Teaching With My Eyes Shut 🦩
@EyesShutTeacher
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Primary Teacher in 🏴 since 2009 in a wide range of roles & schools. Hoping to make you smile, increase your positivity & find your focus. My views
Scotland, United Kingdom
Joined April 2022
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Hello! This Twitter account is all about finding the space to breathe and focus in our hectic teaching lives. It’s these spaces (sometimes only a few nanoseconds long) which allow us to find the most useful response to enable our pupils to learn, progress and self regulate.
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For those that don’t understand teaching…
Anything I’ve missed?
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When I started (2009)
Classroom assistants triple mounted work & created wall displays, new backing paper each time. Did photocopying. Helped with literacy & maths.
Now
No paper for backing or mounting. CAs are 1-1 with violent & flight risk pupils. Teacher copies. No support.
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If you’re trying to work out why you’re feeling so tired at this time of year it’s because you’re wearing all these hats. Remember to take them off every now and again 😊
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Wow well sometime in the last couple of weeks my number of followers has gone over 1,000! 🤯
To say thanks for listening to me twitter on let’s have a gratitude giveaway 😊
Like, follow & retweet by 6pm Monday to win the bundle in the video 😁
#Selfcare
#Gratitude
#EduTwitter
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It cannot all be done, you have to prioritise 😁
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Everyone who’s on playground duty tomorrow…
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Thank you to whoever suggested pizza boxes for a painting dryer rack. Very happy with the results 😀
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I fell for the middle of Lidl again 🤦♀️
I try really hard not to buy stuff for school but this was too good to leave behind.
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🌟BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY🌟
Quite a few glum people on my timeline so let’s have a giveaway 😁
Win The Little Book of Self Care, a pad to get organised with, motivational pencils & some chocolate to make the new term better.
Just Like, Follow & Share by 6pm Sunday to enter 😊
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✨NEW YEAR GIVEAWAY✨
Here’s a little self care bundle to chase any back to school blues away 😃
Just like, share & follow by 7pm 8th January and this little gift could be yours 🎁
Sorry this is UK only due to postage costs 😞
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@GillianKeegan
In the year from June 22-May 23 pupils will experience 3 days disruption due to royalty. 3 days of education lost due to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee & Funeral plus next year’s Coronation holiday (despite the coronation being a Saturday).
It seems disruption for monarchy is ok?
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As Scottish schools are heading back soon I’d just like to say this…
And add icebreakers are awkward & unnecessary. If you want me to mix & bond with fellow attendees just give us coffee, cake & a bit of time to chat.
And please don’t insist I download an app to interact 🙄
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@secretHT1
Or sent them back to line up outside the classroom and come back in properly this time. 🚶♀️ 🚶♂️ 🚶
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I often state it is possible to work close to contracted hours. Today someone said it would be useful to share tips on how I manage it so here’s a top ten tips list of the advice I often share. I hope it helps someone.
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I’m going to start a 🧵 of websites I return to over and over. They’ll be in no particular order and I’ll add them as I think of them…
#edutwitter
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@MrsRelkaw
@BBCNewsround
Lunchtimes counselling the sad, upset & lonely as I eat. Books bought for classroom bookshelf as I’m worried about someone’s reading skills & they’ll like that. Games for wet break times. Chalks for outdoor spelling & maths. Hours making learning games. Pre visiting trip venues.
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When your son & your husband both know your book taste but forget to check with each other
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🥳 2,000 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY 🥳
Quick finish on this as I’m away on residential next week & want to post it Friday 😁
🥳 Like, share & FW to enter
🥳 UK only due to postage costs sorry!
🥳 Closes 7pm Thursday 7th March
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Happy Monday to everyone going to school today. I’m off to celebrate my birthday with my class 😁
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@MrsRelkaw
@BBCNewsround
Christmas evening concerts, school fairs, school trips, making costumes & props for school shows. Shopping for crafts, science materials, baking ingredients & treats (these aren’t from the budge & petty cash disappeared years back). Gloves, hats, socks, biscuits & crisps.
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Anyone else seeing Stickman sneaking away from the family tree & his stick family? 😃
This tree looks like it's sneaking out of the woods. 😁
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☀️ END OF YEAR GIVEAWAY☀️
Here’s a small celebration of the end of the school year, whenever you got there 😁
To enter like, follow & retweet .
