Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
Welcome to the #UKEdChat@UKEdChat discussion. Let's get things started.
Tonight, we’re talking about being a #healthyteacher.
Q1, what impact has teaching had on your health?
Pls use the hashtag & A1.
A1: Teaching has pushed the boundaries of what I consider to be healthy- long working days and an inability to switch off mean that I operate at a level that a lot of other professions would not tolerate #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight, we’re talking about being a #healthyteacher.
Q1 again, what impact has teaching had on your health?
Pls use the hashtag & A1.
I try to set a good example to my students by telling them about my regular gym lifting workouts after school, I fully advocate them using exercise as a mental and stress break and I love the fact I'm empowering young women 💪🏋️♀️ #ukedchat
A1: As leaders, we need to embed practices which visibly show the value we place on the health of our staff. It’s too tokenistic at the moment #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Tonight, we’re talking about being a #healthyteacher.
Q1 again, what impact has teaching had on your health?
Pls use the hashtag & A1.
irst four blog posts for https://t.co/kJ9dPTrxdv
1. One Method: Many Topics
2. Crafty Starter Activities
3. Many Methods: One Topic (Part 1)
4. Many Methods: One Topic (Part 2)
#ukedchat#mathschat
A1 I forget to eat, don't drink enough water, walk more and am somewhat healthier as a result. However it was worsened injuries and I have found myself getting more ill as a result! I don't exercise enough as I don't have time especially with a family! #ukedchat
#UKEdChat A1 teaching isn't a job you can clock off from. It inevitably leads to stress and burnout through the guilt that we aren't going to be able to do enough for the kids.
It can be difficult to not let the job eat into the time you should be allocating to things that help you stay healthy. particularly as a new teacher #ukedchat
First four blog posts for https://t.co/kJ9dPTrxdv
1. One Method: Many Topics
2. Crafty Starter Activities
3. Many Methods: One Topic (Part 1)
4. Many Methods: One Topic (Part 2)
#ukedchat#mathschat
@LukeRicha@ukedchat A1: Teaching has pushed the boundaries of what I consider to be healthy- long working days and an inability to switch off mean that I operate at a level that a lot of other professions would not tolerate #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
A1 Since teaching chn about healthy living I've tried to take care of my own health too (running, gym classes, eating better) so I don't feel like a hypocrite and for the benefits. In the past workload took it's toll but ways of reducing workload have been implemented #UKEdChat
@LukeRicha@ukedchat A1: As leaders, we need to embed practices which visibly show the value we place on the health of our staff. It’s too tokenistic at the moment #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
@LukeRicha@ukedchat A2: Being physically healthy at work is a challenge because of the competing expectations beyond the classroom- it’s the reason we have retention issues, because workload affects health, and health changes outlook #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
A2: Being physically healthy at work is a challenge because of the competing expectations beyond the classroom- it’s the reason we have retention issues, because workload affects health, and health changes outlook #UKEdchat#healthyteacher
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Here's question two again, loving your responses.
Q2 - Can being physically healthy as a teacher be difficult? Why / why not?
Pls use the hashtag & A2
Footage of dog reverting to wild behaviour & attacking a helpless duck. Note the instinctive neck lunge to apply a suffocating death grip. The duck is dragged away. For those who want to judge me for posting graphic content, remember it is science.
#science#asechat#ukedchat
A1. I find my step count is pretty high as as a teacher! I think it can be difficult at the end of a day sometimes to have the motivation to go back out and be active -especially if you have things still to for the next day #ukedchat
Leaving school on time to get to class/gym is tricky. I used to sometimes change at school as a signal to myself & colleagues that I couldn't stay late! #ukedchat
Eating less healthily by having late lunches or no lunch, eating more biscuits term time than in the holidays. Less time to exercise or sitch off. #UKEdChat#healthyteacher
#ukedchat A2 Yes, if your diet consists of red bull and cereal bars eaten on the drive to work and your lunch can only be things you can eat while walking around. You have to be a bit proactive planning a healthy balanced diet....!
