Nonverbal Cues in the Classroom ~ Vlog

[@angieb7733]

I teach deaf and hard of hearing students and your signs for "eyes on ___" are spot on!! That's exactly how I would communicate that. I'm sure the Deaf community would appreciate how you explain your visual cue system to your students, though. :) And I really understand the teacher "funk" thing...

[@eisbarbusy]

Hang in there! Funks are hard. Take a bit of you time. Then focus a day on your boys. I think when working moms get overwhelmed we start to feel bad about everything. Thinking of you . 💕

[@canicks1]

Oh my goodness, I am in that funk too!! I know at this time of year every year, I get into a weird place where I just don't want to lesson plan, do any grading, or any prep work. I usually just want to lay on the couch, watch tv, and nap! Don't get to hard on yourself, let your mind and body go through the motions and I know usually by the next week or so, I am out of the funk and back to my regular self :)

[@sylviepadilla4249]

please know that we care about your funk because it helps all of us in this community understand that we all go through this and sometimes we can help each other through this. I love some of the suggestions others have given you already. Sending you lots of blessings😊

[@ellelambe16]

Hi! I know what you mean as being in a funk. I'm a year/grade 1 teacher from Australia and I was facing a big funk start of this year. Just wanted to let you know it was your videos, enthusiasm and ideas that made an enormous impact on getting me out of my funk. You helped me gain back my enthusiasm. Our jobs as teachers is hard. But worth it in the end. I am just glad that you have provided this forum for us all to speak about it. Love your work! Keep it up! You've made a difference on my life xx

[@TheUrbanFamily1]

Bridget, don't put yourself down, I know that is hard because I do it to myself all the time. I get your funk 100%, with cold dark winter weather and so much to do I often find myself just wanting to go back home and snuggle down. It can be really hard to break out of that feeling. However I noticed that the mornings are beginning to get a little brighter and while here in the UK we haven't had the snow storms you guys have had, I do find that sun and brighter mornings helps me. Of course, there are times when we need to give into our body and rest because we are battling some sickness, which as a teacher you are exposed to more than most, but remember, the funk won't last forever! You will feel more alive again and you will be full of passion and excitement .. just take small steps to make big changes.

[@Jessica25710]

I've seen the "sit up properly" cue used a lot, especially when students are supposed to be listening to a guest or another student talking. I know many teachers have no tolerance for squirmy, slouched over listeners. The cue is basically just putting both hands together.

[@pinarose]

Thank you for sharing some of your nonverbal cues for the classroom!

[@cathrynweisenhaus5874]

I know you were in a funk when you posted this. You are human, our emotions ebb and flow. That is totally normal. Your funk is valid and allowed. Try to not be hard on yourself. You give selflessly to us and to your classroom and for that I appropriate you and all your hard work. XOXO

[@SydIsAwesome100]

Yay! So happy the video is up!

[@moniquehernandez389]

Hey girl! I know what you mean about your funk. I go through the same thing on and off throughout the year. It's hard to explain but I found that working out has helped me. I mean i still get sad but at least it doesn't happen so often. Love your videos! Remember that you are important and you have a loving family! ☺️

[@carino1201]

oh i know that funk feeling! you are not alone! It's that fractious, restless, low kinda feeling. it really sucks. this may sounds weird, but it's actually reassuring to know that you get those times too. as a viewer we see such a small part of your life and its mostly all the good bits. so naturally we all think you're soooo amazing and just perfect. (which by the way, you are flipping awesome!!!) but its reassuring to see other teachers feeling the funk sometimes and to share in that. keep going though and something will click back into place. try not to be hard on yourself, you are human and you're doing a fantastic job!! xxxx

[@walkingthroughashes8982]

I actually reconized the "stop " hand single! I think that one may be the actual sign language of it! I used it back in HS when i was a peer tutor,

[@brianna697]

Your videos inspire me so much. Almost done with my AA in education... on my way to work on my Bachelor's in Exceptional Student Education. I finally know what I want to do, and just seeing your day to day life excites me (even with the stress of it all). Keep it up! You are such an awesome teacher. There will be bad days, but there's also plenty of good. Don't forget the good days :) it doesn't mean you aren't being a good person, it just means you probably need more time for yourself to recooperate and that's okay.

[@jessiesays2603]

I found that when I feel those feelings, it's because I am not eating right. I did the whole 30 for the first time last month and I can't believe how much that helped me with my feelings. even that week before my period I didn't even feel the way I normally feel during that week. Which is an amazing thing and I didn't think that was possible! Even at your work I'm sure you're still amazing. And remember you're not alone :-)

[@jessiesays2603]

PS: I am a new subscriber and homeschool mom. Some of your videos have been really helpful for me thank you.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Jessie Says - Yay!!! I'm always glad to hear that Home Schools are finding value/ escape from the videos 👍 Thank you for watching!

[@brielynn]

Container store has the tool box things with the clear plastic drawers like that...

[@Rachaelannkerr]

I don't know if it's been gray there but I had to get a SAD light because it's been so gloomy here in WA. I don't know if that will help you but I noticed it helped me this time of year.

[@Mplatz2023]

Funk of February...I get it too! :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

How many of you have parent conferences coming up!?

