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Showing posts with label teacher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teacher. Show all posts

Monday, September 18, 2023

8 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Teachers

 

Busy Teacher Breakfast Ideas

Being a busy teacher on the go can leave you scrabbling to get it all done, and some things may get left out in the hustle and bustle. And, one of those things may be getting to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. However, starting your day with a healthy meal is crucial for maintaining energy levels and your overall well-being. To help you tackle your morning rush, here are eight quick and easy breakfast ideas that are both delicious and time-saving for busy teachers. 

1.Overnight Oats

Oats are some of my favorite breakfast food. My love of oats began when I was a girl. My grandfather used to make them, and they smelled so good! I loved when he gave me some. And, this love carried over into adulthood.

Overnight oats can be a lifesaver for busy school mornings. Before going to bed, simply combine rolled oats with milk or yogurt in a mason jar or other airtight container. Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced fruits, nuts, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Since I want all of my fruit and other ingredients fresh, I don’t add toppings until I’m ready to eat. Now, leave those oats in the fridge overnight, and by morning, you'll have a ready-to-eat breakfast on the go.

I prefer to make my oats on the weekend. I make several jars worth and store them in the frig until I need them. And, I have to confess. I love eating these even when it isn’t a busy morning. My son and I sometimes eat these in the evenings while we are waiting on dinner.

2. Make-Ahead Egg Muffins

Prepare a batch of egg muffins at the beginning of the week to enjoy easy breakfasts throughout the rest of the school week. You can start by beating some eggs and pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin. Some people like to add diced vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, or shredded cheese. Shredded cheese is my go too. Bake these muffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Store the muffins in the fridge and reheat one or two in the microwave when needed throughout the week.

3. Smoothie

Once I discovered the magic of smoothies, I was hooked. They are easy and convenient for busy teachers on the go. They are also great to act as a meal replacement.

You can turn these into an easy to make smoothies into a quick, nutritious morning meal. You can start by creating smoothie packs. Add your favorite smoothie ingredients into individual resealable bags. Grab fruits of your choice like bananas, berries, or other fruit. Place them inside sealable bags. Seal the bags and store them in the freezer. In the morning, toss the contents of one pack into your blender, add some milk or juice, and blend until smooth for a refreshing and nutrient-packed smoothie.

I like my smoothie fresh. And, I love to make them with protein powder. I make mine with almond milk, bananas, strawberries, and protein powder. I blend these ingredients in the blender, and I have a quick and easy meal.

4. Peanut Butter Banana Toast

This classic combination takes minimal effort and tastes delightful. If you haven’t figured it out, bananas are my favorite fruit. Toast a slice of bread, spread a generous layer of peanut butter, and top it with banana slices. Some people recommend whole wheat bread, but I prefer white bread. It may not be the healthiest choice, but it’s still a quick and easy morning meal.

5. Greek Yogurt Parfait

In the famous words of Donkey on Shrek, “Everybody loves a Parfait.” These Greek yogurt parfaits are not only visually appealing, but it is also packed with essential nutrients. In a tall glass or mason jar, layer Greek yogurt with granola, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. You can prepare multiple jars ahead of time and refrigerate them, making it easy to grab one on the go.


6. Breakfast Pizza

Who wants pizza? Well, have some for breakfast. Breakfast Pizza combines the goodness of pizza with all the breakfast essentials. To make this delicious dish ahead of time, you'll need pizza dough, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings. Start by rolling out the dough. Then, you can add the ingredients of your choice. These can include scrambled eggs, cheese, and toppings like sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Once you have assembled your pizza, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, simply place your breakfast pizza inside the oven for a quick bake. Your breakfast pizza can be sliced and enjoyed by the whole family.



7. Overnight Breakfast Casserole

The Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, go-to choice for busy moms like me. To prepare this family favorite, you'll need bread cubes, eggs, milk, cheese, and your choice of add-ins like sausage, bacon, or veggies. Assemble the casserole in a baking dish the night before and let them soak. This allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard. The next morning, simply bake until it's golden brown and bubbly. You can customize it to suit your family's tastes.

8. Make-Ahead French Toast Sticks

French toast is one of those breakfast delights that is sweet and decadent. You can make these slices of heaven as sophisticated or as simple as you like. To prepare, dip slices of bread into a mixture of eggs, milk (or half and half), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. You then bake until they are golden. Once they cool, store them in the freezer. And, in the morning, pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick reheat. Serve with syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast that feels like a special treat.

Since I was dying to try a variation on this dish, I decided to use crescents instead of regular bread. I also used the air fryer. They were just as good and just as delicious. If you like you can enjoy your French toast with fruit or even a creamy whipped topping.

Life can get to be hectic. And, if you are a busy teacher/busy mom like me then you know how valuable time is. But, that doesn’t mean you should skip breakfast. Oh, contra. Instead, have a delicious, healthy, and quick breakfast. These eight quick and easy breakfast ideas are designed to save you time without compromising on nutrition and taste.

Happy Teaching!

Video to watch:

French Toast 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EARnchvnbVI

The Best Teacher Morning Routine

https://2cuteclassroom.com/the-best-teacher-morning-routine/#more-722


Tuesday, August 8, 2023

10 Educational Activities for Kids This Fall

                               


10 Educational Activities for Kids This Fall

Fall is a season filled with crisp air, colorful leaves, and the perfect opportunity for kids to explore and learn through exciting activities. Together we’ll explore ten educational activities that will engage and inspire young minds during the autumn season. These activities are not only fun, but they will also promote creativity, critical thinking, and learning in various subject areas.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Fall offers a beautiful landscape of changing leaves, acorns, and other natural wonders. Organize a nature scavenger hunt where kids can explore the outdoors and learn about different plant species, insects, and animals. Provide a checklist of items for them to find, such as a red leaf, a pinecone, a bird feather, and a spider web. This activity encourages observation skills, critical thinking, and appreciation for the natural world.

