August: Back to School month! There are endless exciting aspects to a new school year such as a new group of students, new goals to accomplish, and, best of all, a fresh start. August brings the promise of a reboot and we can all agree on how refreshing and inspiring a fresh start can be. Let’s take some time to consider all of the possible ways to seek out this new beginning and reflect on ways to take full advantage of it.
What is your favorite part of a new beginning? Is it the unknown, the opportunity to move forward, or the chance to tackle new items on your to-do list? While new beginnings come and go, it is so important to understand how to harness this refreshing energy and turn it into something life changing. Students and educators alike will hopefully return from the summer feeling rejuvenated and eager to move forward with the opportunity and promise for greatness that comes with a fresh start.
In an article called, “Three Ways to Get a Fresh Start to the New School Year” by Tricia Kurtt, the basis of the article is to explain just that! Besides the fresh beginning we capitalize on as a result of the time of year, we can also cultivate our inspired energy with the three tips below. Read on to learn more!
The best way to move forward with a new beginning is to reflect on the past. In looking back at your previous practices and habits you can consider what worked and what didn’t. Educators must reflect the prior years through the big picture lens and spend time learning from both the challenges as well as successes. Doing so will help you to reframe the way you want to tackle the upcoming year and bring clarity to why you want to do so. Rather than making aimless choices about your plans for work in the year to come, make educated choices from your past results and reflect on whether you have the data necessary to shift your practice.
Another way to take advantage of the fresh year is to push your own learning curve. Whether spending time in the classroom with students or in the office as an administrator, the best way to improve upon your practice is to understand the way you work. Picking up habits such as reading, observing, and embracing failure are sure to lead you to being your personal best. Continuing to foster your own professional learning through various professional development practices will sculpt you into a stronger asset to any team you are a part of and will improve your ability to tackle the new year.
Finally, the secret to any fresh start is to establish balance. While work can be overwhelming with the feeling that there is always something to be done, the most important thing to do is give yourself time to recharge. Recharge by finding a good balance in your life so that you can accomplish the things that matter to you outside of work! Take time to be in nature, do a workout, or focus on being a parent or spouse. Fostering your passion outside of work is never a waste of time and the balance will ultimately lead you to be more inspired to be present at work each day.
By reflecting, developing yourself as a lifelong learner and finding balance in your work and personal life, you have undoubtedly set yourself up for a healthy and productive fresh start. As educators, we are lucky to have a new beginning each August. Spend this month preparing yourself to use this time to your advantage. It is critical to use this time to set the tone for yourself and your team to ensure another successful school year. With Time ReDesigned by your side, everything is possible this August!
If you need additional resources or support, let TimeRedesigned help. We have training on Effective Virtual Communication, Teaching and Learning Remotely, as well as tips and strategies for maintaining efficiencies even in the face of numerous distractions. Time ReDesigned can assist in reminding you when to check in, how to record results, and to always keep track of progress- as progress is sure to be made! Email us if you are interested in learning more about the support we have available for transitioning to a virtual environment! timeredesigned@gmail.com
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