Monday, June 29, 2015

An honest post to the teacher blogger community: We put pressure on each other without even knowing it

I don't know about you, but my brain never shuts off when it comes to teaching.  I'm always thinking how I can make things more efficient, coming up with new to do lists, and thinking up with ways I can use things from the Dollar Spot at Target, in my classroom.  I'm thinking of blog posts and taking a million photos.  I'm planning teacher meet ups and connecting with other teachings in the bazillion teacher Facebook groups that I'm part of.  It's really, really hard for me to shut the teaching side of my brain off and relax.
Come see how we put pressure on each other without even noticing it over at Easy Teaching Tools.

27 comments:

  1. Thanks for this important reminder! I am trying to follow your great advice! I've met friends for dinner, saw a show, attended a friend's daughter's softball game, went on a weekend road trip with my boyfriend, and have taken a nap every day for the past four days. It feels good, and I am so much more relaxed! Keeping calm and "summer-ing on!"
    ~Jennifer
    Stories and Songs in Second

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  2. Thanks for this important reminder! I am trying to follow your great advice! I've met friends for dinner, saw a show, attended a friend's daughter's softball game, went on a weekend road trip with my boyfriend, and have taken a nap every day for the past four days. It feels good, and I am so much more relaxed! Keeping calm and "summer-ing on!"
    ~Jennifer
    Stories and Songs in Second

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  3. Oh, I needed this post! Thanks! I've been on summer vacation for a week and a half, and I've been having fun. In the back of my mind, though, I keep thinking I should be doing something teachery! You've encouraged me to share some summery fun on my blog and on Instagram! Thanks again. Happy summer!
    Jan
    Laughter and Consistency

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  4. Great post! It really IS hard to find the balance! And I have had some guilt for ditching a book study in favor of time spent on other things. Thank you for sharing what we need to hear. As much as summer gives us the TIME to do all of those blog posts and projects on our "to-do" lists, not EVERY box needs to be checked. Have a great summer!

    Debbi
    3rd Grade Pad

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  5. I totally agree, it is soo hard especially with the pressures of social media. Thanks for the reminder my friend.
    Vicky
    Teaching and Much Moore

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  6. So true! I just told a friend, I need to stay off Facebook!

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  7. Yes!! Get out there and enjoy yourself! I have been having a great summer and I know I needed the down time. The beach and I are great friends :)
    Aloha,
    Corinna

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    1. By the looks of your posts, you've been having a great time!

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  8. AWESOME post!!! I couldn't agree more...social media is such a blessing and curse. Blessing in that our collaboration and idea-sharing abilities have no limits, but a curse in that does is really matter to me what a teacher in Oregon,for example, is currently working on/creating/decorating her room like?!? Life is short...it won't be remembered by how much time you are on the computer...but by how many moments you spent with those you truly love and care about! :) Great reminder for us all!!

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  9. Love this!!! Summer is the time to relax, refresh and recharge! Cheers to you!

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  10. Thanks for this! I've been having fun and feeling a bit guilty that I am not doing more for school. I will happily shop at Target, but only because I have to go for other things too. Enjoy your time!

    Amanda
    A Very Curious Class

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  11. Thanks for sharing this! I have felt the exact same pressure, but decided to not feel guilty! Teaching summer school is enough right now. I just can't keep up with everything else. Need some down time!

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  12. Thank you, Kristen, for those words of wisdom! I know I need to 'unplug' from social media more often and enjoy more moments outside.
    Peggy @ Primary Flourish

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  13. Thank you. Sometimes I wonder what I've got myself into by becoming a teacher blogger and seller for these very reasons. Even though I enjoy it, it is a lot of pressure and added work on top of what is already a very difficult job!
    Stephanie
    Applelight Moments By Stephanie

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  14. Thanks for the post! I just had this conversation with myself yesterday--ha. I told myself I had worked, worked, worked at home and for school all June. It's now time to hang it up and relax because Aug. 3rd will be here soon and I don't want to go back tired!

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  15. Good for you! I am not a blogger. I do not have a tpt store. My facebook page is a personal page, not a professional one. Even so, I constantly struggle to turn off my teacher brain long enough to take a break and recharge. I am nearing the end of my career and I still haven't figured out how to find that precious work-life balance. The job (teaching) gets bigger each year. Expectations placed on you are higher, and resources provided are never adequate. Following blogs and tpt stores has helped me to stay current in the profession. I appreciate the opportunity to purchase resources made by colleagues who understand what I need to support my students' learning. Even so, there comes a time when I have to take a step away from the computer. I hope you really enjoy your vacation time.

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  16. Thank you so much for this post. I have put so much pressure on myself this summer to read, produce, write...and the scale is off balance even though I am trying so hard to get it back in check. There are so many things that I want to learn over the summer and prepare for but if I don't give myself some down time, I will not be ready for the school year mentally.
    Thank you.
    Em
    Curious Firsties

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  17. I am trying to be really intentional about scheduling time for my kids, for myself, for moving my house and for setting up my new classroom! It's going to be tricky, but I'm dedicated to making memories!!

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  18. AMEN! Thank you for writing such an honest post. I love the social media explosion that the teaching community has created. I have made some amazing friends through teacher blogging and TpT, but we need to remember to take the time to recharge for our own families. Have a great weekend!
    Michele
    Coffee Cups and Lesson Plans

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  19. Thank you for this reminder.. we all need to unwind and spend time with our family and friends. I am enjoying my vacation time in Key West right now and am looking forward to a lot of fun activities when I get home later this week. I hope everyone can make time for themselves and enjoy the summer vacation!

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  20. Can I get a double amen!!! So important!! I have seen such a mixture in posts. I find myself not posting because I start to feel guilty one way or the other. But I know since November life is short.. live now... life won't wait for you!

    Susan

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