Earlier this week, I took time out of my day and reflected on the past 12 months, sharing my thoughts in a lengthy blog post. The practice was powerful and identified some themes I needed to be aware of. I responded to 10 prompts which have informed me of where I am and given me …
I often encourage my students to reflect on their behaviors, evaluating the results of actions or behaviors before considering how to move forward in life. It's the reflection, the evaluation, and the multiple attempts in learning where my students show the most growth. I even tell my students that I can't get mad at them …
Although this site is predominantly for health teachers seeking to share ideas and learn from each other, I occasionally feature blog posts on different topics, with book recommendations being one of them. This review of my favorite health text remains popular, I have featured books from people I know personally, my annual #summerreads posts are fun to share, and of …
For the 452nd slowchathealth blog post I turn to a different author. This site has been blessed with the generous contributions of educators and service providers, sharing their words willingly with a global audience. While it is a goal of mine to feature a new blog post each week, there are times when inspiration, and …
Those of you lucky enough to teach in a designated health classroom may be looking to update your wall displays and are in search of fresh new content. Hopefully you are encouraging your students to create some awesome materials that will showcase your teaching of health education and inspire peers who see the work of …
Each month #slowchathealth highlights a book of the month. Sometimes this will be chosen by myself but usually it will be based upon the recommendations of my PLN. Each month the blog post is updated so that the most recent book of the month is featured BUT you can find ALL of the books in this Amazon list.
I traditionally start my Sexuality Education unit addressing myths about sex. I do this, even though some of these myths seem unbelievable - does anyone really believe that you can't get pregnant if you have sex standing up? However, in this era of medical misinformation, and influencers seeking views and likes, it's important for teachers …
Last week, I had a fantastic day at school, and I think it was because I did things that went against my daily routine. I thought I had such a great morning routine that I had even written a blog post about it. My routine was THAT good. I typically set an alarm for bedtime. …
Continue reading A Student Reminded Me That I Had Neglected Relationships Within The Building
Regular readers of the blog will know that twice I have selected a title for the slowchathealth Book of the Month that has related to walking. Firstly Born to Walk by Dan Rubinstein, and most recently 52 Ways to Walk by Annabel Streets, in which the author states: It's time to rethink walking, to reclaim it from …
Having never been the most organized of individuals, it has taken me a long time to realize that life is a little easier when things are planned. I've been known to pull lessons out of thin air, and although some of them have been good, I know that my best lessons are the ones that …
Regular readers of the blog will know just how much I love music. Previously I have written about how I listen to calming music when grading student work, when changing the state of the room (inspired by Mike Kuczala), when introducing a new topic in class and when riding my Peloton. I've added awesome Spotify …
Two recent things that changed the way I structure my classroom-based health classes are the pandemic, with the remote/hybrid experience, and my school's transition from 40 minute periods to 85 minute periods. Both of these significant events led to me being more intentional about my planning, ensuring that I use my time with students most …
Jean-Philippe Ayotte-Beaudet, Université de Sherbrooke and Felix Berrigan, Université de Sherbrooke There is a growing interest across Canada in outdoor education that is formally integrated into school. This trend has increased since COVID-19, particularly because open-air environments significantly reduced the risks of disease transmission. Outdoor education is an umbrella term that includes many approaches and …
Is this the year in education when things get easier? I have multiple tweets from 2020, 2021, and 2022 stating that these have been the most trying of times in my 25+ years of teaching and if my social media is to be believed, we are seeing a greater number of educators walking away from …
Regular readers of the blog, particularly those who read the #Microblog posts, will know that many health teachers are under attack from community members who have taken issue with elements of our curricula. Often these efforts are well-organized, well funded, and very vocal. Often these efforts are mis-informed, seek to intentionally mis-inform, and always seek …
In a year when I've been physically and mentally challenged more than any other in my career, and I'm aware that I said something similar last summer (!), books have been a constant in my self-care armory. Intentionally carving out time for myself has boosted my health and wellness when I needed it most. Music, …
When asked what it is like to teach teenagers, I tell people it's wonderful, because I know the future will be safe in the hands of my students. Many of my students have budding advocacy traits, and see themselves as someone who will make change. For that reason, teaching advocacy skills in health class is …
To the Teacher Class of 2021/2022, In the final experience as a PhD Candidate at the University of Texas I sat impatiently waiting to be recommended by the College of Education’s Dean, Dr. Martinez, to receive my doctorate. As I sat there, UT’s Core Values were shared, and I was full of pride as I …
A principal once asked me, “Adam, how will you still impact the culture to promote health and wellness after you are gone?” This was year two of my teaching career, and I had just begun to have my head above water with middle school students and classroom management. Looking back at that moment I feel …
Continue reading How to Sustain a Culture of Health and Wellness at your School.
When my three children were learning to walk, each in their own ways and by their own timelines, they delighted in that adorable “hold both hands of a grownup while walking” thing we all do with our toddlers. But eventually, when they were ready, they learned to walk on their own. They needed to learn …
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