Derek Bennett

Derek Bennett. Wellness Educator at Northfield Middle High School (VT). Graduate student - Cambridge College Skills-Based Health & Social-Emotional Learning.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@carmelhealth @TWConfidential @mrhealthteacher @Cairnguidance @ETRorg @candorhealthed @MegaeraR @MarciaBerke @CoachMatheson I really struggled with this for two of my MS classes this year. I always advocate for mixed-gender classes but some groups had some real inter-gender tension which I noticed led to lack of engagement (esp. question-asking), so I ended up separating. Any advice? @mitdrawcliffe

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@CoachMatheson This is awesome! Thank you for sharing. Have you/your students found success with any particular site/app for comic creation? I've been struggling with finding a good one.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

Some rather resonant words from one of my sixth graders (!) while explaining one of their strategies for managing challenging emotions. Absolutely love when Ss amaze me with their reflections.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@cbrown_t As one of your students, I cannot express enough how far this goes in helping me feel stable and capable! This is one of the biggest lessons I've taken from your teaching and something I'm always cognizant of providing for my students. THANK YOU and see you tomorrow!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

(this space would be for middle & high school students and be used for wellness instruction as well as things like yoga, guided meditation/relaxation, etc.)

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

Seeking suggestions -- my colleague and I are going to apply for a grant to begin developing a wellness/mindfulness space in our school -- what are some must-haves that we should consider? Thank you for any advice you can provide and please share!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@cbrown_t Exactly what I thought! Throw in collaboration too.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

Little Friday afternoon laugh: 6th graders were told they would be learning about growth & development together (males & females) in THE SAME ROOM!! 😱 I was presented with this forthright appeal the very next day. Gotta love these middle school health ed moments...

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@kngiordano When my students are stressed I like doing a day of light jazz, a Calm guided relaxation/body scan, and mandalas for students to color quietly (or independent drawing, writing, reading, etc.). Sometimes they just need permission to relax in a safe environment!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@carmelhealth Thank you for sharing! I used the exercise/brain choice board in class the other day and my students really seemed to appreciate the various choices (and ease of use). Excited to extend to mindfulness and beyond.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@MrWalsh22 Thanks Tim! This seems right up my alley.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

#HealthEd people - looking for great podcasts for my morning drive - please drop some rec's!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@LaRocqueHealth I think it's a terrific idea. Specifically on TikTok, there aren't nearly enough examples of "appropriate" social media use. Why not take the lead and provide one? No doubt Ss would be thrilled to follow their teachers...

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@letsmoveitpe @tc4pe "Noodle poppers" - bits of cut-up pool noodles. Great for many purposes but I've found that the youngest Ss love building castles/towers with them

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

"Squirrel Trap" - a slight modification of a rolling activity from @tc4pe (thanks for the inspiration, Todd!) with a creative building element to account for a large group (combined K/1 class here). Super fun, active & engaging!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@SmithNewmanPE They're rocking it, right?? I love that "DJ" move they came up with! Of all the things I learned from you the Movement to Music unit(s) might be my favorite.

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

3rd Grade Ss having fun during our Movement to Music unit working towards mastery of their partner routine (S4.E4). So many different movement concepts at play here: directions, levels, force, pathways, locomotor & non-locomotor movements (S1.E11). Active and fun!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

SEL: self-awareness and self-management in action! @connollymary2

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

As an intro to goal setting and the the various dimensions of Wellness, 6th Grade Ss each performed their own "Wellness Audit" to assess personal health practices (NHES 6.8.1). A handy visual aid to identify areas of strength and those in need of improvement through SMART goals!

[Derek Bennett @DBenWellness]

@carmelhealth Thanks for the challenge/reminder. It can be so hard to find the motivation to make that call on a Friday afternoon but it always feels great when you hang up the phone after a nice conversation.