Teaching Creativity

3 Easy Tips to Make it through a Hard Time

In the last 3 months, I’ve been facing hearing loss and brain damage. This is due to prior trama from a car accident back in 2019, and, although I know sign language, I’m hoping it doesn’t get to the point where I’ll need to use it full time.

Now, you might not be facing hearing loss (I certainly hope not), but you might be in a trial that’s weighing on your heart. We’ve all been there. We’ve all faced difficult times before that look different for each one of us. We’ve faced loss, fatigue, exhaustion, betrayal, hurt, heartache…the list goes on and on.

So what should do we do about it? What can help us make it through the storm? How can we persevere and come out on the other side of all of this successfully/less broken then we were before?

Here are 3 easy tips to help you make it through your hard time:

1. Find Your Community

When we’re low we tend to forget what God has done in our lives. Therefore, you need to find your community.

Be around people who lift you up and encourage you spiritually.

This can be friends or mentors around you who give you a constant reminder of who God is and how He’s worked in your life in the past. This can be someone who you simply enjoy spending time with who makes you laugh. Whoever they are, find them, be around them, thank them, and enjoy every minute together.

2. Focus on Others

I’ve noticed that whenever I start ministering/helping other people that my worries and my burdens seem so much smaller. My perspective changes and I realize that I’m not the only one hurting.

There are so many people out there who could use your help and your presence. Simply decide to show up, to help out, or just give an encouraging word to someone.

You’ll be surprised how much helping others encourages you in the process.

3. Fall on Your Knees (aka: PRAY)

This is the easiest tip to do, yet so many of us fail to take action in this area.

You have to pray. Talk to God about your trial. Be honest with Him. Share your anger, your frustration, your brokenness. It’ll lift a burden off your shoulders once you realize that He already knows your heart and, yes, He can handle it.

Hopefully these tips help you to give all of your cares to Him, focus on others, find your community, and live every moment of creativity to its fullest.

3 of the Top ways to Help New Teachers

Take a trip with me back to your first year teaching. What were you feeling? Were you excited or nervous? I was definitely both. Did you know everything right away? Me either.

There is no teacher who has everything together on their first go around, but there is a way we could help them out.

1. Let them know you Believe In Them

I’m sure we were all a bit nervous to get into the classroom for the first time, to prepare our lesson plans, and eventually stand in front of our students.

So what helped us get out jitters out? We had people who believed in us, who encouraged us, and who pumped us up for the school year.

You can be one of these people.

Leave an encouraging note, get to know the new teachers, and remind them that you believe that God’s going to do great things through them this year! It’ll put a smile on their face and some confidence in their busy preparation time.

2. Keep them in the Loop

Ever see things happen around you and had no idea that you were supposed to be included? You didn’t know everyone brought _____ to the meetings or that _____ only happened every other Monday.

Sadly, that’s the case for many first year teachers. They’re not fully brought up to speed simply because no one takes the time to tell them what they need to get done next. They accidentally leave them behind and just assume that they already know.

Don’t assume! Ask questions and inform them of what’s going on. Explain things when needed and let them know your room number if they ever need anything.

In doing this, you’ll keep them in the loop and keep your team running strong.

3. Help them out!!

This goes for the new teachers and the experienced ones too! We ALL need help some times, so if you see a place you can step into please do so. Whether it’s rearranging the area, cleaning blinds, or organizing papers, literally, anything helps and it makes the world of difference!

In coming together you create less preparation time and less stress as a team.

So don’t be afraid to step into the game, to include the new teacher down the hallway, and to believe in the best year ever as you help others Teach Creativity!

2 Easy Ways to get Enthusiastic for this Fall

Summer is almost over. Can you believe that? It aches my heart to even think about it.

Yet, when I consider this upcoming fall, I feel myself being completely and utterly excited beyond words!

Why? Why do I feel so thrilled? Even though we’re in the midst of a pandemic and I don’t know what to expect?

Here it is: Here’s 2 reasons I’m so Enthusiastic to teach this fall

1. I’ve pushed away my expectations

I’m such a perfectionist, it’s crazy. I analyze over the smallest details and push myself past my limits. I expect so much from myself and others that I realized that this was the first thing I had to do.

I had to realize that this year will not be perfect. Something, sometime, will go wrong.

We’ll face injuries on the playground, disgruntled parents, and (unfortunately) distractions from wearing masks indoors.

It’s going to happen. But you know what? That’s okay!

It may sound cheesy, but as long as we’re trying our best and remembering that God is in control, we’ll be okay.

