As a teacher, you might have encountered these lines from Henry ward Beecher, a writer. “If you are idle, you are on the way to ruin, and there are few stopping places upon it, it is rather a precipice than a road.”

            The above-stated lines are appropriate lines to ponder upon in relation to spare moments of teachers. Another reminder from an anonymous writer claims that, “The man who accomplishes nothing, and then stops to rest will never be a leader.” He stressed the consequence one can get if he/she remains idle and doesn’t use his/her time wisely.

            There are still many related nuggets of wisdom that tells us about the importance of using our spare moments. However, many individuals do not conform with this, claiming that spare time is yours, therefore you must utilize this by resting and relaxing, doing nothing. How about the notion that no moment in our lifetime should be wasted? Many educators claim that every second or every minute in our life is important. If you will just stay in bed the whole day, you will just waste your time by doing nothing. You are losing great opportunities for a wider horizon, for acquiring new insights that you can apply in you teaching activities.

            There are various ways for a teacher to spend his/he spare moments wisely while relaxing in bed. Tapalla (1998), cited some suggestions in using one’s spare time wisely: One is by reading. This can transport you to distant places where you can learn the culture of every race on earth. It can bring you to past events that happened thousands, even millions, of years ago. In fact, teachers know that reading is a fascinating activity that will not only give information but will enrich one’s vocabulary immensely as well.

            Another way is to jot down words with their proper enunciation and the right intonation while listening to good speakers either over the radio or television. You can also exchange ideas to other people through surfing the internet or you can just search on different places and read about them by way of surfing the internet. You can also hone up your creative and journalistic writing skills. You can compose poems, write feature articles or even lyrics of songs. Operate that Videoke machine once again and belt on your favorite songs.iof you get tired staying in your room or in your bed, why not go outdoors and tend your garden. You can transplant new buds, cut some stems of flowers, enjoy the bright color and scent, put it on a flower vase then stall it in your altar. You can also have flowers in your room if you wish. The flowers can brighten the ambience of your room or house.

            There are still many ways to rest and relax while doing things that will offer additional joys and learning. Just keep in mind that whatever you do, do it well… for you will never know when God is standing in the shadows, taking your measurement for a bigger opportunity. Remind yourself also with the words of Alfred Mercier “what we learn with pleasure, we’ll never forget.”

REFERENCE:

Tapalla, W.C. “Make your Spare Moments Spoarkle” Woman’s Home Companion. (1998)

By: Ailene F. Sulangi | Master Taecher I | Panibatuhan Elementary School Morong District | Morong, Bataan