I’ll draw someone’s name as soon as I can after 9am on Monday 24th July 2023 😊
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I’m a sucker for a seaside picture and St Andrews always delivers 😁
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Love this. Some folks are just better at covering it up 😊
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@MissCoope
@MrTs_NQTs
3. Act like you expect them to do it first time.
4. Get on your feet & walk around to increase your classroom presence.
5. Learn their names & use them frequently.
6. Make eye contact when talking to them.
7. Notice when they’re trying.
8. Comment positively on their work.
/end
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@MissCoope
@MrTs_NQTs
I’ve had “that class” in primary many times & would disagree with the advice but if that’s what you’ve been told then I suggest the following:
1. Tell them to listen & don’t continue until they are.
2. Use a low, firm tone of voice when giving instructions.
1/
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✨OCTOBER HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY✨
Whether they’re just starting, just ending or a week off let’s celebrate some recharging time 🥳
To enter you must:
✨Have a UK delivery address
✨Like
✨Follow (so I can DM winner)
✨Repost
✨Enter by 6pm Friday 27th October
Good luck 🤞
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@ScottPughsley
One time a 6 year old in my class told me he loved me, asked me to marry him and presented me with a VERY expensive diamond ring 😍💍. I did let him down gently and make sure the ring got safely back to us mum. 😁
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I was shopping for holiday bits today. I wanted some cotton Italian style lightweight tops. I found them 😃
The only thing is I found them in the old ladies shop 😢
The one that every town has with odd opening hours & brands not seen outside eBay. 😱
And I bought Reiker sandals
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@HelenBevan
Please never do this!
We’re adults, we don’t need energised. We don’t like interactive and very often teachers do not feel safe & secure in these relationships.
You do not know the group dynamics of those you work with and this could do a lot of damage.
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@Eastfield_Leics
Centre of Scotland. Hi Year 6 once your photo is out there anyone can change it 😁
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What if a pupil set clear expectations for you?
“I like Art so I expect you to teach it every day.”
“I don’t like Newsround so don’t show it to the class.”
Then told you off as a consequence of your non compliance?
They’re not being unreasonable just mirroring our behaviour.
My Expectations Were Clear (with
@_MissingTheMark
).
A lot of conventional parenting advice is about being clear and consistent. Make it clear what you expect of the child, and follow through with consequences if they don’t comply. 1/
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@PastoralThings
@JKnussen
That’s ridiculous. I know I’m primary but if you’re late here I welcome them & check in with them.
How does that incentivise them to come in? Next time they might as well not come in 🤷♀️
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If you’re going back tomorrow remember you’ve got this & some pupils are desperate to see you. Have a good week 😊
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I bought this wee sprout at the scouts coffee morning. Sharing in case you’re looking for craft ideas for Christmas 🎄
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I was spotted in the wild on Friday. Whilst walking around the supermarket I heard an excited child’s voice followed by their mum saying to walk not run. Found myself on the receiving end of a lovely hug from one of my new class😊
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@TeacherInTrain
@MrTs_NQTs
Theme park maths. Design, cost & run their own theme park. Just add squared paper, lots of squared paper.
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@Vividoutcomes
Such a clear explanation of how acts of micro aggression can be more damaging than physical acts of aggression as there’s no physical evidence and they can be seen to be all in the victim’s head.
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I’ve broken my rule of not doing work stuff on weekends to make these this icy afternoon.
Hot choc, pack of elf biscuits & a choc coin with a homemade personalised tree decoration. Total cost about 75p (I buy from places like Home Bargains when there’s an offer).
@MrTs_NQTs
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Cold & frosty day here so I’ve been assembling the class Christmas presents. These come out at about 80p each if you shop carefully.
Tree decs £3 for 8 in Morrisons, biscuits £1 for 5 in Home Bargains, hot choc 99p for 12 HB, Lidl lollies £1.49 for 10, choc coins £1 a net.
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Check in on your colleagues & SLT folks, this job is getting harder and we’re all on the same side.
Teaching is a team sport 😊
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@Theholisticpsyc
@OliviaLTaylor99
Rather depends on whether the relationships grow and evolve with you. We married over 30 years ago, met over 40 ago. We are not the same people we were then but our relationship grew with us.
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The people who believe I’m normal don’t know me very well 😂
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I’ve an autistic pupil this year who closes down & can’t speak when hurt/upset. We’ve made great progress by providing a mini whiteboard & pen so they can write it down & we can deal with it.
How do I know it works for them?