A2 Have to say by the last 3 years of teaching I found it impossible to keep fit. It’s a catch 22 - you are too tired to exercise yet exercise will give you energy. Add kids to the mix & any spare time I had I wanted to spend with them #UKEDChat.
A2. I find my step count is pretty high as as a teacher! I think it can be difficult at the end of a day sometimes to have the motivation to go back out and be active -especially if you have things still to for the next day #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
All this talk about biscuits is making me hungry. Let's talk about mental health.
Q3 - What coping strategies do you use to deal with pressure, stress and anxiety?
Pls use the hashtag & A3
@LukeRicha@ukedchat A3: The best coping strategies revolve around activities, past times & experiences that allow us to switch off. As a profession we’re ‘on’ all the time- as a school leader my job is to facilitate a culture that gives personal capacity & credibility #UKEdchat
#UKEdChat A2 exercise keeps me sane. If I didn’t make time to do it I wouldn’t survive. It’s very important to me but depends on what your priorities are because you have to make time for it, would be very easy to not bother!
A2 #UKEdChat I find it difficult to plan meals ahead of time to eat healthy food at work. I also find it hard to get through the marking and find the energy to go to the gym after school.. it’s a constant battle. Some days are great and I feel really proud of myself others not so
A3: The best coping strategies revolve around the activities, past times & experiences that allow us to switch off. As a profession we’re ‘on’ all the time- as a school leader my job should be to facilitate a culture that gives personal capacity & credibility #UKEdchat
It's taken a long time to reach this point. For the first few years of teaching I was trying to keep up with everything and it was very tiring. Becoming part of SLT has meant I can share ideas for reducing workload so we have a work life balance = healthy! #UKEdChat
I think this depends on your priorities. Good physical health is not a problem as a teacher if you’re conscious of the choices that you make. #UKEdChat
A3 #UKEdChat I always think ‘the kids aren’t going to die if I don’t do this’. Puts things into perspective and relieves the pressure. A slight commute is always good to wind up for the day and wind down
A4: the problem with looking at ‘Manageable’ is that we operate at a level where the term is difficult to pin down- manageable is having enough time to support pupils, processes and self...and I haven’t had that in a long time #UKEDchat#healthyteacher
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
All this talk about biscuits is making me hungry. Let's talk about mental health.
Q3 - What coping strategies do you use to deal with pressure, stress and anxiety?
Pls use the hashtag & A3
A2: Not impossible. Take time to have lunch, at end of day do something that involves exercise - even if it is going for a walk. Does require alot of forward planning though ... #ukedchat
@LukeRicha@ukedchat A4: the problem with looking at ‘Manageable’ is that we operate at a level where the term is difficult to pin down- manageable is having enough time to support pupils, processes and self...and I haven’t had that in a long time #UKEDchat#healthyteacher
A2: surely we need to be physically healthy as role models! It’s hard to find time but as old PTs have said, 24hrs in a day, you can find 40-60mins to work out/go for a walk. We need to look after ourselves otherwise we can’t do our jobs! #UKEdChat
A3 - I talk, talk & talk more (a problem shared and all that), mostly with a trusted colleague that understands. Conversely, retreat at times of major stress or anxiety so that I can just focus. Plus, I read (prolifically). Also, walk with a friend. All self dependent #UKedchat
A2 #UKEDChat stress can cause binge eating. I always lose weight when I’m not working without even trying. Also bday cake treats and in Greece nameday treats and donuts n treats in staffroom don’t help. Have to be very stong willed to say no. Have been doing it for a week 👍🏼
#UKEdChat fully agree. But maybe you need to be a certain type of person to be like that? Or be led by example? I have failed at points to influence team members to my way of thinking. 😂
A2 In the past I found it difficult to find time for physical activity plus when you're tired you just want to rest! It's easier when you have a routine such as a gym class you attend each week or running on a certain day. Physical activity makes me feel full of energy. #UKEdChat
A3 - Making sure I have some me time - go for a walk, go out for a cup of tea, go to cinema every Wednesday. Take up a hobby. And I hate to say, don't teach in England (sorry - moved to Guernsey for a change of pace) #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
All this talk about biscuits is making me hungry. Let's talk about mental health.
