Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
Welcome to the #ElonEd chat! Our goals are to connect grads, current students, fac/staff, and other educators to share ideas and advice and to be inspired.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @JFinneyfrock and @coreywillingham. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic is supporting mental health for students AND teachers.
I am glad to be joining the #ElonEd chat tonight! Dr. Morrison here, teacher of teachers @elonuniversity and overall fan of #ElonEd. Graduate of @appstate a long time ago.
Corey Willingham, Elon ’12, tweeting from Havertown, PA. MS History teacher and 7/8 Dean at an independent all-girls school on the Main Line. So glad to be here tonight! #ElonEd
Robin French | Elon 2015 | teaching MS math in NYC, formerly HS math in NC | joining from my phone still on my way home so this will be an added challenge! #ElonEd
A1: I’ve wondered if they (teachers. student, parents )are taking time for themselves. And if so, is it on a regular basis or only when things get hard #ElonEd
We grieve for the Americans murdered in Pittsburgh. All of us have to fight the rise of anti-Semitism and hateful rhetoric against those who look, love, or pray differently. And we have to stop making it so easy for those who want to harm the innocent to get their hands on a gun.
Hey friends! My name is Drew Jaffe, I’m an environmental and sustainability studies major and environmental education minor at Elon University, just like @AnnaKGordon1. Excited to be part of this chat! #ElonEd
#ElonEd A1: At Elon, I've been wondering if the changes that have been made to our programs to enhance mental health awareness and counseling services have been able to help our students significantly
A1: I've been wondering how we can make teacher (and student) self-care a priority for everyone, especially during the school day.. as a routine to be sure we're not burning out. #ElonEd
A1: I think about how little down time our students have. They often go from tutoring before school to back-to-back classes, school sports, club sports, piano lessons…when is there time to sit and breathe? #ElonEd
A1: HW is very much on my mind. I have two children in high school, and they spend HOURS on HW every day, even on the weekend. It is NUTS and UNHEALTHY and MADDENING. #ElonEd
A1: I've wondered how the Ts take care of themselves when their days are so long and stressful. I also wonder how the Ss are doing, how they use their support system (if they have one), and how I, as a future T, can hep them #ElonEd
A1: I’ve wondered how serious both students and teachers are taking it and how we can help get across mental health is just as important as physical health. It seems a lot like physical health is held a lot higher than mental health #ElonEd
A1: I've wondered how to find a balance between supporting mental health of our students and personally. Also how all the bad stories we see in the news affect students lives #ElonEd
A1: I think about how little down time our students have. They often go from tutoring before school to back-to-back classes, school sports, club sports, piano lessons…when is there time to sit and breathe? #ElonEd
A1 I have noticed this years 6th graders (mostly girls) give more hugs & show care & kindness through physical affection than previous groups. I wonder about the roots of that behavior. I also wonder how our transition to a new principal is effecting everyone’s 🧠 state. #ElonEd
A1: I feel like there is a lot of stress among students both currently & in my former role. Students are so committed, sometimes overcommitted therefore they are spread too thin. There is a desire to do well and be involved but sometimes they are in too many commitments. #ElonEd
A1: I have absolutely noticed a heightened stress level and a lot of pressure (self-inflicted and externally sourced) with my fellow seniors. Also, a good deal of busy-bragging and struggle-bragging (two terms a friend of mine introduced to me) #ElonEd
A1 you have to keep it I. The back of you mind. Mindset is everything when getting into learning mode. When it comes to educators, there is so much pressure that it takes stretches you to the limit #ElonEd
I notice that my #EDU431 students @elonuniversity talk frequently about being busy, overwhelmed, stressed, tired, and run-down. Their brilliance and success come at a cost, and I wonder how I can help them find more balance. #ElonEd
A1: I’m always wondering ways we can continue to erase the negative stigmas attached to mental health so that we can focus more on improving our campus environment for everyone. #ElonEd
A1: I've wondered how much of mental health is a product of the environment and how much is a product of the individual. This will change how we address the problem #ElonEd
An important #ElonEd chat tonight. I have great appreciation for the Elon students, faculty, alumni and our broader network of friends that use this platform to better their craft and themselves. Always lots of ABSS folks in the chats as well!
