A1: Taking time to reflect on our blessings with loved ones as we are surrounded by festive sights, sounds and songs makes this time of year wonderful for me. #pln365
A1 Many consider this the most wonderful time of the year since it’s the holiday season. The lights, the decorations, the cheer, and the excitement in the air. #pln365
A1- In a world where so much is “go, go, go and me first,” this time of year gives folks a chance to breathe, survey what’s around them, and be grateful #pln365
Q2- Some students do not have positive associations with the holidays. How do you approach the holidays for those who are not as enthusiastic about this time of year? #pln365
A daily attitude of gratitude begets more things for which we can be grateful. If we spend our time grateful, there is no time left to dwell on the negative or complain. #pln365
A2: I don't actually acknowledge the holiday unless a student explicitly brings it up to me; not the most insightful strategy but I try to go about business as usual vs. potentially bringing up stressful subjects #pln365
Q2- Some students do not have positive associations with the holidays. How do you approach the holidays for those who are not as enthusiastic about this time of year? #pln365
A2 I’m really big in believing in the season. It’s not religious for some but I want students to see the magic. Therefore, I add a little sparkle and make this rime a year special for them at school. #pln365
A2: Years ago, I remember reading a common book or watching a movie that a student and I would reflect upon over the holidays using Google Docs to record our reflections. #pln365
A2 - So true! I think we can try to get to know our students well, acknowledge their reality, and not assume their traditions/beliefs mirror ours. #pln365
Q2- Some students do not have positive associations with the holidays. How do you approach the holidays for those who are not as enthusiastic about this time of year? #pln365
A2: the holidays, for some students, can be extremely difficult. Help them by showing them how they can share their experiences and help others. They can be shown to understand they are not alone. Show them that a giving and understanding spirit goes a long way. #pln365
A T spike about a simple idea at #edcampnj.A box in the cafeteria for unwanted non perishable snacks that would normally be discarded. The items are then donated. I proposed this to my P who is interested in replicating the idea. #pln365
A3: Bringing two truck loads of food to a family that had fallen upon hard times as the holidays approached. Their authentic gratitude kept a smile on my face for a very long time and a memory that will never leave my heart/mind. #pln365
we do something like this at breakfast at my school; if it is packaged and won't go bad we collect it if a S is about to throw it out; those snacks are then used in the building when S basic needs need to be met #pln365
A3: working for a charity called Lights of Love delivering gifts to children that would otherwise have not one gift to open during the holidays. Made me very grateful and cognizant of what was truly going on around me and in my own community. #pln365
Being one of ten children I remember giving my mom an engraved family tree. She was overwhelmed. Approaching 96 now she still loves that gift. Me too. #pln365
At our school, we typically invite a local orphanage to our Thanksgiving luncheon. Their teacher introduced me to a young boy. He quickly grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let me go. That is not something I will soon forget. #pln365
A3 I have always enjoyed giving rather than receiving. The look on the face, the sense of joy... that's what does it for me. Ss appreciate knowing the T cares about them. This year I gave my friends gifts for my birthday! #pln365
A4 #4ocfpln has been killing #gratitudesnaps this week; otherwise making sure I say and mean one of the easiest and most impactful phrases of all...thank you #pln365
A3) When my former students reach out to me and thank me for seeing the potential that was inside of them, and never giving up on them, on their journey. #pln365
A4: By reminding others of my genuine appreciation for their kindness, effort, energy and/or dedication. Making this intentional makes it more meaningful for the recipient and the sender. #pln365
A4 Simple things all year... words of encouragement and praise... Last week I complimented a S on his social skills that are missing in many adults. He smiled... "It's rude not to respond and reciprocate."
Sent an email home and showed the S first. That smile made my day. #pln365
Excellent chat @PaulONeill1972 this is just one example of how genuine reflection and true conversations can impact the lives around us...and our own. Beautiful! #pln365
