Good evening and welcome to #champforkids
Tonight we will "dive" into the reality of "staying afloat" this time of year!
Share your name, role in education, and a gif that shows how you are feeling right now?
*Reminder use #champforkids for all of your responses!
Phil from Northern VA. I teach 6/7 US History I&II and am the founder of #waledchat (Thurs @ 9pm ET) and #Edusations (Youtube). Glad to be here! #champforkids
Good evening #champforkids Kelly from VirginiaBeach, founder of #champforkids chat and blog and excitedly wrapping up the book Champ for Kids coming this spring! Kinda feeling like this today...
A1 I HAVE to have organized piles of tasks with sticky note reminders on top and use check lists! I’m all visual and will often forget anything hiding #champforkids
Google Keep for the win. Learned that skill from @megan_hacholski. I can see what I need to do and what I have accomplished at all times. I have never been more prepared. #champforkids
I call it 3D organizing! Everything has to be out in front of me! True fact... I am not sure that I even know how to efficiently/effectively "file things"! #champforkids
A1: Do one piece. Go do something else. Come back to the next piece. Break it up into smaller steps. Ex. Lesson plan for a week, vacuum, blog, clean bathrooms. #champforkids
A1~
eat lots of chocolate
~remind myself that I will get it done
~surround myself with people who make me belly laugh 😆
~show myself some grace & understanding
#champforkids
A1 - I have a notebook that says make today amazing! It is full of my to do lists and notes, etc. When something gets finished I rip the page out. Hoping that it is just a front and back cover by the end of the year! #champforkids
A1: I do what I can. I think about the fact that everything will get done at some point. Prioritize and create to do lists. And nobody is going to die if it doesn’t get done when I want it done. And sometimes, I just need s break! #champforkids
A1~
eat lots of chocolate
~remind myself that I will get it done
~surround myself with people who make me belly laugh 😆
~show myself some grace & understanding
#champforkids
A1. Prioritize. Walk away for a few (sometimes the most important thing to complete first will pop out if I get up and get a drink), Make piles (I think is an unorganized form of organization). #champforkids
A1: I still leave work at work, if at all possible. It's so important for me to spend time with family and take a break when I get home. I work better in the morning anyway, so getting to school early is usually my best bet for getting work done quick! #champforkids
A1 I prioritize my list of things to do on my phone and knock them out according to importance! As always, things move up and down the list throughout the day!#champforkids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
A1: I add ALL deadlines, lessons, meetings to my calendar so that I can check each morning what I need to accomplish that day. At the end of the day, I look again and reflect on what I accomplished for the day. I celebrate the smallest tasks as well as the largest #champforkids
A1: Get rid of the fluff. Give yourself permission to let go of things that aren’t important. Make a list in order of your 10 most important tasks. Slash through #4-10. They are distracting from what really matters. (I know that’s overly simple but you get the point)#champforkids
A2: It's always been @_on11. In my new home, I'm still finding those people. But there are a handful I've found - and I've got to get them on Twitter so I can tag and embarrass them soon! #champforkids
A2: Has to be my wonderful teacher, wife...@CRushLevine- She keep my afloat when the waters get rough. She can talk me through the tidal waves of it all. #champforkids
A1 - I prioritize my to-dos by precedence using colored pens and/or sticky notes.