A1 you have to keep it in The back of you mind. Mindset is everything when getting into learning mode. When it comes to educators, there is so much pressure that it takes stretches you to the limit #ElonEd
I checked-in with my #EDU441 students last week with a #DoNow. The prompt was to write about whatever was on their mind. They ALL wrote about things outside of class. Made for a really good discussion on several levels. #ElonEd
Often times they are their own worst enemy. There is enough pressure from those around them and when they are striving for perfectionism it can be even more detrimental. #ElonEd
A1: In high school, I regularly got 4-5 hours of sleep and had several hours of homework a night. It became part of the culture to “complain” about how little sleep/much homework you had in a day, as if a lack of self care was something to compete for... #ElonEd
A1: I have always wondered if students, as well as professors, are taking care of themselves in a way that suites them personally. It is always hard to take the time to stop what you are doing to debrief and relax but it is very important. #ElonEd
I know that counseling services has doubled their staff to make sure there is enough support for all students who need it-there are also mindfulness workshops that are offered to help us work on strategies to better our self-care! #ElonEd
Q2: What are the unique demands during the school day (or, more broadly, the traditional structure of schools) that make supporting mental health more challenging for students and teachers? #ElonEd
when we frame poor mental health and self care as a sign of success, Ss feel even more pressured to continue with unhealthy behaviors and not seek solutions #ElonEd
A1: I've wondered how much of mental health is a product of the environment and how much is a product of the individual. This will change how we address the problem #ElonEd
Do you think this would be a good practice with younger Ss as well? I feel like Ss I have interacted with always try to fit in telling me what is on their mind throughout the day but it is hard to listen to everyone during transitions. Maybe a similar activity could help? #ElonEd
Teachers, on Monday, be honest with your students. Tell them the country is in disarray. Allow them to problematize the situation and consider how to chart a path forward. But do not plow through the day assuming they can’t conceive what’s happening. Trust them. It’s their world
A1: I have had my students take a few deep breaths before taking a test (started that this year). Sometimes they walk in my room and I can see the nerves and anxiety all over their face. #ElonEd
A2: Meetings scheduled during planning periods = NO BREAK during the day. Doesn't happen every day but is a struggle when it does. Lack of flexibility with scheduling. #ElonEd
A2: Something I think about a lot is how I want to be there for students who need an ear or a shoulder or a hug…and how I simultaneously need to be teaching the rest of my students. What do you do when YOU are the only trusted adult for that kid? #ElonEd
A2: One thing I’ve noticed at Elon is the competitive nature of being busy (@PuschJessica touched on this on Q1). I think the pressures to fill our schedules takes away from opportunities to support our friends and support ourselves. #ElonEd
A2: Since we are so testing and score driven, teachers are under so much pressure to teach to the tests. Unfortunately, how to take care of yourself isn't something we are tested on #eloned
I also try to remind them of staying in the present. For many, with all that is going on in their lives both in and out of school, they struggle to stay in the here and now. #ElonEd
A2: testing...It seems as though assessment is taking over, and really diminishes the ability for a teacher to take time to connect with students on a personal level and check in on them--everything is focused on getting high scores, not the individual #ElonEd
A2: Not having a lot of time between classes (or a lot of free time in general) creates a barrier, increasing a lack of communication between T and S. This is also the case for Ts checking in on other Ts, and Ss talking to other Ss #ElonEd
Very true! Context means a lot. When I was in Spain I naturally was less stressed in the schools there due to the cultural context. School was more discussion based rather than many assignments like the United States. #ElonEd
A2: Ss are quite often expected to follow instructions with no questions asked, activity after activity. One thing after the next without time to express thoughts, feelings, or needs can be hard for anyone #ElonEd
YES. It is not possible to have conversations with all students every day. Morning meetings, turn and talks, and writing prompts are all good ways to help students share how they are doing and feeling with others in their community. #ElonEd
Do you think this would be a good practice with younger Ss as well? I feel like Ss I have interacted with always try to fit in telling me what is on their mind throughout the day but it is hard to listen to everyone during transitions. Maybe a similar activity could help? #ElonEd