In the end we’ll know that He had it all planned out and that our personal expectations weren’t necessary in the first place.

2. I’m focusing on the present

When we look to far into the future, we can start to worry.

I bet you’ve already looked far into the Fall and launched your thoughts into the Spring while considering all the details in between.

We can all do this—myself included.

But I made the choice to just enjoy the now.

To enjoy enjoy making visuals. Enjoy preparing classroom decor. Enjoy the summer sun and the poolside fun.

I made the decision to enjoy every second of right now so that I won’t regret it later.

I want to encourage you to do the same. Relax and just enjoy the moment you’re in and don’t put so much pressure on yourself to make this year perfect. Just trust that God will work through you as you continue to teach creativity.

The Best Thing You can do for your Students this Summer

My friends and I were able to get to the beach this past weekend and we loved every second of it. We listened to music, we talked, and we laughed. We tasted the salty sea on our tongues and the warmth of the sun on our backs. We rested and adventured. We took a break away and enjoyed every moment of it.

And in the midst of all of that, I found a solitary moment to just reflect and refocus.

I reflected on Who God is.

He is powerful enough to create the sea & loving enough to create you and me. He is thoughtful enough to put every microscopic detail into the grains of sand and strong enough to keep the waves at bay.

Then I chose to refocus.

I focused on what God has done for me in the past, how much He loves me, and all the ways He could shape my future. I set myself aside, put away my pride, and asked the same God who shaped the beauty of the beach to form His beautiful image within me.

I needed every moment with the sand between my toes and the cold water skidding across my ankles. I needed to get away from the busy chaos, the pressure, and stress and just move closer and closer to God. I needed more of Him in all of His wonder and less of myself.

So with the first day of summer behind us, I hope you’re able to enjoy the rays of sunshine God has set before you. But most importantly I hope you’re able to reflect on Who God is and all that He has done in your life, because when you’re able to refocus on Him you’ll find it’s the best thing to help you teach creativity.

3 Outstanding Tips to Help You Run Your Race with a Steady Pace

We all get distracted or fall behind every now and then.

With Covid-19, and so many of us working from home, it becomes even harder. The distractions can cone from every angle and falling behind can turn into a new sport called, “the catch up sprint.”

So to help us keep our pace, instead of falling behind, here are 3 tips to help you run your race with focus:

1. Know Your Goal

Many times we fall behind because we forget our goal or simply don’t have one in place.

Remember why you started & it’ll keep you going.

2. Limit Distractions

Set aside those things that hinder you from pursuing your goal.

They may not be bad things, but if they’re slowing you down then they need to be put down.

3. Put God in It

Whatever you’re doing or pursuing, make sure God is in the center of it.

It’s only with His help that you’ll find the courage & strength to continue.

Enjoy running your race with these 3 tips in mind. I’m cheering you on as you keep up the pace & teach creativity!

3 of the Greatest Tips to Help You Wait

Right now nothing in our lives seems normal. We’re away from our teams, we’re all either temporarily unemployed (or teaching online), and our students are miles away as we anxiously sit binge watching TV in our living rooms.

So what should we do? How do we handle these times of waiting and uncertainty?

Let me share a bit of my personal story with you as we go on this journey together.

First, I want to encourage you to remember who you are in the Lord.

There was a time, due to my health, when I was unable to teach. My dreams and hopes were shattered. I didn’t know when I was going to be able to return to the classroom again and my heart was completely broken. I was missing my students and my people (a lot like most of us today). Yet during that time, God taught me that my value was not defined by what I do, but by Who I belong to.

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31)

If you’re not teaching right now, remember that it’s okay. God still loves you and values you today as much as He did yesterday. Hold on to that truth, because it’s not changing.

Second, surround yourself with support from loved ones.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

When I couldn’t teach, my home church in Arizona was so supportive and my team in here in Banning literally surrounded me with encouragement. They stayed connected with me and elevated me in Christ. They continually reminded me that they had my back and that they were there for me.

That’s exactly what you need. You need people who are going to lift you up when you feel low and push you when you feel like you can’t go on. Find those people. Find your support. Love them and cherish them.

Lastly, choose to keep investing in others.

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philipians 2:4)

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “When you help others, you get your focus off of yourself.” It’s completely true! When you’re helping others, your own needs fade off into the background. It’s as if all of your troubles become small in comparison. So find someone to invest in-your students, your children, your friends. Enjoy helping and motivating others and you’ll find that you can keep on teaching creativity!

