Our chat will focus on the idea that we can lead and make positive change from any position in our school systems. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of thinking and acting.
Welcome to #LeadLAP! Please introduce yourself & share when your holiday break begins!
Bonus: Add GIF that describes how you feel at this point in the holiday season.
Hi! Tisha HS Culinary Tr & Lead at #smedfordhs@msd549c in Medford, OR!
Today is my 1st day of break & my daughter comes home from college TODAY! SO EXCITED! #LeadLAP
Good morning #LeadLAP I'm sad to miss you all but know the power combo of @tishrich and @burgess_shelley leading the ship will be amazing! Have an amazing weekend!
To random people on Twitter: Think of using Internet as a tool to learn, exchange knowledge, start projects with people who live in different locations than you.
google "Personal Learning Networks" to learn from "Connected Educators" about this new behaviour!
#nt2t#mindset
My first day of holiday break is TODAY and my college kiddo is at a retreat but will be home TOMORROW! My intro gif also shows how I'm feeling (Star Lord-Dancing) #LeadLAP
Good morning #LeadLAP so excited to have You all here and stoked to have @tishrich hosting. Joining a few minutes late because our first snow just started to fall!
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
Andrea, MS Teacher and Instructional coach. I consider my break starting today as my last grad school paper of the semester is turned in! :) Winter break starts in 1 week. #leadlap
A1: I unwind by cranking up the Christmas music, turning on the fireplace & spending time home decorating and baking for the holidays. Can't wait to get my daughter home from college! #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A1: Take time for self, family, and friends. Family Fun time or Fun Day is a big hit, relaxing and indulging in what I like to do is a must, and last minute shopping or hanging with friends is important for mental health too! #LeadLAP
A1 I try to always have my morning coffee and sit, relax and read. Whether it be a book, news, social media feeds. Just some time where I am not running around with the usual crazy schedule. Take time to enjoy the beauty, scenery...life. #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A1: My wife and I make it a point to take our time and schedule as little as possible over break. I have some basketball games to call, but other than that we will plan very little. #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A1: I remind myself that others are frazzled, too, and make a conscious effort to show a little more kindness, a little more patience. It's amazing how this actually refuels me, too! #LeadLap
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A1: Knocking some things off the non-school related to do list early in the break allows me to look forward to unincumbered time later on. Nothing hanging over my head on the to do list. #LeadLAP
I'm with you, Rachelle. The decorating, baking cookies with he kids, cookie decorating parties etc. Love every minute of it! And... online shopping with Amazon helps a lot! No mall crowds for me. #LeadLAP
Yes! Made a lot of changes, tried a lot of new things, and am more in love with my job than ever, notwithstanding the occasional apathetic or defiant kid! LOL #leadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A1: Over the break, I’ll spend some time disconnecting from my phone and enjoying time with family. I’ll also begin some goal setting for 2018. I love that we get to start the year twice as educators! #LeadLAP
I opened up a new Tweetdeck tab for @tishrich so I don’t miss any Qs then refresh. I also have tabs for #LeadLAP A1, #LeadLAP A2 etc which helps. Such a fast chat!
In reply to
@Rdene915, @teresagross625, @tishrich, @tishrich
A1 Working on figuring this out. First goal is to go a few days with turning off my phone. Just because I can fix tech, doesn't mean I'm on call 24/7. :) Second is to try to get my anxiety under control because my phone is off. lol #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
Likely Q: What is your vision 4 schools? What is our school mission? What r u passionate about? How can we help teachers be the best they can be? Expect questions about classroom management, supporting teachers, most importantly, how to help students succeed. Good luck! #LeadLAP
A1: Take care if as much school related stuff as I can by the final day of classes, then put it all aside for a minimum of 7 days. It will keep, but my mental health will not! #LeadLAP
That is a great perspective on “starting the year twice.” Definitely an opportunity to re-establish classroom expectations or pivot if needed. Without the break that would be much more difficult. #LeadLAP
A1: I make a point to “turn off” school for a bit & “turn on” family time! It’s an intentional focus to relax & spend time strengthening relationships! #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A1: I often remind educators that small interactionscan leave a meaningful impact on our students. The same is true in our interactions with family. Gotta take the time to be present and fully engage to help relax over the break. #LeadLAP
A1: Howdy from Barbara in TX. Right now, THIS is boiling on my stove. I de-stress by using all of my senses; for example, the fresh potpourri has a way of calming me and taking me home, to my comfort zone, my safe and happy place. Music playing helps, too! #leadlap
A1: My new favorite way to unwind is to workout! It re-energizes me more than coffee, which is hard to believe, and probably healthier too! ;) #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A2 Try to be cognizant about remembering how far I've come. We don't take nearly enough time to celebrate our growth because we are onto the next goal right away. Taking those moments of celebration are super important. #LeadLAP
A1 I enjoy spending some time at the ice rink with my two little ones. Holiday party today so I got to skate with both. Usually it involves just chasing our youngest around while the oldest learns hockey. #leadlap
To be honest, I will probably work on my new game for next semester, but that is not work at all, total fun creating game mechanics and items! #leadlap#xplap
A2 Relationships, relationships, relationships. When I have those feelings, my PLN, my friends, always know how to lift me up! I have such strong encouragement & a great support network. That is much needed! Keeping that support & kindness flowing back is important too. #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A1: strangely, I find wrapping gift really soothing. I would like to say it's because I love gifting, and I do, but is probably more that Wrapping room is mommy's domain and no one may trespass 😂 #LEADlap
A2: Rest. If you need a nap, take one. Don't let guilt get in the way of taking care of self. Ts tend to go go go and do do do but we don't always recharge. Your phone isn't the only thing that needs to recharge regularly. #LeadLAP
Teaching is hard. But don’t unload your school stories on everyone you meet.