Q3 - What coping strategies do you use to deal with pressure, stress and anxiety?
Pls use the hashtag & A3
Prioritise tasks, ensure only essential are completed if tired. A task completed when tired is not done well and often needs doing again or adapting so better that it waits and is done properly or not at all. As a head delegation is also key - but provide time for them. #UKEdChat
A4 - Not all the time, it is in ebbs and flows. At times, yes and for NQT/PGCE students much harder as you are learning your craft (therefore, planning more, thinking about subj know more etc.) Plus, the invisible structures aren't always in place, yet! #ukedchat
A3. Remembering the funny bits from the day and focusing on this at the end of it. There’s always at least one thing that makes me laugh in a day! #ukedchat
A4: Now yes. Different story 3 years ago. Have more time now develop ideas and myself as a teacher - didn't read about teaching before as didn't have time or energy.#ukedchat
A3 when I drive up to sch I would sit for a few minutes and meditate. I’d make sure I had at least one person at sch I could vent to. I’d make my list for Monday on Friday and then not do any work or think about it at the weekend. #UKEDChat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
All this talk about biscuits is making me hungry. Let's talk about mental health.
Q3 - What coping strategies do you use to deal with pressure, stress and anxiety?
Pls use the hashtag & A3
Me personally, yes, but I have made changes to the way I work in order to make it more sustainable and to help me switch off. I (like so many teachers) have a brain that doesn't switch off from the day for a while! #UKedchat A4 - am so much better than even this time last year
A3 I agree with taking time out of work. I find going for a run makes me feel better! Being organised and planning ahead can ensure there is less pressure or stress and talking to a trusted colleague can help to put everything into perspective. #UKEdChat
A4 #UKEdChat Couldn't have put it better myself. Although I'll add this - my attitude to workload is heavily dependent on how tired I feel. I just normally feel pretty tired (which I guess is normal with a 4 month old).
A4. Yes - but I’ve got better at managing it and managing my own expectations about managing it. Workload will always have heavier and sometimes stressful pinchpoints: as long as that isn’t the full time picture it’s OK #UKEdChat
Have turned off the twitter notifications, work every other day, more focused when at work in bursts (still have time to chat etc) reduced Sunday working - learning to stop #Ukedchat recognising that there is always more to do
A4 As part of SLT we have looked at planning, marking, feedback and report writing. We've tried to reduce workload by encouraging all teachers to give feedback in lesson time. HT has given release time for class teachers to write end of year reports. It's so helpful. #UKEdChat
I'm not sure I've ever met a teacher who has truly completed everything on their To Do list, but it's important to prioritise #ukedchat#healthyteacher A4
A5: definitely gym sessions and then binge watching series on Netflix! Exploring the city I live in and finding new places for coffee and cake! Also love a relaxing stroll around Clifton Downs! #UKEdChat
A4. It really depends on how much I put on myself-the thing with teaching is that the ‘to do list’ is never done so you could always keep going if you let yourself. It’s important to manage your own expectations of yourself in terms of work output #ukedchat
A5 I took up a drawing class for a term that was relaxing eventually! I was a bit nervous the first few sessions. I find running, reading, baking, gardening, writing, doing maths puzzles and listening to music relaxing. Listening to calm music in class is relaxing too. #UKEdChat
I do now- as a head I've been able to make a number of changes - hopefully helping class teachers e.g. fewer data captures, excel spreadsheets with formulas to analyse data, updated feedback & marking policy, shorter meetings, less homework #UKEdChat
#ukedchat A5 By dedicating 1 day a week - usually Saturday - to do family/friend things only. No planning or marking...even a break from edutwitter for a few hours ;)
A4 As part of SLT we have looked at planning, marking, feedback and report writing. We've tried to reduce workload by encouraging all teachers to give feedback in lesson time. HT has given release time for class teachers to write end of year reports. It's so helpful. #UKEdChat
a5 - I cook for the family - that's my way of switching from school-mode to home mode, I find cooking therapeutic - eating it is just as much fun! This year I've really become a book worm too. #ukedchat
A5. Eating some good food and getting out of the house. I’ve been enjoying being able to spend evenings sat in the garden over the last couple of weeks #ukedchat
#ukedchat A6 tbh I think as a society we are very health conscious. We are continually bombarded with healthy living this and that, people dieting and talking about Fitbits. I'll be honest if I eat right, drink enough water and don't feel like collapsing it's been a good day!