Green = Do today
Blue = Do this week
Yellow= Not due anytime soon, but write it anyway cause you know you're going to forget
#champforkids
A2: All of you out in Twitter-World. Whenever I start to lose belief in myself and what I'm doing, you guys are always here to get me back on track and I thank you! #champforkids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
A2b: Of course, my incredible Twitter PLN keeps me motivated and inspired, while my meditations keep my mind quiet enough to see what is in front of me. #champforkids
Craig from PA. Creator of #teachpos. HPE. A1 - This is a matter of prioritizing. I’ve always been a “I won’t say no” person. Sometimes we need to not create deadlines that will cause us stress. Not always easy but works. Also, create Google folders that are colors. #champforkids
A2: My assistant principal. He always reframes things for me and puts stuff in perspective. He digs in when necessary to help lighten the load too. #ChampForKids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
Craig from PA. Creator of #teachpos. HPE. A1 - This is a matter of prioritizing. I’ve always been a “I won’t say no” person. Sometimes we need to not create deadlines that will cause us stress. Not always easy but works. Also, create Google folders that are colors. #champforkids
A2: God has blessed me with an amazing wife (@LBStrunk) who I can go to and be heard. At work, I am thankful for my buddy @ToddRisser to chat about things. #champforkids
A2 I have so many! An amazing team at school, but @sCounselorVA and I have a real thing going on this year! Venting, collaborating, and energizing each other. She gets my crazy and spins it into real thoughts and actions with no judgement! #champforkids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
A3: During the school day, I distract myself by talking to my Ss about what's going on in their lives. It helps me remember just how important it is to keep their well-being at the forefront of all I do. #champforkids
This is absolutely directed right to me!!!! I never want to do the tedious routine type things... they are my FROG!!!! I am making a poster tomorrow for my desk!!! #champforkids
A3: Making sure that I practice Mindfulness every minute during the school day helps me to be as close to 100% present with my students as possible. It works. #champforkids
A1 #champforkids Jeri fr Jersey English T / Use lists. Do smallest tasks first so u can cross off list. Break big tasks into sections (put on list that way) and pick away on them. TRY not to touch any task on list more than once. If you can’t finish it, don’t start it.
A3 The kids are who really bring me back to shore. When I get closed in my head with overwhelming boxes to check, being present in the moment with them (and embracing their young spirits!) is true therapy and puts me back on the path. #champforkids
A3. Instructional time for me is like reading a good book. Once that bell rings, im in an entirely different world with just my students. #ChampForKids
A2: My go to is absolutely @khoggardGRT We take risks and know that no matter what we’ll always have each other’s backs! @MrPStrunk & @_on11 are always a message away- they can always inspire me to smile and believe in who I am & not let the critics get me down #champforkids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
I truly love these answers from you all about the connections with kids being your ground...I guess I can stand to remember this is who I truly am. Thanks! #champforkids
A3 When I’m in a classroom or collaborating with a teacher I am completely engaged and all deadlines and conversation of anything not kid centered is left at the door! #champforkids
A2- Mine is definitely my grade level chair, @apopp517 ! As a first year teacher, my anxiety coming in was at an all time high but Aaron's relaxed and welcoming demeanor, I believe, is what helped plant my roots in my classroom. He also has some real good dad jokes #champforkids
Q2 - Looking for a Lifeline
Who do you usually reach out to when you are looking for a lifeline? What is it about this person that seems to help you steer into calmer waters? #champforkids
A2. I am a little bit tribe-less right now, and I don't feel like I have that positive person near by. Last year I would reach out to my principal @mccall_kelley, she got me and she knew where my heart was. I'm floundering a little in search of my tribe. #champforkids
A2: Reflecting on who guides us to calmer waters is powerful in the art of reflection. My friends, family and colleagues are the people I rely on to calm and ground me. #proftobaldo@TabaldoOnTech#champforkids
A1: Get rid of the fluff. Give yourself permission to let go of things that aren’t important. Make a list in order of your 10 most important tasks. Slash through #4-10. They are distracting from what really matters. (I know that’s overly simple but you get the point)#champforkids
Hey #champforkids joining super late but couldn't miss out!
A3: For me Ss have to be the priority and some of the busy work has to wait till before or after school. It doesn't always happen but I try to make it happen more often than not.