Give your friends and family the Christmas gift of not talking about school this year.🎁 #LeadLAP
LOL, John Green's book still lying by my bed since my release date. I'm scared...what if it's so good I don't want it to end? Or what if it isn't good, and I'm disappointed? #leadlap
A2 By doing collaborative activities, I use stations and have Ss work together, also by doing #pbl and learning about others, relating to personal experiences #leadlap
A1: I catch up on my reading and get a solid eight hours of sleep to recharge during winter break. The first few days of winter break are always a hard transition because I don't know what to do with myself, but cleaning and crafting help! #LeadLAP
A2: We must constantly push back on the myth that we can thrive in our work on our own.
Reject the isolation that creeps in on us as educators and lean on your support network daily. Then it’s routine your used to on your toughest days. #LeadLAP
A2: When I start feeling that way, it's a sure sign I'm not getting enough rest. I make it a point to get to bed earlier, and take naps if I have time. That usually takes care of it for me. #LeadLAP
A2: Here are some #mindfulness strategies for when we're feeling overwhelmed. Writing in my JOY journal helps me, listing my gratitudes and blessings. https://t.co/zGdwLkOwn9#leadupchat
A2: I keep cards and emails from former students to read to remind me that my efforts are fruitful and to continue pushing forward, it is worth it! #LeadLAP
This is so true! We have to take care of ourselves to be able to care for others! I have to remind myself to sleep this time of year! #LeadLAP#nightowl
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A2: When you start to feel inadequate, it's important to take a moment to breathe and realize you aren't alone. Every educator has those days! #LeadLAP
A2: That has been my nemisis for the past month or so, and I am not good at maintaining perspective. I want to do more and be more than is realistic. #LeadLAP
A2: That's a tough one. Sometimes I feel like I'm not making a difference and then I have lunch with some kids or the do something to pick me up #LeadLAP
A2: I just spent two days with @Owl_b_TorresEdu confronting those feelings. Lots of tears, reflection, but coming out with clear goals ready to conquer. #LeadLAP
A1. Take stock about serving in such an important profession. Certainly T & P can do more, but during the holiday season it's important to reflect about accomplishments, & the responsibilities that r ahead. But everyone should have the opportunity to experience R & R. #LeadLAP
A2: Whenever I start to feel burned out, a good chat over coffee with close-by members of my PLN always helps me refocus and keep things in perspective. Collaboration is not only for our students! #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A1: I catch up on my reading and get a solid eight hours of sleep to recharge during winter break. The first few days of winter break are always a hard transition because I don't know what to do with myself, but cleaning and crafting help! #LeadLAP
A2: Photos!! I love taking pics & being able to go back to look at them to remember positive times & events that have taken place! They allow me to reflect on the good & remember life’s a journey! #LeadLAP
A2: at this time of season I pour it all into my teachers through holiday fun. This year we did a 12 days of Christmas which has kept me energized - Seeing their joy and amusement really lifts me up #LeadLAP
A2: realize that is just stress/exhaustion talking. Find the joy..I play with the Kindergartens, read Christmas stories, sing carols and spend time with my boys #LeadLAP
A2 I try to tackle one or two more manageable tasks from my to-do list. Nothing like checking stuff off to help combat those feelings! #leadLAPhttps://t.co/eltWawnJYa
A2: Have created a routine of gratitude bullet journaling and professional reading before going to sleep. Usually wake up recharged with fresh thoughts. #LeadLAP
A3: I love to reflect by going on a walk or run, then I write. Sometimes in a journal, other times in a blog post. Just found this post I wrote last year about this topic. Rest. Reflect. Recharge https://t.co/hwM3WHjyDP#LeadLAP
A coffee date with a local PLF is fantastic! I scheduled one with @athtrnr73 for the day AFTER break so we can start the new year right! #LeadLAP#lovemyPLN
A3: This has been my worst semester blogging since I began three years ago. I’m going to blog to reflect and process some of what I’ve been learning. #LeadLAP
A2 I'm kinda a freak, but I like to review my year's goals personal&professional.
I write them so I can see all of the actions steps I've taken, my expected outcomes & the "REALity" of outcomes in benchmarks Feb, June, Dec.
