Community building is essential to me because it is such a huge factor in determining the success of a classroom. A classroom with peer-to-peer trust and respect, along with teacher-to-peer trust and respect, will be a much more inviting, open classroom. If you can build strong relationships between everyone in the room, learning and teaching become that much easier.

Feel free to check out a community-building activity that I made for one of my lessons on FlipGrid! Something as simple as helping your students get to know each other better can go a long way in the learning department.

As it pertains to our students, Ergonomics is the physical workplace that our students are learning in. Good ergonomics are essential to a student's success because it allows them to be undistracted and comfortable, making learning easier.

Ergonomics has taken a step to the forefront of everyone's mind over the past year or so; this includes teachers, students, and anyone working remotely recently. But, this applies to the classroom as well. It is crucial to think about the seating arrangement, seating options, and other factors to allow for the most optimal learning environment.

Here are a couple of quick tips for a better ergonomic set-up:

1. Limit distractions.

2. Be seated comfortably in a way that doesn't strain your body.

3. Take breaks.

Check out the "Family Newsletter" that I made earlier this semester for more helpful tips on ergonomics.

Mind and body wellness is simply taking care of yourself. It is the kindness you show yourself, the exercise you participate in, the healthy food and drinks you consume, getting a good night's sleep, cultivating healthy relationships with the important people in your life, and taking time for yourself. It is all of that and much, much more.

For children, this is incredibly important, and as role models and people that children look to for guidance and help, teachers play a vital role in helping children achieve true health in their body and mind. Children must start to develop skills to help their body and mind at a young age so that these things turn into healthy habits as they grow older. Teachers can implement so many aspects of mind and body wellness into everyday activities; it does not have to be in gym and health class exclusively.

There are many great resources that I have linked to help everyone learn more about mind and body wellness, as well as plenty of activities to do in the classroom. Please check it out!