[@tynajahharden9732]

The Lettered Classroom we have them this week before Mardi Gras

[@tynajahharden9732]

The Lettered Classroom how long is your Mardi Gras break?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

No Mardi Gras break for us :(

[@tammimarie]

Nope, two weeks ago! Done for the year

[@chrislynn5193]

Yep! Thursday and Friday this week!

[@Andrea-lp8dn]

I definitely know what you mean about being in a funk! Hope yours is over soon! Love that your students are feeling responsible for their work! I love your binder, but I wonder whether a digital solution would make your (and your partner teacher's) life easier. If you two had a shared google doc of missing work, you wouldn't need to pass around post-it's. Also, you could highlight any missing assignment squares on your assignment half-sheet. Then, you could sign/date in that box for accountability. Sorry if I'm overstepping- feel free to ignore me! Love your videos- they always inspire me! :)

[@mahaffeyfly5518]

What is the brand of easel in your small group section? I would love one for my class.

[@desertdweller8374]

This is a very common time for the teacher funk. Is there an email address where I can send you the letter our Superintendent sent out this week to all of us, knowing it's a rough time of year?

[@glenmir4ever]

Bobs Bunches Hello, could you please send it to me. I'd appreciate it. I'm a elementary teacher. I need some encouragement too. [e-mail] Thank you.

[@saralabarba9018]

girl, sometimes that happens. take care of you! i take 2 st. john warts a day. i also drink lemon water! you are so good at what you do! love your videos

[@emailgmail5249]

can you do a video on your iep's 504's and accommodations for your students?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+chris blum - I can't share that information and I don't design the accommodations. We are given instructions on an individual basis and you are required to comply by what the documents says by law.

[@Denise.Oliver4]

And can you do a video of how to break down state ELA standards for dummies?? I need to find a way to organize this

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Denise Oliver - I think this is something that I would cover more through Patreon. It would be very time consuming and I'm afraid it would be a Dud on KZbin.

[@Denise.Oliver4]

The Lettered Classroom what's patreon?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Denise Oliver - Here is the link. It is for teachers who want 'more' or would just like to support the channel. www.patreon.com/TheLetteredClassroom

[@Mana98ify]

We care about you, it funny but I feel like you a friend even though we've never met. Take some time for yourself that has nothing to do with teaching and don't feel guilty. Also, I always end my parties 20-30 minutes earlier and have the kids clean before they leave. They need to be responsible for that and they actually enjoy to be helpful.

[@MichelleGayscienceteacher]

Maybe you should get a check up and explain to your doctor how are you feeling. I pray you feel better soon.

[@christinecortese9973]

Gosh I hate funks. I get them too. Perhaps it's just a cyclic thing, an emotional new moon to balance out the full moons. Allow yourself some down time. And just wait it out. It will pass.

[@jenniferwashington8673]

I'm in a funk too. perhaps it's this time of year. I think we call it burn out. Given all that you do, everyone would understand your burn out. I feel you though. I'm usually positive and enthusiastic especially where school is concerned, but this week I am very irritated. No particular reason, just feel meh, blah and bothered. Well like my mother says...This too shall pass. Wishing you a less funkey rest of the week.

[@mari.5690]

Do you prefer primary or intermediate grade levels and why?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Marisela Medrano - I'm going to do a blog post about my transition from K to 4th grade. I will let you guys know, in a video, whenever I complete it. 😉

[@chilli989]

It's interesting that you call them "clues" - I call them "cues"! Love your videos!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Chris W - Cues is correct. 🙃

[@Jessica25710]

Since you're a teacher and a parent, what are your expectations towards your child's homework? Do you ever feel like you're more strict or controlling than typical parents?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Jessica25710 - I try to maintain a balance of pushing him to be independent while also keeping an eye on his progression. I find that students will let you 'help' them as much as they can get away with on certain subjects. We have Ian complete all his homework before we will look at his work or help with any questions. Homework assignments have been reduced over the years, but I still like to see what they are working on each day/week. It gives me an idea of his thought process and where he is excelling or could use some additional guidance.

[@miss.kindergarten7323]

Coming from the South where there's more sun, you might have SAD (Season Affective Disorder? )...basically Vitamin D deficient.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

You may be Right!

[@tammimarie]

Maybe you have the winter blues like I do

[@Denise.Oliver4]

@theletteredclassroom Take a Vitamin D supplement. & possibly get those levels checked with your dr.

[@kaytlinadams9224]

can you please modify the cues

[@maliquiroz9796]

Bridget, many times we give so much of ourselves to everything we do that whatever we receive is not enough to keep us going. Believe me when I say that your feelings are totally justified with all you do for everyone around you. It almost seems like nothing can take away these strong and confusing feelings. Then, the worst part is that we blame ourselves for feeling as such and we hurt even more. Actually, it takes someone greater than us to lift us up! His name is Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We can cast our burdens, fears, and all our anxiety on Him for He truly cares for us. Remember he is The Teacher. Just as we want our students not just to learn but to UNDERSTAND, God as well wants us to understand his perfect love and purpose in our lives! God bless you. Pray, pray, and pray!

[@jmexley]

All teachers go through peaks and valleys. We are human. Give yourself a break. Take a step back, breathe, listen to some Jesus music (I noticed you listen to Air1 or KLOVE), and remember you are making a difference, even in your funks. Know I t will be temporary and you'll be back to your awesomesauce self in no time! God Bless!