Today they offered to get a board for someone else 🥹
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@TheStudentLeads
So now you have proved to yourself that however hard you work this job will never be finished it’s time to prioritise & set boundaries. Because you are replaceable to your workplace but not your friends & family & that work pattern is unsustainable. Breaks are basic self care.
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@ScottPughsley
And the ability to tell the difference and react accordingly is part of the art of teaching.
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Anyone else watching
#Gladiators
and making a mental note to extend “don’t try this at home” to don’t try this at home or school!” on Monday before break…
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@sam_browne13
@MrTeece_
@NEUnion
I’m in Scotland. My teacher son has pointed out that so far they’ve lost more days to royalty than striking. This week’s strike will make it even if we count the coronation holiday which isn’t needed as the coronation is on the weekend. But yeah teachers 👿
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@DeputyGrocott
Monday landing set pieces like next page of spelling scheme, continuing maths from Friday, things I’ve taught before to minimise planning. Friday is work which needs no marking, everything planned to mark as a class or self mark. This protects my weekend time.
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@ScottPughsley
If you upgrade your coffee pod machine or get given another take the old one to work. Most bad days are instantly improved with good coffee.
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Primary 1 teachers of 🏴 I salute you!
As I’ve been out of class to let my student practice I’ve been helping administer the P1 SNSAs. They lovely but I couldn’t do it full time.
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@MsSmaraw
To be honest we need to make the job fit the hours teachers are employed for.
No more “that’s just teaching”, “everyone here does 50+hrs a week”, “sleep in the holidays”.
Get rid of macho competitive culture, sneering at pre made resources & starting from scratch every lesson.
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32 years ago this happened & whatever hare brained scheme I’ve come up with (including doing an OU degree & becoming a teacher) MrEST has supported 100% with love, laughter & snacks. This photo just sums it up completely 🥰
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Balloon day 🥳
Old enough to retire now but Mr EST keeps booking holidays so I’d better keep working to pay for them 👵
Off for lunch out with the adult children which will be a giggle.😄
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@MisterFirth
@Mr_H1978
2 weeks ago Messi was on Newsround. Class made a noise Messi is allegedly known to make. I remonstrated & they justified it with “Messi makes that noise!” Cue “well he wouldn’t be allowed to make it in my classroom!”
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@eyfsteacher_
@NexusEdUK
Please reach out to your management &
@EdSupportUK
And stop trying to do everything because we just can’t. Prioritise ruthlessly & put your depleted resources into the things that will impact your classroom & will recharge you.
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You might be feeling excited.
You might have butterflies in your stomach.
You might feel anxious.
You might feel overwhelmed.
But you know what you’re doing & how to do it.
One step at a time.
One task at a time.
Remember to rest.
And eat.
And ask for help.
Happy new term 😊
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Arrived home to find
@DarrellWakelam
‘s Art Shaped on the mat complete with starter materials 😁
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@PookyH
Document & screen shot everything then talk to school. If they’re unwilling to act go to the police. Kidscape have a parent advice line which may be useful
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☀️ SUMMER HOLIDAY
#GIVEAWAY
! ☀️
I know we’re nearly halfway through the holidays in Scotland but the rest of you catch up this week.
To win everything in this wellbeing hamper
☀️ follow me
☀️ like & retweet this post
☀️ comment with what you’re looking forward to
#edutwitter
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@Mr_H1978
If you’re really worried send this. Humour is usually the answer as they’re adults…
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If you don’t choose to rest eventually your body will make you do it 😊
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Always look on the bright side, being grumpy about it won’t change it but it will change how you feel 😊
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@schoolequalopps
@jwalms93
Because teaching is a graduate profession. A fact this journalist is overlooking (possibly intentionally) when comparing 🏴 teacher & HT salaries with the average wage rather than graduate salaries. He also thinks HTs should earn less than ministers who need no qualifications.
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@dave_mcpartlin
Pupils calling me Mum.
Butterflies.
Toddlers jumping in puddles.
Lambs gambolling.
The smell of a coffee shop.
Sunshine on my back.
Favourite song coming on the radio.
Malapropisms.
Seeing things from my childhood in charity shops.
Flowers.
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@RogersHistory
Triple mounting artwork & changing the backing paper and bordette every time you did a display. 💰 💰 💰
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Don’t compare your Christmas holidays to anyone else’s. You do you and enjoy yourself 😊
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Sunset tonight in Key West.
