“Living in the Moment”
Last year, I read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and its sequel Hollow City. Students were engaged, asked questions, did not understand when I did not know that the Hollows were following (read the book!). They would NOT let me miss a single day of reading. It was by far the most powerful experience I have had being present 'with' my students. This experience encouraged me to continue to support my students to 'live in the moment'. Mindfulness practice occurs as they learn to focus on my voice as I read the story, tune out all the distractions in their lives and just listen.
It's important to me to create a safe and welcoming place for all my students. I often use humour to create an environment where students are encouraged to try again tomorrow. It's a place where students, especially those with elevated anxiety, can find an opportunity to relax and learn. I feel that his type of support promotes and encourages students to do their best work, positively participate, and communicate with others in the classroom. I have an 'open-door' policy that welcomes any Centennial student at any time and includes those that feel like sitting in, interacting with myself, or doing work. A large part of my job is to engage our students around the issues they are dealing with and can include some thing as simple as organizing a “get work done calendar,” a supportive conversation around anxiety and stress, or celebrating getting onto the grad list. Wellness is most the most important thing I do with my students.