Apple Science Experiment

Visit an apple orchard and gather a variety of apples. Back at home or in the classroom, conduct a simple apple science experiment. Cut the apples into pieces and observe the different parts, such as the skin, flesh, and seeds. Discuss the concept of seeds being responsible for growing new apple trees. This hands-on activity introduces kids to basic biology and the lifecycle of plants.

Pumpkin Carving and Storytelling

Carving pumpkins is a classic fall activity that can be made educational by adding a storytelling component. After carving the pumpkins, encourage children to create a story based on the face they carved into their pumpkin. Each child can take turns telling their story, fostering creativity, public speaking skills, and imagination.

Fall Themed Art Projects

Engage kids in various fall-themed art projects, such as leaf rubbings, watercolor paintings of fall landscapes, and creating leaf collages. Discuss the changing colors of leaves and why they occur. Encourage children to explore different art techniques, enhancing their fine motor skills and artistic expression.

Fall Harvest and Nutrition

Teach kids about the fall harvest and the importance of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables. Visit a local farmer's market or a farm. Let the children pick their own produce. Back in the classroom or home, talk about the nutritional benefits of these foods and incorporate them into a cooking activity. Preparing simple recipes using fall produce encourages healthy eating habits and practical math skills through measuring and following recipes.

Fall-themed Science Experiments

Explore the science behind the fall season with hands-on experiments. Investigate the chemical process behind changing leaf colors by conducting chromatography on different leaves. Study the migration of birds and discuss why they fly south for the winter. These activities introduce kids to scientific concepts and encourage curiosity and inquiry.

Fall Math Games

Turn fall leaves, acorns, or pumpkins into math manipulatives. Use them to teach addition, subtraction, and counting skills. For older children, introduce concepts like multiplication and division through fall-themed word problems. These interactive math games make learning enjoyable and enhance children's math proficiency.

Fall Book Club



Create a fall-themed book club where kids can read and discuss books related to the season. Select a mix of fiction and non-fiction books about autumn, harvest, and the changing environment. After reading the books, hold discussions and encourage kids to express their thoughts and feelings about the stories. This activity fosters a love for reading, comprehension skills, and critical thinking.

Fall Geography Adventure

Embark on a fall geography adventure by exploring different regions and how they experience the autumn season. Discuss the changing weather patterns and seasonal differences between various locations. Encourage children to create maps and mark the places they learn about, broadening their understanding of the world.

Fall Music and Movement

Engage kids in fall-themed music and movement activities. Play music inspired by the season and encourage them to dance, move like animals preparing for hibernation, or act out the falling leaves. Music and movement enhance coordination, creativity, and provide a fun outlet for self-expression.

Fall is a fantastic season for children to learn and explore the world around them. These ten educational activities offer an exciting way to engage kids in learning during the autumn months. From nature scavenger hunts and pumpkin carving to science experiments and fall-themed art projects, these activities foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the changing season. Whether at home or in the classroom, these activities will undoubtedly make this fall a memorable and enriching experience for kids. So, let's celebrate the beauty of autumn while providing our children with valuable educational opportunities.

Videos to Watch:



 


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Things that Make a Teacher Ineffective



Some teachers are highly effective and well-liked while some are not. What makes the difference between a teacher that is liked and respected and one who is disliked by her students? The following is a list of things that can make a teacher ineffective and unpopular.

Inconsistence

A teacher who is inconsistent can cause chaos in the classroom. Her students don’t know what to expect on any given day, and the rules are always changing. This can may the teacher ineffective and unpopular with her students.  A wise teacher knows to have a consistent routine that her students can follow. This gives the students a sense of security because they know what to expect.

Shows favoritism

It is imperative that a teacher never play favorites. She should never give one student more attention than the rest. And, she should never give one student special treatment. The other students will immediately notice this behavior and resent her because of it. To prevent showing one student preference over another, a teacher should make rules that apply to all of her students. And, she should treat each student the same.

Lack of flexibility

Teachers who are too rigid quickly become unpopular with students. An effective teacher knows that the world and her classroom are always changing. She knows this, and she is willing to change. She knows that some days will not go the way that she has planned. A teacher who is effective and respected is open to new ideas and techniques. 

Lack of empathy

Compassion is an important trait for a teacher. It shows her students that she is concerned about them and the things that matter to them. A teacher who lacks empathy will be viewed as cruel and uncaring. This will make her unpopular with her students.

Negative attitude

The words that a teacher speaks can affect a student’s life years after they have left that teacher’s classroom. If a teacher has a negative attitude about learning, her subject area, or her students, it can influence how her students view the subject area and how they behave in her classroom. An effective teacher realizes that her actions and expectations are an important component in her students’ achievements. So, even if she does not like a subject or one of her students, she does not display these feelings.

Lack of planning

A teacher who is unprepared and disorganized can quickly become unpopular with her students. A lack of planning can lead to bored, disruptive students. A wise teacher knows to be prepared. She prepares lessons for all of her students. She has designed her lessons to actively involve all of her students. And, she plans for the whole class period.

Lack of confidence

A teacher who lacks the confidence to make eye contact with her students or to speak in a clear, concise voice may also be disliked by her students. Because of her lack of enthusiasm for her subject matter, her students may find her difficult to understand and dull.

Teachers who are disliked and unpopular tend to have several things in common. They are not consistent, lack empathy, play favorites, and have negative attitudes.