NerdAlert but helps see accomplishments. #LEADlap
A2: Such a good question. I struggle with this so much when overwhelmed. I follow the Mel Robbins 5-4-3-2-1, then move. Stay moving forward, deep breathing, praying & meditating. #leadlap
A2: It's funny that when I am at my white flag point, my Ss are always there to remind me of why I do this! Whether with their comments, gifts, or smiles, it is appreciated! #LeadLAP
A3 I look back weekly on my lists to see how I’ve done. Similar at the end of the year, only my list is not a to-do, but rather larger goals, both professional and personal. I try to celebrate the positive and then dive into why I missed anything. #LeadLAP
A3: I like to have one-on-one conversations with the leaders on my staff, to take a pulse, reflect on our successes, and talk about how we can build on them. There's a lot of wisdom in my building! #LeadLAP
A3: I love making photo collages & videos to combine all the incredible things that happen in the course of the year!! You often forget some things but the pics help tell the story for forever! #LeadLAP
A2: journaling has been my “reset” button for the constant to-dos. Ironic that I have turned to writing with my background of science and math #LeadLAP
Some are also displayed near my desk. I like when students see them, as it reinforces the fact that even though I push them, positive results are likely to come! #leadlap
A3: I'm constantly reflecting and working for growth. I look at where we were and where we want to be and then recharge. I send lots of notes and have lots of conversations #LeadLAP
A3 I love to use a book, write, draw, use quotes. Just get as many ideas & reflections down as possible. It is important to look at the year and look at the lessons and takeaways. See what needs to change, what made you happy. A blog post will probably be in the works. #LeadLAP
A1 Seeing great movies helps. Saw "Ladybird" last night. It reminds us how "coming of age" for teenagers is not easy. Great high school teachers and principals can make a BIG difference. Students depend on us. Life sure is complicated! #LeadLAP
A3: I keep a journal and review the year fairly regularly to tweak, change, and plan the year to come. I am currently working on a survey for my site to get feedback on this semester from the staff too #LeadLAP
A3: Reflection is such a part of my "brain and thinking" that it is constant and continuous. I don't really sit down at the end of the year and have these huge reflections? I am always moving forward, living in the present. #leadlap
A3 I seem to hit my blog more at the end and start of the calendar year. Hoping to be more reflective and keep it active through the full year. I enjoy #oneword, reading others and reflecting on my past word and how it applied to the year. #LeadLAP
A2: Reflect and celebrate what I have accomplished so far, but also make to-do lists and work hard on tackling them so the overwhelming feeling begins to slowly subside #LeadLAP
A3: So- I am going to start a blog. I have been blessed to spend the last two days with my team, and I realized I don't reflect as often as I should for my own personal growth. I will be working on that this break and into 2018. #LeadLAP
Saw this quote in @gcouros latest post that speaks to this: "Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher." (Oprah Winfrey) So true! #LeadLAP
(A2 Continued) I like to compete against myself. I REALLY do. I'm not sure how I developed that trait, but it's for REAL an ongoing race all year. ;) #LEADlap
A3: I have definitely slacked at blogging as of late. But I do a lot of inner-reflection of what worked/what didn't/what can I improve for next semester #leadlap
TBH I haven’t made it to all the chats I wanted to this semester, but that’s because I was investing time in my Ss...which is what this is all about anyway! #LeadLAP
A3: Looking to turn to bullet journaling consistently for 2018. Running has kept me in the game and can't wait to get back to blogging and reading for fun (to learn). #LeadLAP
A2: Enjoy time with my students. I am also unique in that I have no family obligations, no party obligations, don't buy presents, etc. Very different life than most. #leadlap
A3: I’m trying to get better at sharing out on my blog https://t.co/5lWx2NLTvo consistently (once a week) - also taking time to share others’ insights that inspire me. #LeadLAP
Sorry I am so in and out this morning... the teenagers are all up enjoying the snow, the puppy is seeing it for the first time and everyone is demanding food. #MomProblems#LeadLAP
A3: Reflection is such a part of my "brain and thinking" that it is constant and continuous. I don't really sit down at the end of the year and have these huge reflections? I am always moving forward, living in the present. #leadlap
A3: Reflection is big and for me takes many forms. I get together with EDU friends (in person/on Twitter/Voxer) and reflect together, I reflect internally and blog some of that, & I also reflect with Ss during the last week. #LeadLAP
Writing with bullet point thoughts instead of complete thoughts. Takes away some of the pressure of holding off to write to find the right words. #LeadLAP
A2. Remember that we all go through it. I like to talk to my fellow "go-to" teachers and friends. For me its GROUP THERAPY. Together we overcome. #LeadLAP
A3: This year with my new blog (shameless self-promotion coming in 3... 2... 1... https://t.co/hj1MLUJlOM), I hope to do a reflection post on the first semester; things learned, things for improvement, things to continue, and possibly goals for next year. #LeadLAP
A3: I like to meet with teachers and students to review school and personal goals. We are in it together! Reviewing my twitter feed is also a great way to reflect on my personal growth! #LeadLAP
