Pour Yourself a Few Ounces

From Amy Laura Dombro, Judy Jablon and Charlotte Stetson, authors of the book, Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning:

"Imagine your personal energy is filling an 8-ounce cup. Whatever your day’s activities, whether you try waking up earlier or staying up later, you only have 8 ounces. That’s all you get...

Get into the habit of paying attention to how much energy is in your cup. If you feel like it's getting low, seek out energizers – people and situations – and pour yourself a few ounces."

Here's one idea the authors share: "Create an energy exchange. Find ways for the members of your team to energize one another, which contributes to the energy of the whole group.

• Take turns bringing in flowers for each classroom, or for the break room.
• Alternate bringing in healthy, tasty snacks to share one day each week.
• Share responsibilities for dealing with stress. Take turns shadowing that child who needs extra close supervision, the toddler who bites or the 5-year-old who hits."

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