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Red Ribbon Week

October 24, 2022 by Scott Todnem

Red Ribbon Week
We observe Red Ribbon Week at the middle school level each year with daily events to draw awareness to the cause. Like many other schools, we utilize statistics and other facts to celebrate living drug free in combination with special spirit days.

In prepping and planning for Red Ribbon Week, I continue to reference Discovery Education resources, including their social impact programs as well as “virtual field trips.” These are available for educators and anyone working with young people.

Here are the details.

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October 24, 2022 /Scott Todnem
Health, Health Ed, Wellness, teaching, education, middle school, skills-based, health education, vaping, Catch My Breath, decision making, discovery education, Be Vape Free
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Be Vape Free - Virtual Field Trip

September 16, 2021 by Scott Todnem

Be Vape Free
Recently, I happened upon some Discovery Education resources for a few “virtual field trips” they have just launched.

These resources are created in conjunction with the CVS Health Foundation and CATCH My Breath. Like many health educators, I was familiar with CATCH and so I dove into their newest work on the vaping epidemic. This caught my eye because of my need for additional resources for lessons on decision making and nicotine products, plus it can be modified in case of hybrid or remote learning needs.

Be Vape Free is a nationwide initiative providing standards-aligned e-cigarette prevention resources at no-cost for educators teaching grades 5-12. It is evidence based, working with current trends reported from the CDC, and it looks like the partnership will continue to provide up-to-date information for students, parents, and educators alike.

Here’s what I learned.

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September 16, 2021 /Scott Todnem
Health, Health Ed, Wellness, teaching, education, middle school, skills-based, health education, vaping, Catch My Breath, decision making, discovery education, Be Vape Free
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Sleep Tips for Teens

September 22, 2020 by Scott Todnem

Zzzzzzz
In the age of around-the-clock work and entertainment, it is apparent that students (and many adults) are in need of reminders when it comes to slowing down. Specifically, how to recover from each day with consistent sleep.

The average adult sleeps less than 7 hours per night. In today’s fast-paced society, 6 or 7 hours of sleep may sound pretty good. In reality, it might be a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation.

Teens are following suit. Young people aged 12-18 require 8.5 to 10 hours of sleep. Yet 85% of teenagers are sleeping less than the recommendations per night. And, nearly 17% of teens qualify for clinical diagnosis of insomnia. Numbers are on the rise with other sleep disorders.

While sleep requirements vary from person to person, humans need consistent sleep to function at their best. This brings us to a quick list of five sleep tips specific to teens. (Plus one for good luck.)

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September 22, 2020 /Scott Todnem
Health, Health Ed, Sleep, Sleep Habits, Sleep Hygiene, Wellness, teaching, education, middle school, self-management, skills-based, health education
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Let Your Guard Down

December 07, 2018 by Scott Todnem in The Last/Next Time

The Last/Next Time
Teaching blog shorts to get educators thinking. "When was the last time...?" questions to reflect on and "Take advantage of the next time..." prompts to act on. Be a lifelong learner and better the craft of being an educator.

Today’s Question
When was the last time you let your guard down while teaching?

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December 07, 2018 /Scott Todnem
activities, education, Health, health ed, health education, HealthEd, humor, lessons, mistakes, reflection, skills-based, teach, teacher, vulnerability, wellness, write, writing
The Last/Next Time
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Wrong Answer

November 13, 2018 by Scott Todnem in The Last/Next Time

The Last/Next Time
Teaching blog shorts to get educators thinking. "When was the last time...?" questions to reflect on and "Take advantage of the next time..." prompts to act on. Be a lifelong learner and better the craft of being an educator.

Today’s Question
When was the last time you used wrong examples?

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November 13, 2018 /Scott Todnem
activities, education, Health, health ed, health education, HealthEd, lessons, reflection, reteach, reteaching, skills-based, teach, teacher, wellness, write, writing
The Last/Next Time
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Go Back to Go Forward

October 18, 2018 by Scott Todnem in The Last/Next Time

The Last/Next Time
Teaching blog shorts to get educators thinking. "When was the last time...?" questions to reflect on and "Take advantage of the next time..." prompts to act on. Be a lifelong learner and better the craft of being an educator.

Today’s Question
When was the last time you retaught a lesson topic?

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October 18, 2018 /Scott Todnem
activities, education, Health, health ed, health education, HealthEd, lessons, reflection, reteach, reteaching, skills-based, teach, teacher, wellness, write, writing
The Last/Next Time
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