Making that a consistent hobby (mine is rock climbing) increases the frequency that you get off the grid. Having everything dialed in before you break connection helps with the stress. #LeadLAP
A3 Professionally reflect on my blog https://t.co/lsDa7ibAml. I personally reflect by taking quiet time by myself and thinking. It's difficult to find, but absolutely necessary. #LeadLAP
A3 I've just begun to bullet journal which I hope to utilize as a reflective tool. More time on these chats, too, as they help me think deeply on my practice and excite me to improve and try new things. #leadLAPhttps://t.co/ID37mpwc4E
A3: Reading PD books that challenge my thinking, and collaborating with other educators are my favorite ways to reflect professionally! Oh, I'm loving #DitchSummit too! #LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
A3: Before going into education, I blogged for reflection and have really missed that introspection and sharing with others. I give my students an end-of-year reflection, and seeing what stuck with them and what did not helps me reflect on my practices for the next year. #leadLAP
I am going to do a blog as well, but I am concerned about Ss reading it and thinking I am complaining about them. Guess it will call for some serious self control and careful writing! #LeadLAP
A3: My #oneword2017 was breathe. It helped guide me throughout the year. As I reflect on the year- I am in search of my #oneword2018. I don’t have it yet- but it will come! @JonGordon11#LeadLAP
A2. Human are not perfect. We make mistakes. It is critical to have friends & family who we can share our frustrations with. But it is so important to REFLECT: What went "wrong"? What do I need to do to improve my performance? Lifelong learners, learn from experiences. #LeadLAP
A4: I think of resolutions as leaps I want to take. Last year it was blog writing....what a journey it has been!
Wrote about it here in post: Share Your Story https://t.co/smeFewfr93#LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
A3 1st day back is Class Meeting on setting new goals and tweaking issues. Students address the issues, problem solve solutions, design a plan.#LeadLAP
A4: I'm not really about resolutions. If something needs changed, I try to change it. I re-examine my wh and usually re-focus but it happens all year #LeadLAP
I will say this much: the number of kids whose grades went up from Q1 to the end of the semester is astonishing. Some of these ideas must be working...:) #leadLAP
I was just telling someone this week that I may choose breathe as my #oneword18... I chose resilience as #oneword17 and my goodness! What a challenging year, lol! #LeadLAP
A2: I don’t want to get all spiritual but I truly take some time and pray and ask God to help me focus and let him work through me. I also talk with those that I have found great trust in to lift me up and motivate me #LeadLAP
A3: I should blog more, but I am still not convinced my reflections are worth sharing. Still climbing that hurdle. I spend a LOT of time relfecting daily, however, and setting new goals into motion. #LeadLAP
A4: I try to make TWO goals; one professional and one personal. This allows me to really focus on making plans to achieve and hopefully extend them. With more than that I lose focus. #LeadLAP
A4: Mine usually come at beginning of school year, but I try to choose one, or at least prioritize one. This yr it was standard based grading--and I'm so happy with how it's worked! #leadlap
A2 I check inwardly to see if I have eaten well and regularly, whether I have slept enough, whether I have gotten enough steps in, and whether I am putting an artificial timeline on myself. #LeadLAP
A2. Teaching and learning are incredibly complex. Frustrations are NORMAL, if we don't experience frustrations and challenges, we are doing something wrong. The key is: We must learn from experiences! Great teachers are lifelong learners--it is why they are great! #LeadLAP
A4 I don't make New Year's Resolutions. I reflect and adjust during the year, and yearly goals I typically set during the summer before the new school year. That's my New Year, I guess :) #leadlap
This is the key thing I have learned through my years teaching. I went into my 1st year thinking I had to be perfect and have all the answers! I have discovered I reach more kids by being my imperfect self! #LeadLAP
A4: I make personal and professional resolutions. Mind, Body, and Spirit. I ask - What areas of my personal and professional life would I like to improve and/achieve? #LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
A4: I have been taking the #oneword challenge for about 8 years now; this year I chose #hope and it helped me through so much pain, including Hurricane Harvey's devastating flood waters that took 3K of our town's homes. Hope is an amazing gift. #leadlap
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A4 I try real hard to stay out of the resolutions trend. After years of never keeping them, I changed to a monthly resolution format. Really just monthly goals that I break into weekly tasks and focuses. I’ve had much more success with this. #LeadLAP
Q2: When we are worn out and overwhelmed, feelings of inadequacy can set in if we let them. What do you do to combat those feelings when they begin to take hold? #LeadLAP
A4; I try to pick something I really want to work on, and this year it is BELIEVE. I will: believe in myself, in the amazing ability of Ss, and in the power of positivity to affect change in my building/district/community. #LeadLAP
A3 I shared my goals idea in A2, but with my teenage son, we review our "bucket list" at the end of each year. We cross of things we accomplished & add more. It's a super fun tradition we have.
