understanding feelings and behaviors during this time will help create a safe environment where those around us feel joy, peace, and health. Compassion can heal the body and mind (both in the giver and receiver). 

Using compassion as a frame of reference, consider what you can do to help those around you through these "dark ages". I know we are all concerned with utilizing class time effectively. Studies show that taking brain breaks that involve movement will actually increase valuable learning time. This is not only good for the students, but it is beneficial for teachers as well. Our brains and bodies are just like our students; we become restless and overstimulated because of the winter environment. Taking 3-5 minutes out of class time for mindful movement will result in more productive  learning time. 

It's looking as if we won't be able to go outside much over the next several days. Utilize the pages linked to the right to incorporate some mindful movement activity throughout your day. Schedule them into your daily lesson plans. I have added a new page: Quiet Stress Relievers. Check those out for some activities that will help settle students and create a calm environment.

In the immortal words of the sage Elle Wood, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don't shoot their husbands. They just don't." So make mindful movement a priority for you and your students!