Welcome to #NoVAedchat! Please introduce yourself and use a GIF to show us something you do to manage stress. For a bonus - tag two friends who should join us!
Give your friends the gift of #NoVAedchat this month - we can't wait to continue to build our #PLN with these great topics. Who would you like to chat with this month?
Hi I'm Laura Beth and I am a Masters student @ Kent State in OH but originally from Loudoun County and currently sub in Akron, OH and at Loudoun (when I'm home) #novaedchat
Joe #StaffordITRTs@HamptonOaksElem to relieve stress I like to workout, but I've been failing lately to do so and could be why my stress level has increased. Need to do better and being #mindful#NoVAedchat
Q1: A growing body of research supports the potential benefits of mindfulness, including stress reduction, emotion regulation, better relationship satisfaction, and improved memory and attention. What do you know or what have you heard about mindfulness?
#NoVAedChat
Q1: A growing body of research supports the potential benefits of mindfulness, including stress reduction, emotion regulation, better relationship satisfaction, and improved memory and attention. What do you know or what have you heard about mindfulness?
#NoVAedChat
A1. I think the need to explicitly teach, model, and practice mindfulness is a needed reaction to the bombardment of noise (visual, auditory, all of it) that we face in increasing amounts thanks to the spread of digital devices. #NoVAedChat
A1 I've heard a lot and I'm excited to learn more. I've been practicing #mindfulness for a couple of years and I definitely notice a difference. #NoVAedChat
A1: I have begun learning about mindfulness for my own personal benefit and stress relief, but I am unsure how to implement it in the classroom. #novaedchat
A1: I have heard so many stories of meditation and yoga practice successfully being used in place of detention. I’m definitely no expert, and I’m hoping to learn more tonight #novaedchat
A1: In order to be our best selves for our Ss, we need to take time to care for ourselves. Taking time to practice mindfulness is important. #NoVAedChat
A1: My first experience with it on an educational level was through my teach prep. program in undergrad. One of my education professors practiced meditation with us in class and tied the importance of mindfulness and self-care #novaedchat
A1: Teaching AP Psychology and Regular Psychology, Mindfulness was something we covered in the Motivation Emotion Stress and Health units. Used examples of meditation, resetting, etc. gave me a good understanding. #noVAedchat
A1: I don’t particularly like yoga, but I feel so calm and relaxed whenever walking out of a yoga class. The breathing, meditation, quiet all help with mindfulness. #NoVAedchat
A1. I believe mindfulness and its practices are part of a s’s family legacy/ traditions or not. It is important to include it for Ss who are not familiar with it at home. #NoVAedchat
A1: I know I’m much more pleasant to be around and much more productive when I have silent time. I’m sure there is real research to support that. #NoVAedChat
A1: I have heard of mindfulness being used with teachers but I think we as teachers need to learn it for ourselves before we can start teaching our students. #NoVAedchat
A1: My first experience with it on an educational level was through my teach prep. program in undergrad. One of my education professors practiced meditation with us in class and tied the importance of mindfulness and self-care #novaedchat
A1: non school related - i am a #lifetime weight watcher having recently lost 49 lbs. #Mindfulness is a huge part of their strategies for beyond the scale healthy habits. It’s about having awareness of what is around you and taking time to reflect. #NoVAedchat
A1: As @MsDushokMath noted, modeling and explicitly teaching mindfulness is sorely needed. Simple things like teaching kids how to take a mental break when they are feeling frustrated in their work will be huge in their adult lives. #NoVAedchat
A1: Being #mindful about yourself is very important. As Ts we make the same amount of decisions in a day as an air-traffic controller. This is why we as Ts are so tired at the end of the day. If we don't focus on our wellness/ #mindfulness then we can't be effective #NoVAedchat
A1: I think in order to instill this skill within our students, we have to try to make it a part of who we are, not only as teachers, but also as people. Kids model what they see (that's the hope! :) ) #NoVAedchat
A1: Mindfulness leads to creativity, confidence, and connections. Apart from practicing different kinds of mindful activities, I LOVE reading texts and journaling around the topic. Still enjoying @brightmorningtm book #Onward#NoVAedchat
Have you seen the @calm commercials? It's amazing how you can regulate your breathing in just a few seconds. The #AppleWatch breathe app is good for me to remind me take a moment to center #novaedchathttps://t.co/H7m2ND14qd
Me too! I have horrible car anxiety after two rear end car accidents that both sent me to the hospital and totaled by cars. Took me years to overcome - breathing, counting, humming all ways to keep my mind from wandering to fight or flight feelings. #novaedchat
Hello! #NoVAedchat I'm Michael, tech coach in Fairfax County #FCPSsbts I often exercise to manage stress. Photography is also a fun hobby for me and very useful for it too.