Wrote about it here☁️👉🏼 https://t.co/QziuNuK3Bu#LEADlap
A4: having some time off to reflect and review goals is a gift-I will be reviewing my beg of year goals both personal and prof and making revisions, refocusing, and kicking off 2018 with new energy! #LeadLAP
A4: NY's resolutions have never been my thing...I wrote this post last year but still applies. In 2018, I want you to follow your energy, find your drum...then play the heck out of it! https://t.co/TUcrQlw3Yj#LeadLAP#tlap
A3: I reflect daily on my actions and lessons, but I find an odd sense of satisfaction in looking at data and analyzing it MORE to help determine some of the things I need to change at the end of the year. #leadLAP
A4: I love choosing #oneword as a year-long focus. Thus far I’ve chosen joy and resilience. Looking forward to see which #oneword18 sways my heart! #LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
A4: I always try to set a goal for something I want to improve on & make that my constant reminder! Being open to change, finding purpose in what I do, make the most of every opportunity, Be a RISK TAKER! #LeadLAP
Not all of them worked, and some I am trying to refine, but I am more satisfied with this semester than I have been in years. PLN, it belongs to you!! #LeadLAP
Yes. What Jeff said.
Every once in awhile it will seem like a good idea to have a New Year's Resolution, but then I always think to myself, why wait? #LeadLAP
A4 I try real hard to stay out of the resolutions trend. After years of never keeping them, I changed to a monthly resolution format. Really just monthly goals that I break into weekly tasks and focuses. I’ve had much more success with this. #LeadLAP
Q4: Making New Year's resolutions help us focus on our goals for the coming year. What types of resolutions do you make & how do you determine them? #LeadLAP
A4 I look at personal and professional improvements I can make to make. Goals that make me (and those around me) happier, healthier, and more engaged in learning usually prevail. #LeadLAP
A4: My #oneword17 for this year was "focus," and having a single overarching goal that relates to all aspects of my life added a certain level of unity that kept everything in perspective. Still deciding on my #oneword18. #leadLAP
A4 I am awful at keeping resolutions. Seems to be setting myself up for failure and/or disappointment. My resolution will be to not make resolutions.
Unless...would trying a new ice cream flavor each week count?? #leadLAPhttps://t.co/MQRAP4A7T7
A4: I don't take time for NY resolutions, instead I identify goals for the #bestyearyet. I am constantly recalculating on a daily basis and setting both short and long term goals throughout the year. #LeadLAP
Love this. That is my hope for this year. It's hard for me to see the positives when I am in the everyday grind. Hoping that blogging will remind me of the work that we have done. #LeadLap#BrAveLearns
A4: my one word was JOY. I made a plan to always find the joy in everything that I did and every situation I walked through. It is when you look at the good in everything that you yourself can be the best leader to those that need you the most. #LeadLAP
Q5: The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate traditions with family and friends. What are some traditions that bring your family and friends together over the holidays? #LeadLAP
It's fun "well...goal-freak-fun", John.
I hyperlink blogs, images, documents, in my "evidence" column. It's encouraging to review them months (or years) later & realize all of the work you've done to achieve your personal&professional goals. Let me know how it goes. #LEADlap
A3: So- I am going to start a blog. I have been blessed to spend the last two days with my team, and I realized I don't reflect as often as I should for my own personal growth. I will be working on that this break and into 2018. #LeadLAP
A4b: I set a goal for 2017 to write a book with my BFF! So proud that it’s wrote & have been focusing on illustrations so we can make our dream a reality! #LeadLAP
Love kindness resolutions! Do you have any specific ones you want to share? When I turned 40, I completed 40 acts of kindness and blogged about them: https://t.co/r6tMIDSWSf#LeadLAP
A4 Already have it in mind...Release more "Responsibility to students" To be responsible they must have responsibilities, it is a cycle I must create. #LeadLAP
A4. I have 2 growth plans. I read that if all we do is work on weaknesses we will be ‘ok’ at many things but great at nothing. Need to use & build on our strengths too #LeadLAP
A4: Last yr I participated in the one word for 2017 challenge! My word was "push" and I always kept it in the back of my mind! I put myself out there in many ways this yr. Looking for next yr's word! I'm leaning towards "lead"! #LeadLAP
A2. It helps to think about role models and how they inspire us. Lincoln, 4 example. Lincoln overcame incredible bouts of depression. How? He wanted to make a contribution to the world, & be recognized 4 doing good. He felt that with the Emancipation Proclamation. #LeadLAP
A4: I am going to make resolution that I know I can fulfill. Too often I make grandiose plans and then find there simply aren't enough hours in the day. "Do few things, but do them well." #leadlap
Last year my #oneword was Relentless. I actually had it tattooed on my back. That's true dedication. lol #truestory
I'll be doing the one word thing again this year. That is one tradition that I love because it keeps me focused on my priorities.
