#2ndchat is a Twitter hashtag that can be used to chat, collaborate, and grow with other second grade educators from around the world. Every other week we will discuss a different topic. It's a great way to help grow your PLN (Professional/Personal Learning Network) and share ideas with others.
Hi! My name is Grace Crowley. I am an elementary ed major and teaching fellow at Elon University. I am in a #edtech class and am super excited to be in my first twitter chat! #2ndchat#edu371
HI! My name is Kelly Hunter! I am a SPED major at Elon University! I am a teaching fellow and I am in #edtech class and I am super pumped to get ready for being a future educator #edu371 --- hoping to teach kindergarten and first grade SPED!!!! #2ndchat
Hi! My name is Wilson! I’m a current junior at @ConverseCollege studying Early Childhood and working on my elementary and LD add ons! #conversechat#2ndchat
Balance is a good mix between school work and other activities that make a long day at school worth it! Wellness is having a healthy body and mind while doing these activities, and mindfulness, at least for me, helps me wind down at the end of my day! #2ndchat
#2ndchat Laura here.. thanks for taking the lead @vickiemorgado1. ALWAYS trying to get better at balancing work/life, so happy to be a part of the convo.
A1: I try to compartmentalize school, PD, and schedule time for other things intentionally. Being scattered doesn’t allow for any focus nor gains. Great way to burn out #2ndchat
In our profession teacher burnout is a problem espcially amoung new teachers. I know I have felt it...it's important to take time for ourselves and know our limits. It's challenging in this profession. #2ndchat
A1: Balance is a good mix between school work and other activities that make a long day at school worth it! Wellness is having a healthy body and mind while doing these activities, and mindfulness, at least for me, helps me wind down at the end of my day! #2ndchat
I’ve also really focused on my diet and health on last 6 months. Ive also started teaching others who want a friend to guide and or keep them accountable. #2ndchat?
@swkreed I just started Weight Watchers in January. I have not been good with it while helping w/ my Dad's surgery scare but back on track tomorrow! #2ndchat
#2ndchat A.1- It can be easy to see what everyone else is doing and want to keep up (especially with the amazing teachers on Twitter) , but balance is about trying out one thing at a time and remembering not to compare yourself to others.
A2: I think there are times when I am able to find a balance and other times when it's challenging because all I can think about is helping that "one kid" who is struggling. That keeps me up at night. #2ndchat
It takes a few years. Grace and Kelly you don’t have to be amazing at everything. Focus on a few things and get awesome at and move on. Also don’t get overwhelmed she will come out tomorrow. High fives and hugs will be there #2ndchat
A2: I struggle to find a balance! For sure a challenge! Hard to work in schools in such an impoverished area and not think about it when I get home. #2ndchat
I think that we've all been there. There are more stressful times of the year when it's harder to create balance. Also, sometimes life throw you a curve ball and it's hard to create balance. #2ndchat
A2: I think there are times when I am able to find a balance and other times when it's challenging because all I can think about is helping that "one kid" who is struggling. That keeps me up at night. #2ndchat
A2: It’s always difficult to find a balance and help others when our everyday lives are so busy. At the end of the day you realize it’s more important to help others first! #2ndchat#conversechat
A2: I over volunteer at church, too. I had to let go of several things this semester to find more balance. Do the things I'm really passionate about! #2ndchat
A3: One (little) thing that helps me find balance in my life is creating and sticking to my planner/calendar. Staying active also always helps me keep a motivated attitude! #2ndchat
A3: I try to plan what I need to get done during planning times ahead of time so I'm not just putting out little fires & accomplishing nothing. #2ndchat
A3: I try to stay organized, learn to politely say "no", prioritize what's important to me, make time for my health (work out, eat healthy, sleep), laugh and have a little fun....#2ndchat
#2ndchat A.2- I find it hard to balance the work load at times. It’s easy to let the marking build up when you’re planning, doing extra-curriculars, but always regret it closer to reporting periods. Always looking for suggestions on how to keep up with it all!
A3: I find myself trying my best to live in the moment, using mindfulness and my passion for music to drive me. In addition, it always helps to think of the end goal: to have my own classroom of kiddos one day! #2ndchat
A3: I love creating lists and marking things down in my agenda. Then when I finish what I need to do I can cross it off and feel accomplished. This also helps with the balance #2ndchat#conversechat
A3: Plan in advance and work your plan. Find accountability buddies to participate in other stuff too. Slap your hand and say get off Twitter for PLN tweet chats #2ndchat
A3: As I said earlier, I have let go of things that I'm not truly passionate about. I eliminated things that I volunteered for that felt like a chore. #2ndchat
A3: One thing I've learned over the years is the kids don't care if the wk is done. Ss need you to be there for them. It's OK to leave the work at school. If I leave the work there, then I can focus on stuff at home. If I take it home, it's too easy to keep working. #2ndchat
HI I'm Gabrielle a sophomore at IndianaUniversity-PurdueUniversity Indianapolis, studying elementary education! I'm excited to be joining my first twitter chat tonight. #2ndchat
A3: One thing I've learned over the years is the kids don't care if the wk is done. Ss need you to be there for them. It's OK to leave the work at school. If I leave the work there, then I can focus on stuff at home. If I take it home, it's too easy to keep working. #2ndchat
A.3 Going to bed early and waking up early to get in some exercise has helped. Then I have no excuse for not getting it done. I have also worked out with colleagues in the past right after school. Releasing stress together 👍🏻#2ndchat
A2: super challenging art & education are my passion it’s hard to manage the long days, be a parent, wife and take care of self. It’s an ongoing struggle but I keep trying to find the balance #2ndchat
Awesome! We started a running club right after school this year with my colleagues! I love it! We also have yoga at lunch/after school once a week, book clubs, etc. #2ndchat#blessed