COACHING & POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY IN SCHOOLS
Leadership Matters ambassador Clive Leach discusses the importance of creating a positive environment and culture within the school for living and learning well.
https://t.co/iRmlNahkD2@cliveleachcoach#STLChat#UKEdChat#EdChat
I think that's the million dollar question that only people above me can answer. Currently there is a culture of meetings at lunch time just to be able to fit them in
I've become quite good at finding cheap deals.... not sure what that says about my holiday savviness or my stress levels!? Plus your version sounds just as good!
I think it is definitely possible but relates to workload... when I have a lot on I tend to grab junk food, eat at my desk, finish late and skip exercise! When my workload was less I was more healthy #ukedchat
In reply to
@richard_duckett, @LukeRicha, @ukedchat
#ukedchat A6
By walking in nature and with my dogs, by yoga, mindfulness and reading. Paying attention to my energy levels and noticing how I’m feeling
#ukedchat A6 By showing students there is more to life than energy drinks, Doritos and Xbox...get them engaging in activities linked to positive physical/mental health, e.g. outdoor activities, walking, kayaking, sports. Our school does that really well.
#UKEDChat A6 be the change you want to see in the kids. Encourage healthy eating, educate them about vitamins and veg, healthy food choices. Have an apple a day to keep the doc away.. munch munch 🍎 oh, and say no to donuts! 😬
A6 Look at workload for staff and think about what has an impact on chn's learning and what doesn't. Since sch dinners became healthier I have them every school day! Teach chn about food e.g. healthy snacks, eating breakfast and adults need to model this too. #UKEdChat
A6: #UKEdChat Students and other school stakeholders aren't very conscious wise. School canteen: serve fruit and veggies, not only carbs and horrible industrial snacks For school policy makers: gym for students and teachers (x mins between lessons)
Ensure staff don't burnout, introduce policies & practice to help e.g fewer data captures, shorter & fewer meetings, less marking, more non-contact, subject leader release time, go home earlier, provide lunch at INSET, no grades for observations & work scrutiny #UKEdChat
I still feel that children need a bigger range of activities on offer for PE, maybe a weekly class target for steps/active minutes? More opportunities to learn, cook and taste healthy food. #UKEdChat
A6 #UKEDChat just want to add that lately I’ve been watching a lot about food and the industry. It has changed my perception of what is healthy. Some say the food pyramid should be upside down, so I am concerned if what we are teaching kids is the actual truth..
A5: I make sure I get the time now to do things for me and my family. I didn't used to and very nearly lost friends and my partner because work was always prioritised. #ukedchat
A6 agree with @Sian_Rowland healthy Schools was a fantastic tool to make students more health conscious but for teachers water fountains everywhere, gym on site, email scheduling options so you can write them whenever but can schedule to send them during work hours.... #UKEDChat
For pupils: less homework, mindfulness, nurture area available at break and lunch, train staff - dyslexia friendly class, autism, attachment etc. Be a mentally healthy school through training, support and acknowledgement. #UKEdChat
The UKEd Podcast – Episode 15 – Behaviour with @AnneMGoldsmith & @Sean_S_Warrenhttps://t.co/NZcQeKnliF
You can now get #UKEdChat updates on WhatsApp. Send us a your Twitter handle (so we know who we are talking to) to +44 (0)7853488425 to get started.