A2 - one of my colleagues is all about kindness. She is a true passionate teacher who cares about others. We share a common love of teaching that always helps us. #champforkids
A3: My job is nothing without them. I rise to my obligations because I can't let my students down. My students make my obligations easier, and my obligations make me better for my students. #ChampForKids
Q4 - Safe on the Shore
Share a gif that shows how you will be feeling when you arrive safely on the shore and accomplish all of these tasks and deadlines set before you! #champforkids
A3 If you aren't in education because of the kids, then why are you in education. Kids first, especially when they're in school. The other stuff can get done at another time. #ChampForKids
A2: @renathunderhawk has always been great to go to when I need a lifeline. She's been there before, understands the in's and outs of admin life, and can boost me up when situations get the best of me! Best advice I heard from her...embrace the struggle! #champforkids
A3~
~shared experiences that lift all of us up like lunch in the classroom, authentic, ongoing conversations, modeling goodness, kindness & humility ~ focus is on their well being & in turn they open my heart wider each day ❤️💕💕
#champforkids
Well, I would be happy to help you not feel so alone. Reach out to me on Twitter and I may not be there in person, but I can be there in spirit. #champforkids
A2. I am a little bit tribe-less right now, and I don't feel like I have that positive person near by. Last year I would reach out to my principal @mccall_kelley, she got me and she knew where my heart was. I'm floundering a little in search of my tribe. #champforkids
A3: As I'm told, the same way you don't puke. Keep your focus on the horizon/your goal. We cannot allow the wind or waves to dissuade us. We must learn how to read them and respond properly. #ChampForKids
I’m sure both of your kids will say that! They are very lucky to have dads like you guys! As someone who cannot call their dad for a lifeline I know how lucky those kiddos are to have your guys! #champforkids
A3: No matter what is going on, I step back and all I have to do is look at my students’ faces to be reminded of the most important thing in school- THEM! It has always been and will always be about them. #champforkids
A2: I don’t have anyone right now. Probably because there is no logical solutions and I’m kinda trapped. 😬 but I’m going with 2 quotes until there are clearer solutions. #youeitherwinoryoulearn#champforkids
A3: As a #schoolcounselor, it is very important for me to be at my door greeting kids each morning. This helps me to feel grounded & centered upon what’s most important...the kids. Heading out to recess every once in a while also helps! #ChampForKids
A3 - I try to remember that kids matter most. While there are always tough moments, I try to keep students at the fore front of learning. #champforkids
A1: Make a plan and stick to it. Push hard and get it done. I remember this all to well when I was finishing my dissertation (took me a minute to remember what it was called!) #champforkids
A3 The students & I share the same focus & that's to grow and be better than yesterday. For example, one of my student's Lexile scores grew 179 points since September. With continuous class growth like this, the pressure of obligation seems to fade.#champforkids
A2 #champforkids Often others reach 2 me. I’m go 2 person especially 4 novice teachers. @FreebodyGillian & @TraciSica r my partner English Ts. They r huge help as they understand how much time English takes. At home, my best friend knows me & gets me. Unconditional love. Safe!
In reply to
@khoggardGRT, @FreebodyGillian, @TraciSica
A4 This little kid waiting on her brother in the office today literally did this when our Registrar gave her a bag of Goldfish. It set a giddy and content tone for the whole day! Sometimes it’s the little things to enjoy- why wait for it all to be over?! #champforkids
A3. I take time to connect with kids. Maybe an impromptu read aloud, or maybe chill on the carpet and do a group round of "Would you rather" and get back in sync with kids. Deadlines will always be there, kids need to know you are for them. #ChampForKids
A3 #champforkids I remember WHY I chose this career. It’s abt the Ss. I focus back where my attention should b and shut the door - literally & figuratively. I focus on lesson planning, relationships, engagement, success. The other things will get done. I love what I do bc of Ss.
Thank you all for being here tonight! Remember to follow others in the #champforkids family to build your #PLN and help you stay afloat!
Have a great week and remember to JUST KEEP SWIMMING!
#champforkids
A3 If you aren't in education because of the kids, then why are you in education. Kids first, especially when they're in school. The other stuff can get done at another time. #ChampForKids
@khoggardGRT I brought my passion for diy projects to my Ss during our simple machines unit. Ss designed, collaborated, and literally built this reading box. #champforkids
#ChampForKids walking away for awhile is very important. I’m glad you reminded me. I also focus intensely on school work during my prep time. I don’t let others take my focus away.
A3: I may be the crabbiest critter internally. I may just want to sit on my chair and assign book work. (And I probably should be. 😳) but I show up every day, find reasons to smile, boss up after I cry, and have fun with the ss until 3:00 when I am just done. #champforkids
