Hi there!
Remember that time you stayed up all night grading papers, only to feel exhausted and unproductive the next day?
Yeah, we’ve all been there. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless to-do list and forget to simply be present.
But what if there was another way? Enter “Slow Living”, a philosophy that encourages us to slow down, savor the moments, and prioritize well-being.
That’s what we’re talking about this week but with a twist! Let’s bring Slow Living into the classroom and explore the concept of Slow Teaching.
🐌 Let’s snail-walk in…
— Sarah
Sloww Teaching
In a culture that glamorizes busyness, where working overtime and running multiple after school clubs are seen as signs of drive and dedication, slowing down becomes a misunderstood necessity.
The typical response to this challenge is to embrace the grind culture, working excessively, prioritizing quantity over quality in teaching, and believing that more work equals more achievement.
However, this constant striving for more often comes at a cost. It leads to burnout, diminished educational quality, and compromised personal well-being, and robs teaching of its joy. We are not humanDOINGS.
Moreover, this hustle culture sets a poor example for students, emphasizing cramming activities into each day over genuine learning and well-being.
Slow Teaching offers an alternative, encouraging us to create more meaningful and impactful learning experiences by embracing the principles of Slow Living.
8 Principles of Slow Living & Teaching
1) Mindfulness: Be fully present, relish every moment, and find beauty in the everyday (begin your classes with brief mindfulness exercises like breathing techniques or mindful listening activities).
2) Simplicity: Declutter physical spaces, reduce material possessions, and cut back on unnecessary commitments (break down information into manageable chunks and encourage discussion and questioning).
3) Balance: Set healthy boundaries between work and personal life, prioritize self-care, and nurture well-being (plan dedicated “unplug” time after school to de-stress and recharge).
4) Connection: Build deeper relationships with others, nature, and oneself, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding (foster a sense of community in your classroom. Encourage collaboration and build relationships with your students).
5) Quality Over Quantity: Curate meaningful experiences and products, emphasizing value and joy over excessive consumerism (curate meaningful learning experiences and projects that spark curiosity and deeper engagement).
6) Time Affluence: Reevaluate how time is spent, focus on what brings joy, and avoid the trap of constant busyness to gain more meaningful time (Focus on classroom activities that bring joy to teaching and learning).
7) Self-Care: Prioritize physical and mental well-being through practices that recharge and de-stress, ensuring a healthier and more resilient self (Model healthy habits for your students).
8) Gratitude: Acknowledge and appreciate the small joys in life, cultivating a positive mindset, and a deeper appreciation for what is already present (celebrate successes and encourage students to appreciate the learning process).
Beyond the Classroom:
This approach extends far beyond the classroom!
- Slow Fashion: Focus on quality, ethically-made clothing with timeless styles instead of chasing trends.
- Slow Food: Savor fresh, local ingredients and enjoy the process of preparing and sharing meals.
- Slow Travel: Immerse yourself in the local culture, savoring authentic experiences, and appreciating the journey as much as the arrival.
- Slow Mornings: Instead of hitting snooze and rushing out the door, wake up a little earlier to enjoy a quiet cup of tea, read a few pages of a book, or practice some gentle yoga.
- Slow Technology: Be mindful when using technology. Set designated “tech-free” times during the day, silence notifications, or consciously choose activities that don’t involve a screen
- Slow News: Instead of constantly consuming breaking news and sensational headlines, Slow News focuses on in-depth analysis and reliable sources.
- Slow Home: Create a calm and clutter-free environment in your living space.
Wrapping up
Slow Living isn’t just about self-care for teachers. By prioritizing balance and mindfulness, you can model valuable lessons for your students – showing them that success isn’t about constant busyness, but about quality and well-being.
See you next week.
Bring it to your Classroom
Slow Living can be easily integrated into your teaching practice, fostering a more mindful and focused learning environment for your students.
- Start with Mindfulness: Begin your classes with brief mindfulness exercises like breathing techniques or mindful listening activities. These practices can help students focus, manage stress, and be fully present for learning. Here are some of my favorites
- Slow Down Instruction: Break down information into manageable chunks and encourage discussion and questioning. This allows for deeper understanding and a more thoughtful approach to learning.
- Embrace Slow Activities: Consider incorporating activities like in-depth discussions, open-ended projects, or nature walks (when possible) to allow students to explore topics thoroughly. These activities can spark curiosity and promote deeper engagement.
- Lead by Example: During transitions between activities or lessons, slow down the pace and encourage students to take a moment to reset. Explore slow activities with your students and be open to their suggestions for incorporating more mindful practices into the classroom.
By embracing Slow Teaching & Slow Living principles, you can create a classroom environment that fosters well-being, focus, and a deeper love of learning for you and your students.
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