A6 Not every day but on days my class don't have PE lessons I take them out for a walk around the playground. At lunchtimes when I'm on duty the chn find me to do the 'ready, steady, go' for the running lanes. They are relatively new, not that long but the chn love them #UKEdChat
A6 also every new policy you introduce you must consider if this is increasing workload or decreasing. If the former then don’t do it. In fact do a review of all policies & practices and add/omit/ delete!!! #UKEdChat
A7: Share your worries, set time aside for yourself, make sure you have a decent night time routine - sleep is so important and exercise - endorphins make you happy! #UKEdChat
Q2 you've really got to make time to exercise otherwise work will just take over - we got a teachers running club at school. 4pm twice a week we're out the gates. Nice that there's a shower at school though. #ukedchat
Poweful principles of learning - read Rosenshine's great article on using the insights of cognifitve science with such practical applications for both students and teachers, with a summary @ https://t.co/BKGOKhntAx#edchat#ukedchat#sltchat#JoyfulLeaders
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Here's question 7 again, I'm really enjoying hearing your opinions.
Q7 - What advice would you give a new teacher to help them cope?
Pls use the hashtag & A7
#UKEdChat How do you relax?
A5 - I have a “just for fun” twitter for posting Shakespeare quotes with gifs from a TV show I love. It’s goofy & takes my mind off things a bit. 🤓
Also: Nordic walking, crime dramas Netflix/novels, & time with the husband & friends. 😊
A6: when planning we have to consider wellbeing etc in order to promote this through our subjects. For me thinking about text choices and discussions surrounding issues and topics helps and as all subjects do this alongside the student support team, it really helps! #ukedchat
I actually think schools should be really careful with this. A focus on ‘healthy’ foods or the idea of good/bad foods is a flawed view of nutrition that children are continually exposed to. We should be talking about balanced diets and active lifestyles. #UKEdChat
A7: Make sure you create some real "corridors" of time off between day work and any evening work you do. Take one whole day off a week. Make time for family, hobbies and friends. Look after your wellbeing, and you can look after your students' wellbeing!
#ukedchat
We are all much more aware of what is considered healthy but I'm not sure that necessarily means we are all doing what is healthy or making the healthy choices. #ukedchat
Sometimes! It’s remembering to do these things when I’m most busy that is still a work in progress. At least checking in & noticing what’s really going on & being responsible for how I show up is pretty sorted. Always room for improvement & #noonelikesashowoff 😆
A7 Yes lots of great advice here: sleep, relaxation, laughter, endorphins generally, prioritise, sharing and honesty and remembering that your job is not the same as your life. #ukedchat#healthyteacher A7
A7. Not to to put aside the things they are interested in so that they can do more school work. I meet so many teachers who say things like ‘oh I used to do .... but I don’t really have time anymore’ which I think is a shame #ukedchat
A7: #UKEdChat 1. Comunicate with fellow teachers, particularly more experienced ones 2. Build up a teacher network in Twitter😉and follow good profiles 3. Try to get into students' shoes and create empathy with them-even pretending you're one of them
Hope my staff would agree we are trying hard at this - not perfect yet but we are battling with gov policies. Myself and SLT are doing all we feasibly can. #UKEdChat
In reply to
@Littlemslaurad, @LukeRicha, @ukedchat
A7 you can't do everything. You're one small-ish part of a large group of people who will impact on a student's outcomes, good and bad. Don't overwork or you'll burn out. Easier said than done. #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Final question - thank you all!
Q8 - Does the way we look after ourselves set a good example to our students?