#ElonEd A2: Going off of my previous answer, I think that we unconsciously put a lot of emphasis on consistently being "busy" or "productive". In my experience at Elon, a huge part of our campus culture is encouraging and expecting every student to be involved in at least two
A2: I think the speed of the school day is a challenge, there's little time to process during the day- if something upsetting happens at school for a S or a T, we have to try to move on quickly with no time to decompress #ElonEd (1/2)
My school has “drops” where US Ss drop a class one day and have a free period. Some T become annoyed when students don’t work during that time, but relaxing and play is just as important #ElonEd
A2 Rigidity of schools schedules can be a barrier to meeting mental health needs-Ts feel pressure to keep teaching, counselors may not always be available if concerns arise. Lack of trust/relationship between Ss & Ts can make sharing mental health issues a challenge too. #ElonEd
A2: & there's TONS of sensory input for S (& Ts) at school-it can be overwhelming to kids (& adults) and sometimes different/more/less sensory input is needed during the day 2/2 #ElonEd
A1: In recent months I’ve increasingly noticed that it is a norm in the culture at @elonuniversity to be completely over-involved. I have seen student suffer mentally and physically due to issues like this and think it’s very important we address it as a community. #ElonED
A2 Rigidity of schools schedules can be a barrier to meeting mental health needs-Ts feel pressure to keep teaching, counselors may not always be available if concerns arise. Lack of trust/relationship between Ss & Ts can make sharing mental health issues a challenge too. #ElonEd
A2: Most of the time, school classes are jam packed and require students to be doing some kind of work every second of the class time. Without some kind of reflection on whatever is going on, students can become distraught and anxious without having a break to rest. #ElonEd
My co-teachers and I advocated for schedules that worked better for students and us. For example, we told administration when we could block out time periods longer than 45 minutes so we could be more interdisciplinary and dig deeper with meaningful learning experiences. #ElonEd
"How to take care of yourself isn't something we are tested on" Meg THIS...just like we cut science and social studies since they're not tested, we cut out other essentials of education like self care because we can't see the benefits in numbers and scores #ElonEd
A2: Since we are so testing and score driven, teachers are under so much pressure to teach to the tests. Unfortunately, how to take care of yourself isn't something we are tested on #eloned
Q2: back to back school activities definitely make it hard to keep mental health in check and especially when school activities come to follow even outside the standard school day. Especially with the quick pace of schooling and deadlines #ElonEd
When grade levels aren't associated with age, when you can't tell what type of class you're in, when it's about student learning not grades and high-stakes test ... so ... #eloned
The rigid structure and lack of breaks create an environment that is prone to burnout. More class time outside or outside of a desk chair would allow for more engaged learning #ElonEd
A2: Teachers are expected to maximize instructional time for each subject area so students receive no transition time during a packed school day (and we all know 20 minutes of recess isn’t enough) #ElonEd
This is indeed hard to do. My only advice is to structure talking and writing into every class so that students can process with each other (and not always the teacher). Done well, this can create a very strong classroom community. #ElonEd
A2: Something I think about a lot is how I want to be there for students who need an ear or a shoulder or a hug…and how I simultaneously need to be teaching the rest of my students. What do you do when YOU are the only trusted adult for that kid? #ElonEd
A2: The rigid structure and lack of breaks create an environment that is prone to burnout. More class time outside or outside of a desk chair would allow for more engaged learning #ElonEd
A2: I agree! Testing and the pressure of success in the traditional school system really diminishes the importance of what’s going on... learning. And students often lose sight of interpretation and reflection and get lost in regurgitating information. #ElonED
In HS they changed our schedule sophomore year so that our only break was a 30 min lunch. I spent 15 of those minutes waiting in line to get food, 10 eating, last 5 getting to my next class. anyone else see the problem?🤨 #ElonEd
While we usually think of friends as a support system, I think many times friends end up pressuring each other to get more involved and take harder classes. Friendship circles often create a culture of competition and negative energy #ElonEd