#leadlap
In reply to
@marcihouseman, @RebeccaFeathers, @JonGordon11
A3: arriving late but good morning. I have had an early Christmas Break due to a fall at work so I will have lots of time to reflect...the thing I learned on Tuesday was that I have a very thick skull #concussionlap and an awesome crew who stepped up to lead #LeadLAP
Q5: The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate traditions with family and friends. What are some traditions that bring your family and friends together over the holidays? #LeadLAP
A3. I have started a professional blog this year and find it a great space to unpack some of those heftier thoughts that acrue in teaching. In a smaller way, I love to scroll back thru my Instagram account and reflect on all that happened in a year. #LeadLAP
A4: I make a couple New Years resolutions. I do one for my personal self: lose weight, read more, professional self: listen more, share more, coach more and one for my family life: take a vacation, read with my kids more, go one weekly dates with my wife #LeadLAP
A5: Baking cookies with my littles. We always make a list of people that they want to deliver cookies to over break. Gives me a chance to be with my kids and so something we love. #LEADLAP
Q5: The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate traditions with family and friends. What are some traditions that bring your family and friends together over the holidays? #LeadLAP
A4. Also do #oneword My Word is fight-after being diagnosed w/breast cancer put things in2 perspective! Grateful 4 my amazing ❤️ing family, classroom family of kiddos/colleagues, friends - taking time 4 me/LOVING a every min. of my life/fighting every step of way!
#LeadLAP
Q5: The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate traditions with family and friends. What are some traditions that bring your family and friends together over the holidays? #LeadLAP
A4: I like to make sure I have a balance in my goal setting. I set one goal for each area AND write steps that I have to take to reach my goal #LeadLAP
A4: In all honesty, I've never really made a New Year's resolution. I LOVE A CHALLENGE though, so I'm always seeking ways to push my limits and try new things! #LeadLAP
A5: Carrying on my mom's tradition of the cut-out sugar cookies, I sit with my own children and we decorate these tasty treasures together, to share with family and friends. They're SO good frozen, too! #leadlap
A4: For me, "resolution" equals "reflection." I take a huge step back & examine how to adjust to better meet my goals moving forward. It can be tricky to give focus to the macro, instead of obsessing over the micro. #leadlap
A5: We have a big bday dinner party for all December bdays among friends & family, my band gets together to hang, eat, & relax, & my fam has big Christmas Eve shindig that is the bam diggity. :) #LeadLAP
For me it sure has. I think NY resolutions fail because life doesn’t reset on NY. The challenges you have on Dec 31 are there on Jan 2, so why not always work toward goals while constantly adjusting plans? That’s where my head goes. #LeadLAP
You're kicking Cancer's A.., Melisa! Super happy for you.
And...this gal right here tries all sorts of innovative things with her Ss! No excuses. #BookSnaps might be in the mix... ;) #LEADlap
A5: My mom, my daughter, and I make a paper chain and decorate the tree the day after Thanksgiving. We spend Christmas Day with my parents, and have my mom's pork roast for dinner. #LeadLAP
A5: We do a ton of holiday baking and host a cookie decorating party... the teens still love it. We also host a post dinner Christmas Eve Open House for friends and family. #LeadLAP
A5: Tradition is to watch parades, but Christmas wrapping and bags the day after Christmas for 50% off, clean the house and lay around in PJs as much as possible! Lol #LeadLAP
Oh my goodness! 40s are AMAZING!! I had SO much fun doing 40 acts of kindness - through it I actually discovered my life’s purpose! Completely transformed my life! #LeadLAP
A1: I have learned that I really need to spend some time alone where & when I can. My life as a mom/teacher is so highly extroverted although I am an introvert at heart. Gotta feed that inner INFJ during days off! #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
#LEADlap A4 - My one word is impactful. Got into education 54 semesters ago to make a difference. It seems like everyone is moving toward confirming. Don't like it.
A5 We start our Christmas celebrations tomorrow. Over the next two weeks we have 6 different family gatherings. It’s a lot of driving, but we’re fortunate to have family close enough, and family that we actually want to see. Love this season! #LeadLAP
I agree with you. But, it's important for me because I tend to get myself out of whack in all kinds of ways that are not healthy. It works for me. #LeadLAP
A5: I love to celebrate Christmas Eve with my family. My BIL is Bulgarian and we celebrate doing a traditional Bulgarian dinner. I love the tradition and his sense of pride as we celebrate his family and their culture :)#LeadLAP
A3. The key to reflection is honesty. We must be able to accept what went wrong along with what went right. Sometimes its hard to accept that we might have failed. Failure leads to growth and success. BLOG. BLOG. BLOG! #LeadLAP
I love this! I've found the kids getting morning tardy slips are less likely to have a great home life.