A.3 Going to bed early and waking up early to get in some exercise has helped. Then I have no excuse for not getting it done. I have also worked out with colleagues in the past right after school. Releasing stress together 👍🏻#2ndchat
A4: Over the years, I've really changes my reading/math centers. They are now very simple but with lots of choice. BIG gain, less work for me. win/win #2ndchat
A4: I try to really stick to my schedule and not go too long on one subject so the kids transition more. Plus @GoNoodle provides short but AWESOME and much needed exercise breaks! 2x day or more! #2ndchat
A4: We start each day with talking in community circle so I get a feel for where the Ss are at. We also have #WellnessWednesday as a school each week. We have a great HAT (Health Action Team) @MsZabukovec runs that I have learned many ideas from. #2ndchat
A4: I think being organized really helps with wellness and helps keep stress in check. Building a classroom community is important for both balance and wellness as well. #2ndchat
A4: I try to really stick to my schedule and not go too long on one subject so the kids transition more. Plus @GoNoodle provides short but AWESOME and much needed exercise breaks! 2x day or more! #2ndchat
A4: at my classroom for last semester, we had a calm down area-- it was a SPED classroom and it was a relaxing environment, sometimes the lights were off and it was always quiet. Paper over the door window and nice, calm words. safe space #2ndchat
A4: It is important to acknowledge the stressors that some students have at home and take with them when they come to school. Take that into account when teaching #2ndchat
A4: I think being organized really helps with wellness and helps keep stress in check. Building a classroom community is important for both balance and wellness as well. #2ndchat
A4: I quit doing lots of things that I did just because everyone else did: morning work, writing daily news because it wasted so much time and had NO engagement. Now kids come in & choose between reading or writing- any type. I'm AMAZED at what they choose to create! #2ndchat
A4: I don’t have a classroom yet but sticking to a schedule but also asking students what they need to do to help them feel balanced! #conversechat#2ndchat
A4: Also, I have started greeting all the my Ss and the Ss that walk past me in the mornings everyday and learning their names. What a HUGE mood changer! Kids love it and it starts my day off with a smile every day. #2ndchat
A4: Also, I have started greeting all the my Ss and the Ss that walk past me in the mornings everyday and learning their names. What a HUGE mood changer! Kids love it and it starts my day off with a smile every day. #2ndchat
A.4 Taking time to plan my week in advance on one doc. really helps me to focus, be accountable, and feel prepared. However, the key is being flexible and moving plans around when other things come up or some lessons take longer #2ndchat
A.4 Taking time to plan my week in advance on one doc. really helps me to focus, be accountable, and feel prepared. However, the key is being flexible and moving plans around when other things come up or some lessons take longer #2ndchat
A5: I have seen some crazy improvement in kids just from some simple calm down activities- over time it gets better. A lot of the kids I worked with had issues at home- we had IEP meetings to address some issues with mom and dad and everything was uphill from there #2ndchat
A5: When I eliminated things that were "busy type" work, we were able to learn the content more and have conversations about the content/learning. They feel more ownership & increased engagement makes everyone happier. #2ndchat
A5: For me....happier students and thus teacher :) More time on task and engaged, sense of community, health, energy, joy, greater sense of accomplishement. #2ndchat
A5: Wellness helps you have more energy and motivation to do the things you need. When you have higher wellness you feel more balanced! #2ndchat#conversechat
A5: Keeping a good balance helps you stay positive everyday. Kids need someone who will fight for them everyday and they deserve someone who is happy. #happyteachershappykids#2ndchat
A5: When I am more relaxed, more gets accomplished and I am able to clearly see what needs to be done rather than just being busy running in circles. #2ndchat
A5: If you go into the day with a negative attitude, it will transfer to your students. It is important to find balance and wellness in your own personal life first #2ndchat
A6: Best tip I can give you is start your day relaxed. Starting with a worksheet is not a way to start a day- for ANYONE! Let them have some choices in the morning and CREATE. They can't wait to get to the room! It starts the day off right! #2ndchat
A6: have students talk everything out- to a comfortable extent. I love doing a little "share" period during the beginning of class or having a little silent reflection time. Mindfulness apps are also great-they help me sleep but they can help in the classroom too! #2ndchat
A6: Having students come into a calm classroom, play soothing sounds while they work, taking stretch breaks, playing games. Also remembering they are kids and want to have fun! Include the fun in the lessons so they feel balanced #2ndchat#conversechat
A5: Flexible seathing and choice also help to create a more enjoyable atmosphere. I usually talk about being mindfull when we eat and read this book. https://t.co/uS2ztCOhkk#2ndchat
A7: Headspace is a great app for meditation and mindfulness. Also a big fan of putting a checklist for myself in the reminders app. It keeps me on track and feels good when I can finally check them off! #2ndchat
Q7: "relax meditation" has a lighthouse on the app icon and its nice! I also like some peaceful puzzle games or something like 2048 (I play before bed). #2ndchat
A7: I love the @NikeTraining apps! Nike Training Club lets you personalize a workout just for you! They can be hard or easier depending on your fitness level. So easy and I've found it super motivating! #2ndchat
IA7: love @ClassDojo big ideas tonteally start the conversation about mindfulness growth mindset and traits of a champion. And GoNoodle as well for the dynamic videos both high/low energy. #2ndchat
Looking forward to hosting #3rdChat tonight talking all things coding in primary! Tell your friends and join us at 9:00 PM EST! Please retweet! #CodeBreaker
From our conversation it sounds like if we start with #wellness that lessons and school come easily, yet this is often not at the forefront of our curriculum documents....#2ndchat#OntEd
Sort of like the anaology on the plan about puttting the oxygen mask on yourself and then on your child....take care of yourself first...your welleness is crucial to the success of your Ss #2ndchat