I struggle with this too! I’ve tried to make it known that if students move themselves to the back of the line then they can get my attention and we can have a quick but needed conversation right before I drop them off or the next class begins #ElonEd
A2: Not having a lot of time between classes (or a lot of free time in general) creates a barrier, increasing a lack of communication between T and S. This is also the case for Ts checking in on other Ts, and Ss talking to other Ss #ElonEd
A2: Ss are quite often expected to follow instructions with no questions asked, activity after activity. One thing after the next without time to express thoughts, feelings, or needs can be hard for anyone #ElonEd
A3: when Ss and Ts are seen as different from the rest of the group because of these factors, the lack of a feeling of belonging creates low self-esteem and negatively affects mental health. #ElonEd
We could get heady and discuss the effects of neoliberalism and market mentalities on mental health. When we frame human existence in terms of productivity... what happens? #ElonEd
A3: recognizing differences and teaching respect for them is important in a learning environment. Sometimes when that is neglected, issues arise and can make some feel ostracized. #ElonED
A3: School is a whirlpool of young kids trying to figure out who they are. When Ss are struggling with all of this personal learning and confusion outside of the classroom, stress-inducing school structures do nothing but worsen mental health #ElonEd
A3: I’m thinking especially about students in middle school for this question, though it applies k-12. Middle school is hard as it is, but trying to figure out how WHO you are fits into WHERE you are, this undoubtedly affects our kids. #ElonEd
A3: Really important question. I think the continuous microaggressions and more 'subtle' acts of racism and sexism that too often occur in our schools results in a steady degradation of a student's well-being. That kind of wear-and-tear on a student has tangible effects #ElonEd
A3: We all bring our race, gender, sexuality, religion, and many other aspects of who we are fundamentally into every setting. The unique combination for everyone changes perspective, perception, and experience which impacts how thoughts and feelings are shared, or not #ElonEd
For real! Why do we think giving gittery, stressed children less recess is a way to help them learn better?? If we give them a break and let them de-stress, they will be more efficient learners #ElonEd
A3: they have so much to do with mental health. So often Ss and teachers don't feel represented, heard, or valued in our schools. We have to do our part to change this by educating ourselves and checking our biases. #ElonEd
Q3: mental health deals with all factors of life and when cultural or religious implications are added on, it tangled the web of mental health and definitely plays a big role in both understanding one’s own mental health and how to prioritize your needs #ElonEd
A3:touching on religion, this was obviously a rough few days for the Jewish community. Tonight there was a vigil at Numen Lumen. I hope my professors bring up the events of this weekend in a classroom setting where we can openly discuss how tragedies like this effect us. #ElonEd
A3: These factors can impact how you view mental health (& mental health treatments), how you express your emotions & how you manage your emotions. #ElonEd
Absolutely right. What does it mean to live in a society that encourages "productivity" over everything else? Or to be part of a generation that is told we must have an endless variety of skill-sets, degrees, certifications, etc. as opposed to specialization in anything #ElonEd
School can also be the environment where personal identity differences begin to stand out and make some Ss feel out of place or unheard. Teaching about our differences and promoting tolerance from an early age is SO important for Ss mental health down the line. #ElonEd
Our world is not always accepting either. I can imagine it can be challenging for a student to be their authentic self without being judged or scrutinized for who they are. It shouldn’t be that way but often times that is how our world seems to be. #ElonEd
A3: Other factors absolutely impact MH. These are all aspects of each individual child that have shaped them into the person they are today. If someone feels insecure due to being excluded or made fun of because of these factors, it can make a S's self esteem crumble #ElonEd
A3: Current nat’l & local events that impact specific people groups creates sensitivity or specialized trauma for students/staff that identify with that group. I try to stay as informed as possible and to hold other colleagues accountable to being prepared and aware too #ElonEd
A3:touching on religion, this was obviously a rough few days for the Jewish community. Tonight there was a vigil at Numen Lumen. I hope my professors bring up the events of this weekend in a classroom setting where we can openly discuss how tragedies like this effect us. #ElonEd
