Service projects are a great way to build community, empower students to dream big, and help others.

In this episode of the Generation Wellness Spotlight, you will:

- Find out why two WA state educators decided to create this service project and the ripple effect it created.

- Hear how a school district and local community raised over $20,000 to build two schools in Kenya.

- Learn ideas and specific strategies for implementing successful service projects. 

The Generation Wellness Spotlight highlights educators around the world who have attended the Generation Wellness training. We believe in sharing the good work that our #wellnesswarriors are doing to create a better school, community, and world. If you have a story you would like to share, email us at: [email protected].

Interested in starting a service project at your school? Access the complete kit with example forms, flyers, emails, and more here:

We've got a simple practice for you that will increase student engagement, focus, and the overall learning experience! Are you ready for it? Drum roll please....

Get up and move!

Simple, but profound.

The science is clear: In order for students to learn, they need to be able to pay attention. In order to pay attention, we need to let students move.

Brain breaks re-energize the brain, so that more learning and retention can occur. According to Wendy Suzuky, "Movement is the most transformative thing we can do for our brains." Let's examine the reasons why according to research.

Benefits of Brain Breaks:

• Increase focus
• Increase productivity
• Improve student problem solving
• Improve cognitive skills
• Decrease stress
• Reduces disruptive behavior
• Promote physical fitness
• Improve mood
• Improve short-term memory
• Improve long-term memory

What We Can Do (Simple Action Steps):

• Research shows that more learning occurs when taught in smaller chunks of time with many short breaks,...

Morning Meetings are a great way to kick off the school day with success... building community, setting intentions, and preparing the brain for learning.

In this episode of the Generation Wellness Spotlight, you will:

- Understand "the why" of Morning Meetings.

- Hear how this school in Eatonville, WA begins each morning together (yes, ALL students and staff in the gym).

- Learn ideas and specific strategies for implementing successful Morning Meetings. 

For more information about Anne Malver (School Counselor in Eatonville School District) and her new book, click here.

The Generation Wellness Spotlight highlights educators around the world who have attended the Generation Wellness training. We believe in sharing the good work that our #wellnesswarriors are doing to create a better school, community, and world. If you have a story you would like to share, email us at: [email protected]

Surrounded by poverty and escalating violence, a San Francisco middle school committed to peace and embraced a program of meditation that has made students feel safer, teachers more productive, and brought unity and purpose to the school.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9-phWL8t08&feature=youtu.be

The beginning of the school year is often an exciting time filled with decorating classrooms, collaborating with staff, meeting families, and more. Many schools and districts are also planning for daily practices that combat stress and innovative interventions that actually teach skills. Why? Take a look at these sobering statistics:

• Stress is the number one cause of disease in America. 3 out of every 4 doctor visits are because of stress. At the core, stress is America’s #1 Health Problem.
• More than two thirds of children in the U.S. report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16.
• Stress and trauma impact school performance. Research shows that students who experience chronic stress and trauma have a lower GPA, higher rate of absenteeism, increased dropouts, increased suspension/expulsion, and decreased reading ability.
• Suspensions drastically increase the chance of students dropping out, which increases their chance of going to prison. In fact, our...

Teaching is the third most stressful career in America. One out of every two educators will leave the profession within the first five years. These stats illustrate just how much stress is dramatically impacting educators. We are losing great teachers each year.

It seems that we can no longer turn away from creating a culture where staff well-being is the foundation. After all, it's vital to take care of ourselves, so that we can serve from our highest potential. Our stress effects how we show up for students, staff, and families.

Self-care is not limited to staying hydrating and getting eight hours of sleep. While those activities are very important, there are many ways to fill your cup and nourish all pieces of your being. Take a look at some simple practices: 

Personal: Honor your true self and do one thing you enjoy once/week.

Physical: Exercise for 20 minutes/day.

Financial: Splurge or save (depending on the day).

Social: Reach out for support and connect with...

A high school senior started a unique club called We Dine Together to make sure no one in his school sits alone at lunch. As Steve Hartman reports, the message is to make outsiders always feel accepted.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdDa2outstI&feature=youtu.be

  Source:https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work

Quotable: "The greatest competitive edge advantage in the modern economy is a positive and engaged brain. When the human brain is positive, creativity triples, productivity rises by 31 and we live longer, healthier lives."

These research based habits include:
1. Gratitude
2. The Doubler
3. Exercise
4. Stillness
5. Kindness

20% off all tools + apparel except Compassion It bracelets. Sale ends May 10th.

Use promo code: SUMMERSALE

https://generation-wellness.store/

Happy shopping!