Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1158290
Often educators' creativity spills over into a book, blog, app or other work. We're happy to showcase members' talents. Classroom literacy K R I S H N A D A L A L , a math coach and member of the San Rafael Teachers Association, is the author of two award-winning picture books that are ideal for students ages 6-10. Found All Around (2014) explores found poetry, where words are taken from existing texts (news- papers, menus, books, etc.), reordered and turned into poems. The how-to book includes creative found poems and illustrates the origin and pro- cess of each. Perfect for hesitant and proficient poets alike. Sardoodledom: A Spelling Bee Tale (2011) follows four students as they spell their way through the annual Jefferson Elementary School spelling bee. The spellers entertain and educate by playing with rhyme, telling knock-knock jokes, tackling homo- phones, and more. Both books are on Amazon. 6 Think before you drink. Our body needs a lot of water — half your weight in ounces, so 60 ounces for a 120-pound person. Although coffee counts in the water count, Reilly says, it acts as a diuretic for some — not good when you need to stay at the head of the class — and keeps you from getting a good night's sleep. If you need an afternoon energy boost, try an energizing herbal tea, water with lemon or a quick walk in the hall. 7 Get some ZZZs. Aim for seven or eight hours a night. You'll have more energy, less stress, and an inclination to eat healthier. When you run on empty, you produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, store more fat, and have an increased appetite for simple carbs and junk food, Reilly says. Get enough sleep by figuring out your daily routine and how early you need to get up, then counting back seven hours to find your ideal bedtime. 5 Pack a health- ful lunch. Plan ahead for your weekly meals or use leftovers for a quick lunch. Try to make lunch a balance of complex carbohy- drates, such as whole grains, plus fat, protein and fiber. That helps keep blood sugars stable in the afternoon, says dietitian Jennifer Reilly. "This helps with attention span, the ability to multitask and patience," says Reilly. Adapted from NEA Member Benefits 58 cta.org From Within CTA & You