A3: Feeling a sense of belonging is everything. Without the feeling of being welcomed or accepted, individuals can see themselves as an outsider and can try to hide their true selves. #ElonEd
Q3: Haven’t seen anyone touch on exceptionalities and learning differences. I am someone with a whole lot of mental factors and I can tell you competitive and fast paced schooling did nothing positive for my health #ElonEd
These factors can make for unique experiences that require particular considerations that the traditional mental health model may not necessarily account for. It is important to consider student & teacher individual needs in the classroom #ElonEd
A3: These factors can make for unique experiences that require particular considerations that the traditional mental health model may not necessarily account for. It is important to consider student & teacher individual needs in the classroom #ElonEd
A4: We have a 25 minutes “snack” period every morning between 1st and 2nd periods for MS girls. They love the chance to run around outside, have a bite to eat, be with their people, or meet with a teacher. #ElonEd
A4: Things like bringing around the breakfast cart and the occasional duty free lunch are great, but we need more support to prevent burn out. Protecting our planning time, giving us breaks even just to use the bathroom... #ElonEd
A3 I’ve noticed a correlation between the distance a Ss or T is from the “average” demographic of a school’s population & stress/anxiety they may face. As an ELA teacher I try to balance the ⚖️ by bringing in more text, clip art, vids that represent my Ss body. #ElonEd
I wonder if my #EDU431 students recognize the consistent effort to build community in each one of our classes... and that it is prioritized over other things that are often viewed as more important. #ElonEd
A3: Feeling a sense of belonging is everything. Without the feeling of being welcomed or accepted, individuals can see themselves as an outsider and can try to hide their true selves. #ElonEd
A4: I think Elon University is doing a really great job of addressing the stigma around mental health and encourages us to engage in conversations about it. I also think our counseling services and other resources are wonderful #ElonEd
We have build in breaks through out the day for students.. we have advisory time every morning, I do mindfulness Mondays with my advisees, we have a peer support team to help with MH #EloNEd
A4: For my Ss, giving them time to share with me and other Ss, practicing mindfulness, brain breaks, and chances for them to learn through play and exploration, because they're 6 and 7 and they NEED that! #ElonEd
A4: As I mentioned earlier, Elon's counseling services are a wonderful resource. There are also wellness workshops, and every professor I've had is very understanding and kind about mental health issues. I also attended a dinner about self-care! #ElonEd
Q3: Haven’t seen anyone touch on exceptionalities and learning differences. I am someone with a whole lot of mental factors and I can tell you competitive and fast paced schooling did nothing positive for my health #ElonEd
A4: @elonuniversity ‘s new president just hired additional counselors and resources for students because of recents events and students unable to make appointments! #ElonED
In my high school, the bathrooms were re-painted and inspirational quotes were written on the walls. This is a little thing, but it was a wonderful bit of inspiration #ElonEd
A4: For Ss, School wide @AGEGators are using the Second Step curriculum weekly to teach all Ss social skills (including managing emotions), we have monthly guidance lessons, we have check in/out program for some students & are working on making a sensory path #ElonEd
A4: when a S says a concerning comment about their health ("I'm going to kill myself"), if a T hears or is told about it, they immediately bring the S to guidance #ElonEd
A4: In a placement classroom, I have seen morning meeting shares make a huge difference in a Ss day just because they got to share what was on their mind when they walked in the door, good or bad #ElonEd
A4. As we move towards restorative practices, we focus more on repairing harmed relationships rather than focusing on the institution or the breaking of a rule. Conferencing with students, allowing time for reflection. #ElonEd
A4: Teachers are asking me how I’m doing each day AND what I have done for myself/am planning to do for myself that day as well ( @Mkwinter2) 😊 #eloned
A4: We have a daily advisory that is 15 minutes 4 days a week and a 45 minute advisory once a week. Each advisory has 1 or 2 advisors with probably 8-12 students. It is a good time to check in with students. #ElonEd
We adopted a rotating schedule with class drops. We also have breaks built in on many of the days. So much more civilized than grinding through the same schedule in the same order everyday