If you’re seeing this as I post it you should be asleep by now, I’m 5 hours behind you and it’s nearly bedtime here.
Whatever is keeping you awake can wait until tomorrow.
Sleep well 😊
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Happy Christmas all. Special best wishes to Geoff & Margaret who may enjoy this
@RetirementTale5
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@ScottPughsley
Get outside for part of lunchtime. It clears your head and helps you to refocus.
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To the Scottish teachers looking longingly at the half term posts it’s less than 5 weeks to the long summer holidays. Hang on in there 😊
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Took time out from the Christmas prep to have a walk. Self care isn’t just for term time and getting out in daylight this time of year makes a huge difference to my mood😊
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Today especially it’s important to remember this:
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@Hayo_luke
@missdcox
Alternatively:
What happens if the teacher has the conversation with a parent for their child’s behaviour…
But the parent neither cares or really values what the teacher has to say & plays the game…
Then the student does the exact same behaviour again next lesson?
V common
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School’s out and my lovely class have made sure I won’t run out of chocolate this holiday 😂
I might have mentioned liking it once or twice 🤔
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Sometime in the last few weeks I’ve crept up to more than 2,000 followers 😮
I’ll arrange a giveaway later in the week to celebrate 🥳
Thanks for listening to me twittering on 😊
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@UnofficialOA
You’re also not modelling the school values to the children. If other staff members walk in to my room I stop and greet them with a friendly “good morning/afternoon Mr/Mrs/Miss X!” How do children acquire social niceties if they’re not modelled?
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For those of you whose knowledge of periods is necessarily secondhand from a sex ed graphic, some things you should know:
1 Periods are not a steady drip
2 They last longer than the 60 secs on screen
3 Young girls often get very heavy periods
4 Sometimes you can’t prevent floods
I recall my 12 yr old self in her summer uniform of yellow & white striped cotton dress and ankle socks in her school exam hall. She finished early, and asked to go to the bathroom, but was refused.
An hour later the 60 students were asked to file out silently, in turn. 1/🧵
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Edinburgh was looking mighty fine for our family Wicked trip yesterday 🧙
Always remember to make time for yourself, the things you love and your special people. Self care is CPD 😊
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@PhilBeadle
I’m totally over educational jargon. I go off to Google new words (or uses of words) to discover they mean things like “using pictures with words” & “check they haven’t forgotten previous lessons”. It’s a form of professional snobbery and needs to stop.
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New year new you?
Resharing my top tips for teacher life work balance.
Remember if you’re making changes do it gradually & don’t beat yourself up if you let it slip, just go again tomorrow 😊
Self care is CPD, rested teachers are more reflective & responsive.
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@TeacherBusy
I asked a question about best way to renovate a roller whiteboard on FB closed group. HT was told I was unhappy about move & complaining online. Showed her the post, she agreed I wasn’t & sourced a new roller whiteboard withiin the next 6 months.
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@CensoredHead
@Miss_Snuffy
I’ve never met anyone working in education that doesn’t want the best for the children in our care. But last time I checked the families of teachers need them more. We are not replaceable at home. Too many excellent teachers are walking out of the profession due to HTs like her.
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Finally people are starting to discuss this! My last 2 schools have been “new” (20 years old 🙄) open plan schools. The noise of normal primary lessons in a corridor is horrendous & I’m neurotypical. ASN is between 25-33% of classes. At least 2 pupils per class with sensory needs
NEW: Open plan ‘super schools’ deemed bad for ASN pupils -
@Emma_Seith
reports
@SP_ECYP
@TesScotland
@tes
#ASN
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Do things your way. You don’t have to (and probably can’t) please everyone so make sure you please yourself.
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This is a fabulous analogy for self care & life work balance. You can cram more work into your week & do more tasks but you’ll be so tired & overstretched that your teaching effectiveness will suffer. You’ll lose your resilience & ability to bounce back. Enjoy your life 😊
Slice up the tennis balls and you can get more in the tube - efficient use of space and increased productivity. But you won't be able to play tennis! Be efficient, be productivity but more importantly be effective - do not forget your purpose...
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@MrsLHistory
@MrTs_NQTs
Tip I learned scouting.
Give everyone an individual number for the trip and note on the attendance list. When an adult shouts “number” they shout their numbers in order 1, 2, 3 etc. saves endless moving head counts. Practice on the coach.
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This year’s Christmas cakes. It may surprise you to know I’m not a trend follower…
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