7 Helpful Homeschooling Tips

There are thousands of parents who were thrown into the teacher role this past month.

This blog post is for you! Now you’re not only providers for your children, but you’re also their educators. You’ve been given the responsibility of teaching your child without any time to invest in a four year education degree. So what do you do? Where do you start?

Here are 7 Helpful Tips for those of you who are new to homeschooling & simply need a place to begin.

Create a Schedule

Children thrive off of two things: structure and consistency. Having a schedule can provide both!

It’s really easy and very effective! Schedule your child’s core subjects during the time when you believe your child is most attentive/awake and feel free to give those subjects the most time because they usually take the most time to complete. Then include different times for family activities, crafts, and games.

2. Connect with their Teacher

Hopefully your child’s has an awesome teacher who has already reached out to you with a game plan for the rest of the year ahead. But if they haven’t, then make sure to connect with them! Ask them for help. Find out what your child needs to learn in order to be ready for the next school year. Ask for worksheets and games you can do at home.

Remember that the teachers know what struggles you’re going through. They know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. They know your child’s favorite subjects and their least favorite. They know what you’re going through and they’re there to help.

If your child’s teacher isn’t available, then feel free to ask a friend for help or you could even reach out to me via email. I’d be glad to come alongside you!

3. Come up with Incentives

What’s an incentive? It’s anything that motivates your child in a positive way.

Find something that motivates your child to want to learn/stay on task. Perhaps if they finish all of their school work by 2:00 they can play a video game. It could be if they complete all of their worksheets that Daddy plays with them outside or reads them a story. Maybe if they get all the answers right on a paper, they get to choose what the family has for dinner.

Your incentives don’t have to cost you any money, just some imagination.

4. Craft a Study Area

Give your child a space in your home to call “school.” Whether it’s an area to themselves or simply a desk in their room, give them a space away from distractions where they can focus.

5. Collect Supplies

This includes things like pipe cleaners, crayons, markers, etc. However, we all know that most of the stores are closed. So what do we do instead? We simply order things online or get creative!!

Go for a walk today and find sticks, leaves, and rocks that you can use to make a nature mural. Look around your home and use things like cotton balls, paper scraps, or empty cereal boxes in order to create something brand new.

6. Cultivate Fun

I bet there are a lot of kids out there who already enjoy learning at home simply because they get to wear their pajamas, but if your child isn’t enjoying being away from their class and teacher then find a way to make it fun!

Look up some educational videos for your child to watch. Create little songs or jingles to go with their lesson for that day. Make a craft that emphasizes a topic. Get messy! Have fun! Be creative!

7. Capture time for Yourself

Last tip is also one of the most important! This is completely necessary in order for you to be able to live this time of your life in a useful and purposeful way.

As crazy and hard as this sounds right now, it is possible. Find some time (either before everyone wakes up or after they all go to sleep) for yourself. Find time to read your Bible, to enjoy a movie, or invest in a hobby. Take care of you!

Remember: If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.

As you take time for yourself, don’t stress if it’s not perfect and if your days at home look way different from education in the classroom. We’re all in the same boat and you’re probably doing way better than you think! So take a deep breath, put these tips into action, and use this time to keep teaching creativity!

Joy in Uncertain Times

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1

Most of you are probably familiar with that Scripture verse. In fact, you probably know the entire passage by heart. I memorized it years ago, most likely in a Sunday school class or Bible class at school. It’s a common chapter in the Psalms often used during difficult times.

It’s such a common passage, that it had almost become redundant to me. Until recently.

I think we can all agree we are living in uncertain times. Things are changing daily, a lot of people are sick, and many more are without jobs. Teachers had to leave their students mid-semester without saying goodbye. Projects are left unfinished with no time frame of picking them back up again. Suddenly we are forced to spend a lot more time within the walls of our own home.

And if I’m being honest, it’s taken a toll on me. I have been in a battle lately. A battle where I am wrestling between faith and fear. A battle between trust and uncertainty. A battle between joy and discouragement.

But in all of these uncertain times one thing remains constant: Jesus.

Think about the most difficult time in your life. Go ahead, do it. For me, it was the fall of 2010. I was diagnosed with an auto-immune muscle disease. I had to leave college my senior year, move home, and learn to live a new normal. Put simply, my world was turned upside down. I can remember laying in bed at night, tears as my prayers, crying out to the Lord without even knowing what words to pray. But you know what else I remember from that time and other difficult times in my life? His nearness. His strength in my weakest moments. His peace that passes understanding.