Instead of ostracizing them, these slips welcome with open arms! #ditchbook#kidsdeserveit#leadlap#ditchsummit
A5: My other tradition that is not so admirable is my inability to have presents wrapped prior to midnight on Christmas Eve despite my best intentions. Where are Santa's elves when I need them? #LeadLAP
A5: I think our question is about traditions. Personal one is to watch "A Christmas Carol" with George C Scott every year even if no one else does. #leadlap
A5: baking and music, decorating the tree and knowing that dad and son #2 are never too old to make the Gingerbread House (son #1 arrives home from university on Monday ❤️) he will enjoy eating the Gingerbread House #LeadLAP
A4 I don't really make resolutions.
I do set goals & stick to them.
I had a "one word" this year, though. Persistent. I think I've stuck to that. ;) #LEADlap
A5: Another tradition for us is giving the kids a special ornament to hang on the tree... one that is representative of something special that year. #LeadLAP
A6: Love going on long walks to get some time alone to think. I also like getting up early before the rest of the house to read & drink my coffee by the cozy fire. Culturize by @casas_jimmy is first on my list this holiday! #LeadLAP
A1: Gratitude, mindfulness, gratitude, & more gratitude. It's harder to feel the physical effects of stress when focusing on what we CAN control, and being grateful for what we have. #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
Contemporary Christian. We are kinda rockin' but do some slower stuff too, depending on the gig. We're doing our first prison concert on Dec. 30th. :) #LeadLAP
A4 I try real hard to stay out of the resolutions trend. After years of never keeping them, I changed to a monthly resolution format. Really just monthly goals that I break into weekly tasks and focuses. I’ve had much more success with this. #LeadLAP
A5: My favorite traditions are the 1 gift to open on Chritmas Eve for the kiddos (their faces are everything) and the epic Bingo game with my dad's family on Christmas Eve! Winner gets a sleeve of lottery tickets! It gets intense!#leadlap
Every time I try to cut something back, someone insists its their favorite, so I keep it. At least now my kids can help! They make ALL the fudge, the corn flake wreaths... #LeadLAP
A6: finding solitude comes from sticking my nose in a few books that have arrived...#Culturize finally arrived in paperback and a few others I have had in my “to read”pile #LeadLAP
A6: Mornings!!! Get up before the others in the household and own your morning! Also can get out to exercise and grab some time with your thoughts in a super positive way. #LeadLAP#tlap
A4. Resolutions? I come back to the same theme each year: The power and importance of relationships. The circle begins w family & close friends, & for educators, our colleagues become close friends because the work is so important. Teaching is a collaborative mission. #LeadLAP
A5: Cousin Cookie making day with Grandpa, Pappy’s annual Christmas party (passed down tradition from my grandmother dating back to 1950’s!), Tacky Light Tours driving around in PJs - so many little moments of joy! #LeadLAP
Q5: The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate traditions with family and friends. What are some traditions that bring your family and friends together over the holidays? #LeadLAP
A6: I get up early! I love the quiet house, the sole possession of the remote (to be on or off at my will), a cup of warm caffeine, and the choice to do as I please, if only for a moment. #LeadLAP
Q1: Emotions run high during the holiday season and many begin break feeling frazzled and exhausted. What do you do to unwind as you begin your break?#LEADlap
A6: I try to get up before the kids and enjoy the quiet morning by writing. Many stories stay in draft, but it’s a nice way to start my day during the holidays! #LeadLAP
My focus last year was COURAGE but I actually did't have to work as hard at that as I thought. Just needed extra pushes here and there. This word though, BELIEVE, means I have to push away those thoughts of self doubt. That, my friend, is a tough animal. #LeadLAP
A6: Getting outside to run or ride is just the little bit of solitude I need on breaks. For me, holiday breaks provide the opportunity (time) that I usually don’t have to see friends and family across the country. #LeadLAP
I love it. I have grand plans to box up all of their ornaments for them when they have their own place and start their own tree... but I may not be able to part with them. Time will tell. #LeadLAP
A6: Staying in my jammies late, reading, doing Twitter chats :) and catching up on hobbies that get neglected during the school year. (e.g., reading, video games, football blogs, long dog walks, etc). #leadlap
@RebeccaFeathers One year we did the #OneWord activity as a staff, then posted our words on this board to share them with our students. The following year, our students did the board to share them with our staff. #leadlap
Our traditions are so similar! Except our game of choice is Spoons. The prizes are normally just small gift cards, but you'd think it was a million dollars by how intense the games get 😳. Someone always ends up losing a nail! #leadlap
Q7: It's so important to get some R & R over the break so we can give those we serve our best when we return. What is your favorite way to "rejuvenate" while on break? #LeadLAP
That’s awesome. I’m feeling like a bad son, forgetting that my mom has always done a similar thing for us. Not always a made ornament, but we’ve always gotten a special one each year. Love watching my kids put my old ornaments on our tree. #LeadLAP
As a child who moved away, it makes me feel connected to home putting the ornimants my family gave me on my tree in a new place. Hard to part with, but meaningful for your children, I assure you! #leadlap
In reply to
@burgess_shelley, @drmcclard, @jeffgargas
A6 Gotta have my morning-time! It's my time to read, write and reflect. It's KEY! TBH...without it, I'm a hot-mess.