A4: I think Elon University is doing a really great job of addressing the stigma around mental health and encourages us to engage in conversations about it. I also think our counseling services and other resources are wonderful #ElonEd
A4: Elon University is making a consistent effort to reach out to students and professors to keep the conversation about mental health alive. Many speakers and events are centered around mental health as well as counseling service is regularly advertised. #ElonEd
A4: When shadowing a 3rd grade class in Burlington, NC, the teacher would often take random breaks to conduct some simple yoga/stretches followed by a moment of silence. This even reminded me to slow down and relax. I can only imagine this was good for the students MH. #ElonEd
A4: For Ts, we have hospitality committee that does small treats & an optional Secret Pal program you can sign up to do, our PTO also does a monthly duty free lunch, volunteers to help & other goodies during the year #ElonEd
A4: This question reminded me of a moment in #Edu305 this semester before Hurricane Florence. @AllisonBryan225 paused curriculum teaching to make sure we were all doing okay mentally and had plans for the evacuation. Individual teachers can do wonders! #ElonEd
A4: In a placement classroom, I have seen morning meeting shares make a huge difference in a Ss day just because they got to share what was on their mind when they walked in the door, good or bad #ElonEd
A4: @ElonConnieBook has been amazing with health and wellness! She even started doing morning walks with students. She is leading the way and creating an accepting atmosphere for all Ss #eloned
There’s always room to improve supports for and relationships with parents, families and the local community! Showing up at events, advocating for community needs, advising or coaching extra-curricular activities, etc. #ElonEd
A4: there are many events supporting time to take a mental break/promote awareness Ive seen some teachers take the extra steps to reach out Ive personally had a teacher reach out in more ways than I could have ever expected making the mental health process a bit easier #ElonEd
A5: Two things: 1) Show up. Ask questions and have conversations about student's lives, feelings, struggles, excitements, etc. And if needed, help them find resources for bettering their mental health #ElonEd
A5: Restorative circles (when needed) and morning meetings (daily) have transformed my classroom community at the primary level. Ss have also learned to ask for rest time (lights off and quiet music) when the class collectively needs a break #ElonEd
Q5:I would love to see mental health wellness days be as important as sick days Ive seen more and more kids lie about being sick because it is seen differentally & embodies different expectations Especially for those who have depression/anxiety this would ease the stress #ElonEd
A5: making the classroom student-centered, giving them ownership of the space and time to build strong relationships with each other and me. Brain breaks, music, morning meetings.. these all make me feel more focused and calm too! #ElonEd
A5? Just last week our guidance counselor made 30min appts w/ all 6th grade ELA classes. 2 students felt comfortable enough to ask me later 4 more info or time to talk about the mtg. Just devoting a bit of time can be enough to create that safe space for Ss to reach out. #ElonEd
Ask questions about the Ss day before starting class content. Create a positive, safe environment in your classroom. I play music and hi-five Ss when they come into the room. It sets the tone #ElonEd
A5: I think giving both Ss and Ts time to have a break and just talk to each other is extremely important. It can be S to S, T to T, or even better, S to T. By creating this time, it is more likely that relationships will be stronger in the community #ElonEd
A5: Kind of silly, but have you used @GoNoodle? I like to use it to break up a long period or before a test. We get up and dance and laugh and sing and move…ah! What a difference it makes! #eloned
A4: 2) Be flexible, understanding, and empathetic. Students' lives do not (and should not) revolve around our one class. Being considerate of students' and their mental well-being means being flexible in what we ask of them #ElonEd
I have so much respect for schools and teachers practicing restorative justice. This framework has the power to support positive mental health while also addressing the school to prison pipeline, and hopefully also lower recidivism rates as well. #ElonEd
A5: in my summer class of elem Ss we started every single morning with a feelings circle and a compliment circle. That way we all knew how the others in the room were feeling and what they needed from us that day #ElonEd
A5: Promoting an inclusive environment for ALL students and making sure Ss have an effective place to learn and be loved (ie learning some of a Ss native language, being culturally responsive, making appropriate accommodations). To be healthy, we need to feel valued #ElonEd