Times are uncertain, yes. But He isn’t. He is my shepherd which means what? He leads me. He provides for me. He protects me. And He guides me. So much that I shall not want. Meaning what? I lack nothing. In Him, I have absolutely, everything I need.

Are you struggling today? In a time where it is so easy to choose fear over faith, choose faith. Remember, remember, remember all the times He has been faithful to provide in the past. And allow this time to be one that refines you as you draw near to Him. Then and only then will you experience joy amidst the trials. Then you can say confidently, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

You're Not Alone during the Wait

Due to the protective measures that many schools are reinforcing, a lot of us teachers have either been moved to a virtual classroom, lost our jobs, or have simply been asked to wait.

We’re waiting for answers. We’re waiting for school to reopen. We’re waiting for life to start again.

The beautiful thing about it is that you’re not going through it alone.

Thousands of teachers all around the country are going through the same heart ache and asking their principals the same questions you are.

They’re here for you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support, help, or feedback from other teachers.

Check out Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You can see tons of other teachers who are trying to figure out their digital classrooms and upload videos for their students. Ask them how they’re doing it. Seek their advice on creative tools and difference internet resources.

In doing this, it not only helps you, but encourages them as well. Trust me. They’ll love answering your questions as much as you’ll enjoy learning from their answers.

I’m here for you.

We may not know each other personally, but I want you to know that you’re not alone.

Due to my health, there have been times in my life when I questioned whether or not I’d ever be in the classroom again.

I’ve felt that longing to be with your students and that ache when you ask yourself when you’re going to see them again. I’ve experienced what you’re going through-the pain, the questioning, the doubt.

I came through it closer to Christ, refreshed, and a better teacher. You will too! And you don’t have to do it alone.

God’s here for you.

If you’re a Christian, please understand that God has a plan for you even during this difficult time and that He’s walking you through it.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”~Romans‬ ‭8:28-29‬

God doesn’t intend for you to dwell in pity or doubt His presence in your life. He wants you to remember that He’s working things out for your good and conforming~shaping you into His image. He’s using this time to work in your life, so trust Him in the process. You’re not alone.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”~Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬

God is with you right now, wherever you may be. I’m cheering you on to the finish line. Other teachers are here for you if you have any questions.

We’re in this together-supporting and rooting for each other each step of the way.

Don’t give up because you’re not alone during the wait. Instead, keep going, keep praising, and keep teaching creativity.

How to Explain the COVID-19 to Your Students

We’ve heard it all over the news. It’s screaming at us on our social media accounts. Schools are closing down. COVID-19 is here.

So how do we explain it to our students? How do we comfort them when we don’t know when we’ll see them again?

Now, depending on your situation and your school, you might not want to go into depth and detail about COVID-19 with your students.

You’ll also have to consider the age and mental capabilities of the children in your classroom and connect with your school administrator beforehand to get their heart for the school.

But, if you are able to explain the corona virus to your students, here are three helpful things to remind them of in the classroom.

1. Emphasize Hand Washing

There are tons of creative memes and funny videos about hand washing. Use them! They’re actually a fun and funny tool to help the children remember how essential it is to keep their hands clean and away from their faces.

Of course, you’ll want to preview them first to make sure they’re school appropriate.

It could also be a fun group project to make handshakes that involve “no hands.” Encourage them to use their elbows, shoulders, or feet. In the midst of the chaos, have fun and get creative with it!

2. Explain the Importance of Prayer

Everyone all around the world is experiencing high volumes of anxiety, pressure, and toilet paper shortage. Some of us may laugh at times, but honestly most people are panicking.

There are elderly people and others (like myself) with low immune systems who are more susceptible to the corona virus. Churches are live streaming their services instead of gathering in person. Disneyland is closed. Walmart and Costco aisles are empty of our regular necessities.

Yes, there are times to laugh but we also need to emphasize how serious this is and ask our students to pray for those being affected by it. God hears our prayers.

“I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God…” Psalm 17:6a

3. Encourage them that God is in Control

You have no idea how much influence your students may be taking in at home as far as the worry and stress of the situation at hand. It could be when they get home that the news is being played in the background, mom and dad are talking about not going out, and sister and brother are nagging them about being too dirty.

They could be just as concerned about the corona virus as you or I am! So make sure to comfort them by reminding them that even though we don’t know what may happen, we know the One who does.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

God hasn’t left us or forsaken us. He’s right here. This may be a hard time for you as a teacher, but don’t give up. Encourage your students and keep on teaching creativity!