It's my time to recharge & get ready to face the day.
One word-->Mornings.
#LEADlap
Q7: It's so important to get some R & R over the break so we can give those we serve our best when we return. What is your favorite way to "rejuvenate" while on break? #LeadLAP
#LeadLAP A6 Completely different context: Non-Christmas couple & birthday on 25th. New solitude tradition: Hawaii! 2nd year of finding a quiet spot to read& reflect.
A7: My favorite way to rejuvenate is by spending time with my family. This year will be extra special because our daughter is home after her first term in college. Will be wonderful to all be together again over the holidays. #LeadLAP
A7: I love the night when we can just bundle up (in front of a fire if it's cold enough), turn off all the lights except for the tree, and watch a good Hallmark (or other holiday) show together. Hot chocolate is a nice bonus. #leadlap
A5: Christmas Eve at my aunt and uncle's house for the last time before they move out of state. Familly keeps spreading out and kids are growing up. New traditions must be made. #LeadLAP
A6 Most days it is that I tell myself that I can't take a break! whether that means taking a nap or watching tv, I need to disconnect sometimes, easier said than done for me #leadlap
A7: I freakin love Christmas! So not only do I recharge by indulging in the Christmas spirit, but I'm an EDU nerd and a voracious reader. I read #DBCBooks and my fav mystery fiction authors, and go to ballgames because I love basketball & my HS athletes! #LeadLAP
A7: Either running/exercising, or watching hours of TV with snacks. There's not a lot of in-between lol. Can one be an "active couch potato"? 🙋#leadlap
A6: Reading! (Go figure, I'm an English teacher.) I tend to either go full-force reading PD books, fiction, or YA books my Ss love, but this break my goal is to keep a balance. So far, my reading list is: Empower, Turtles All the Way Down, and Sing Unburied Sing. #LeadLAP
Mike, read about Lincoln. Believe me, it will help you. His life of accomplishments, and overcoming depression and incredible challenges, will help you get thru the tough times. #LeadLAP
A7: One thing I will do this break is to watch The War by Ken Burns in in its entirety to get ready for the next unit we are covering. Have already started, and it's great stuff! #LeadLAP
A7. I will actually be rethinking my curriculum and delivery. Always looking for new ways to grow my students (and myself). I always feel energized after a break. It might not work. But it just might! #LeadLAP
A7 I’m planning to do some writing over the Holidays. It’s a nice way to get some alone time and let some creativity flow. Working on a book for 2018. #LeadLAP
A7: Setting goals for the year rejuvenates me, as I know that I have a focus for the new year. I tend not be as motivated if I do not have something to strive for. #LeadLAP
A7: I find my rejuvenation in reading books without interruption wrapped up in a cozy blanket... so great for R&R! #Culturize by @casas_jimmy is first on my list! #LeadLAP
Q7: It's so important to get some R & R over the break so we can give those we serve our best when we return. What is your favorite way to "rejuvenate" while on break? #LeadLAP
Q7: It's so important to get some R & R over the break so we can give those we serve our best when we return. What is your favorite way to "rejuvenate" while on break? #LeadLAP
A7: I'm going to put my best effort toward meditating/spending time being more mindful. Tried @Headspace with my students this year, and it definitely gave us all time to pause and breathe. #LeadLAP
A7: I started my R&R a little early!! I’m on a pre-holiday vaca in San Clemente, CA! Have enjoyed exploring the west coast & just relaxing!! I’ve had time to focus on ME & spend some time w/ friends & family!! #LeadLAP
Thank you everyone for joining #LeadLAP this morning. So great to connect with you as we all prepare for the holidays. Special thanks to @tishrich for leading us today!
A7 Days and evenings spent in pajamas watching movies and cuddling on the couch with my family. Thankfully the 13 year old is still willing to cuddle! #leadLAPhttps://t.co/tQKh8fJimr
A7: I’m a foodie so R&R always revolves around good food, and with the extra time off I can meet up with old friends and enjoy good food together! Food, reading, traveling, and lots of sleeping in! 😴 #leadLAP
Thank you to the amazing @tishrich for hosting #LeadLAP this morning!! We are filled with #gratitude for all of you in this wonderful community who come together each week to lift each other up. #tlap
We have 40-60 people at our Christmas Eve family dinners, depending on the year. One year a fam showed up with the flu, so 45 out of 60 came down with it. Your way may be better. :) #LeadLAP#sharingthelove
I bet they really appreciate that offer. Wish you lived closer! Haha. My wife (also a teacher) would definitely take you up on that. Those little breaks are needed!! No dogs here though. #LeadLAP
Thank you @burgess_shelley and @BethHouf for the honor of steering the #LeadLAP ship this morning! What an amazing crew to sail with! Happy holidays everyone!
A5: We have a similar tradition and our boys love hanging their own ornaments even at 13 and 18! I also have many many ornaments given from students over the years that contain my own special memories #leadlap#nostalgia
