Tips for Tired Teachers

Most teachers are under pressure to cover a certain amount of material during the school year. But covering material doesn't necessarily mean addressing every single exercise and page in the textbook. So, if you don't use the textbook, what can you do in class?

1. Show a short video or DVD connected to the topic and follow-up with a classroom discussion.

2. Bring in a relevant article from a newspaper or magazine and have students comment on it or even write some type of response.

3. Have a study period in which the students review by themselves. Sometimes, students just want time to study so why not let them? Student can also use this time to ask the teacher quesitons that they may have overlooked previously.

4. Bring in a picture from a magazine, newspaper or even a photograph and have students discuss it or write an opinion of it. Posters are also excellent visual aids.

5. Bring in an authentic object for group discussion. During my internship, I was teaching a unit on Japan to an middle school class. I bought in a few pairs of disposible chopsticks that I had acquired from restaurants. I had groups make a list of the advantages and disadvantes of eating with chopsticks. In my English language classes, I have used almost every object imaginable from a juice bottle to a stuffed owl.

6. Conduct a survey in class. Have students interview each other, collect the results and report their findings to the class. Of course, it should be something related to the topic. When I do surveys, I usually have students work in pairs because certain students may feel shy. I also have students generate the questions.

7. Take time for reflection. Talk with your students about what they have learned and even ask them to write feedback for you.

1. Try to budget your time at work effectively so you don't have to take any papers home with you.

2. In between classes, do some quick reading, drawing, doodling or anything that helps you relax.

3. Reflect on your day and keep a professional journal. You may even want to turn it into a blog. Some teachers record entries on cassette tapes.

4. Participate in a discussion forum or chat room on the Internet. There are certainly teachers from other parts of the world who are experiencing similar challenges.

5. If you need some time away, get away. Don't postpone it. Just go.

6. Do some physical activity. Hiking and bowling are great energy-builders for me. Walking and cycling are also good. When I visit my hometown in the summers, I work out some fatigue by chopping wood.