Pls use the hashtag & A8
A7 Try to have one day at the weekend which is completely work free. Try to give feedback in lesson time so less marking. Look after yourself and your health. If you have any issues talk to a trusted colleague or mentor. They've been there and will be able to help. #UKEdChat
A2: yes!When you’re tired, you crave the sugar, only being able to leave the classroom in 2 hour blocks leaves you dehydrated&you’re so wiped by bedtime (because we do 11/12 hour days) that the gym seems horrendous! All about those morning workouts/big water bottles! #ukedchat
A4. It depends on what time of year it is really. Currently my to do list is insane but I’m not working on the weekends so it’s all feeling quite manageable. #UKEdChat
A8 - Yes, I always try to leave meetings if they are dragging on, and I always try to walk out of my office at 5pm (nb it's a boarding school so day doesn't finish till 4.45pm anyway). More time working does not equal better working! #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
Final question - thank you all!
Q8 - Does the way we look after ourselves set a good example to our students?
Pls use the hashtag & A8
A8: #UKEdChat Of course it does! If students see a poor, bent and sad teacher, it will give a bad impression than a young-looking, healthy and good-humoured one. Too much of a generation gap will not create empathy
A3: morning workouts, writing down what my worst case scenarios and how I’d react and I attempt meditation through yoga (hard with busy brains!). I always try to find 3 things a day I’m grateful for and leave the classroom tidy #ukedchat
#UKEdChat@UKEdChat
The final question one more time...
Q8 - Does the way we look after ourselves set a good example to our students?
Pls use the hashtag & A8
A7 Try to have one day at the weekend which is completely work free. Try to give feedback in lesson time so less marking. Look after yourself and your health. If you have any issues talk to a trusted colleague or mentor. They've been there and will be able to help. #UKEdChat
In another school we ordered sandwiches in on a Friday and ate together. It just made us stop and make an effort to sit rather than taking 5 mins #ukedchat
In reply to
@MissHJ_NQT, @ukedchat, @MalCPD, @LukeRicha
A8: totally! We’re role models and need to remember that! We need to keep healthy and communicate how to keep ourselves both physically and mentally strong! #UKEdChat
Inspired by the topic of #ukedchat this evening, which I just caught the tail end of...I have reposted a blog on this theme: "Make Wellbeing Your Wellspring" @ https://t.co/BKGOKhntAx .
Lessons learnt from some painful experience!
#edchat#sltchat#wellbeing
A7 - you probably didn't cover time management and organisation in your PGCE. Talk to those in your school who seem to have it cracked. Soak in their wisdom; what corners can be cut? #UKEdChat
#ukedchat A7 best gift you can give is to show up as your best self. To do this you have to fill yourself up first. Rest, exercise, fresh air, family, friends, fun, laughter, sleep, nutrition all important. Remember it’s good to grow/improve AND that good enough is good enough
In fact, I would say I have learnt that more time thinking means better prioritising and more effective decisions and interventions - as a leader and as a teacher. "Less is more" as they say...
#ukedchat
A8 Yes! Chn learn from lots from you not just the lessons you've planned! I try not to leave any of my school dinner and the chn in my class do similar. Before they would leave their salad or carrots! #UKEdChat
I was actually discussing this with my class today. I totally agree with you, but also suspect 'healthy' foods is actually about emphasis on foods at risk of being under or over represented in a balanced diet. "Balanced diet" is deceptively complicated to put into practice.
In reply to
@__CarlRogers__, @LukeRicha, @ukedchat
We do communal lunches once a term or on special occasions - everybody brings a plate and we have a buffet in the staff room! Such a lovely atmosphere when we do it!
In reply to
@Sian_Rowland, @ukedchat, @MalCPD, @LukeRicha
#ukedchat A8 Yes, but the message should be that students have the capacity to change - Eat a healthier diet, get a little more fresh air, do something active, before you have too many responsibilities to have the time...!