Listen, be attentive, and make time in the day to make mental health a priority. Incorporate lessons that focus on promoting emotional resilience and being compassionate to others #ElonEd
It all started with a social studies lesson on citizenship and personal rights. They identified that Ss deserve the right to take a break, so we added it to our class rights and they’ve taken complete ownership of communicating it to me! #ElonEd
Personal relationships are KEY. Teachers shouldn't just talk about mental health but should actually live it out. Recogonizing student stress, teachers should be forgiving with late work and flexible on assignments (when possible). #ElonEd
A5: Listen, be attentive, and make time in the day to make mental health a priority. Incorporate lessons that focus on promoting emotional resilience and being compassionate to others #ElonEd
A5: Having time to write and reflect on whatever needs to be reflected on is important for mental health. Having a place, such as a journal, for each student to write in confidence is a great place to take the time to put thoughts into a safe space. #ElonEd
A6: Looking forward to just having fun with my kids and embracing the craziness that is Halloween week. Being intentional time read, reflect, and relax at home for myself this week to help balance this busy time of year. #ElonEd
A5: Constantly working on strengthening relationships, being available for Ss to talk to, offering sensory breaks & minutes of quiet, teaching social skills! #ElonEd
@MrDpasion@amburkoed the novel Touching Spirit Bear we are reading in class would be an amazing one to read and give away to kids in restorative circles. Protagonist Cole and the kid he bullies participate in Circle Justice in the text. Kids ❤️ and relate to the story. #ElonEd
It’s been a powerful shift for my school and district this year (@HCPSS)! I’m excited to see the impact as staff and students utilize restorative practices #ElonEd
I have so much respect for schools and teachers practicing restorative justice. This framework has the power to support positive mental health while also addressing the school to prison pipeline, and hopefully also lower recidivism rates as well. #ElonEd
I have learned a lot about mindfulness from @AnnasClass and @Mindful_Schools. We even did a mindful minute in #EDU431 last week. Looking forward to doing that more in my classes. #ElonEd
"I believe that social-emotional skills are some of the most important skills that children can learn in school and that mindfulness is the best foundation for that learning." https://t.co/jc1cGv7iiW
A6: I need to better manage my social life and my time for HW. It's something I always say I'll do, but never quite adjust. For my Ss, I plan on trying to continue talking to as many as possible each morning and at lunch #ElonEd
A6: I will make sure I take time to breathe during this very busy week ahead, and not focus all my energy on getting perfect grades. I will get enough rest-a tough goal, but one that is especially important this time of year #ElonEd
A6: Getting enough sleep is crucial. Last week was not my finest week for that. Also checking in with my students in not only Advisory but classes as well. Maybe try meditation. I’ve heard many positive things from friends/family who do it regularly. #ElonEd
A6: I will interact with Ss as people first, and then address the learning that needs to happen. This may look different depending on the S. I will continue to push myself out of my comfort zone and participate in conversations in Spanish when appropriate #ElonEd
A6: take time for myself and respect time others take for themselves. It’s important not to have a completely full schedule and to put yourself first! #ElonED
A6: I will go to bed earlier and make sure to remind myself that I am only human and I am doing the best I can. I try to ask everyone I see how they are doing and how their day is going so far, sometimes people just need someone to ask them simple questions like those. #ElonEd
A6: For my Ss- teach some Halloween related social skills & incorporate some Halloween themed sensory play, For me- keep up with my #bulletjournal & cook some good food :D #ElonEd
A6: I hope to have a talk with my cooperating teacher to see how mental health can be improved in her classroom and school while also talking with some of my teachers on how to work through their class while keeping mental health a priority! #ElonEd
This week, I am dressing up with my advisees as birds for halloween because they call themselves the “Finneyflock” Remember to have fun :) Kids are awesome #ElonEd
Great chat tonight on an important topic and one that the conversation must continue for. Thanks for moderating @coreywillingham and @JFinneyfrock! #ElonEd
A6: I’m going to prioritize leaving early so that I’m ready for the upcoming weeks of report cards and family-teacher conferences. I’m also going to prioritize asking all students how they are doing and not just the ones who seem upset or quiet #ElonEd