Hello, my name is Jillanne Butkovic and I am an undergraduate student at Kent State University studying Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Special Education. #NoVAedchat
A1: I’ve seen it being thrown around in articles & convos but I honestly know nothing about #mindfullness A part of me thinks it’s sitting in silence/being present #NoVAedchat
A2: I'm curious about how we can work to build in more purposeful time for mindfulness. Many schools have time built in for morning meeting and the such. OR how do we incorporate it into our morning meetings #NoVAedchat
A2. As an office-based person, I always find it interesting how other office-based people manage their schedules to allow for needed breaks. #NoVAedChat
A2 Why do I feel guilty if I take a mindfull moment at work? Why am I trained to think 1 moment of quiet time means I’m not working hard enough? #NoVAedChat
A2: I feel like it’s all about making time and making mindfulness a priority. One T who used to work in our dept used to take her kids through breathing exercises before tests; center and focus. What routines can we establish? #NOVAedChat
A1: I have heard that mindfulness is being aware, staying in the present moment, not thinking of the past or future, but living in the moment. It is important to notice your surroundings, and acklowledge all 5 senses. #NoVAedchat
A2. Maybe not curious but I do question folks who are not really trained forcing mindfulness on children. I recently read that for children with ACE, mindfulness practices can be harmful #NoVAedchat
A2: I am curious about implementing/using the calm app or calming sounds with middle schoolers. I think some of my students will get it, but how do I make it part of our classroom culture? #novaedchat
A2: What strategies do our teachers already use? What can I do to be more intentional around mindfulness? How do I get others to think about this topic? How can I track growth in my own mindfulness? #NoVAedchat
A2: we are beginning to put together a #mindfulness room for students to go to not when they are in crisis but to prevent crisis ... i wonder if this will be effective and look forward to exploring this more #NoVAedChat
A2: I’m curious how to incorporate mindfulness into the classroom and what kinds of activities are successful with high schoolers. I know what works for me, but I’m not sure how Ss would react. Our guidance counselor just started a mindfulness group for Ss. #NoVAedchat
A2 How do I build it into my day- I know that I would feel guilty to take time out of my day to be mindful. Like I’m taking away from time that could be used brainstorming something for a student or class #NoVAedchat
A2: I am curious about implementing/using the calm app or calming sounds with middle schoolers. I think some of my students will get it, but how do I make it part of our classroom culture? #novaedchat
A2: I would lovet to know specific strategies I can use with Ss (4th-5th graders). I can see it being very beneficial at the beginning of class to focus. #novaedchat
@yoga4classrooms is more than just yoga and has cards to help you and your students apply it. We had a day long training to learn about it. The whole school and 2 other elementary schools attended #NoVAedchat
I find that it helps to have someone else suggest taking a break, as if it makes it more ok if I’m not the one coming up with the plan. I try to return the favor when I sense others might need it. #NoVAedChat
A2: I am curious about implementing/using the calm app or calming sounds with middle schoolers. I think some of my students will get it, but how do I make it part of our classroom culture? #novaedchat
I have an advisory group of 8th graders for 17 min every morning and the moment of silence can be a struggle for them, but I wonder what types of mindfulness practices I could incorporate. I think it’d be a great way to start their day. #NoVAedchat
A2: I'm curious to know as to why more teachers don't implement mindfulness into their classroom routines and if they do, have they noticed any major differences in themselves or their students? #novaedchat
Sorry I’m late.. Hello! #NoVAedchat I'm Nathan, tech coach in Fairfax County #FCPSsbts I love to run, exercise and cook to manage stress. I also use the breath app on my Apple Watch.
A2: With #mindfulness it is not so much about what I want to know, but more how to fit it in and getting back to making it important. I've fallen off the wagon and need help getting back on. #NoVAedchat
A2 I wonder how breathing strategies might be incorporated into our work time, not just interventions? I like these examples https://t.co/LJSAisOc9L#NoVAedchat
I think we have to redefine the moment of silence. I feel like it is something that is done in schools but students don't know why they are having that moment. And some schools don't even do it, or don't do it regularly. #novaedchat
I like how these questions made me think and dig a little deeper! Some thoughts that come to mind: recess, brain break . . . I feel like it has existed in some spaces without name or formality. I always volunteered to be an office runner so I could get up and move! #novaedchat
YES! because I know I am someone that unconsciously holds their breath when they are stressed or anxious. If students have breathing strategies they would be calmer and more relaxed #NoVAedchat
I set aside time each day for myself. I also have time where I completely unplug from my devices, which is hard, but it allows me to focus on myself. #NoVAedchat
A2: When I coach sports, one of things I would do is dynamic and static stretching where I would allow chat for one and quiet for the other type to get them focused for practice. Mindfulness can be used this way as well in the classroom. #NoVAedchat
A1: I have read a little bit about it and at Franklin MS a few years ago we had an AP that was all about it. I think it is so important to take breaks from work to ground yourself and refocus. #NoVAedchat
I set aside time each day for myself. I also have time where I completely unplug from my devices, which is hard, but it allows me to focus on myself. #NoVAedchat
A3: Learning there are so many ways to practice mindfulness- yoga, imagination vacations, breathing and much more- I also liked using #mindfullness during quiet time with @responsiveclass#NoVAedchat
A3: I have heard of great success with mindfulness, but I have not had success. I struggle with turning my brain off. I am a natural go-go-go until I collapse and go again. #novaedchat
A3: my dad has this crazy contraption that he puts on his head that connects to a mindfulness app. Regular practice with it makes a noticeable difference in his blood pressure #novaedchat
My struggle or question is how do you incorporate things like Go Noodle or even mindfullness strategies with 6th graders, where buy-in is not always the easiest #novaedchat
A3: I always found free chat during group activities useful. There is nothing wrong with kids who want to be social, getting that chance. Plus, it gave me the chance to help them learn to self regulate and know when they need to focus on their task. #NoVAedchat
A3: In the past I have had success with #mindfulness because I had a purpose or I had someone who I went with. I'm a huge TEAM person and having someone there with you and a purpose is important. #NoVAedchat
A3: I have found success by setting aside time for myself each day. It was hard at first, but now it’s part of my routine. I also take time and unplug. That was more of a challenge, but it really lets me focus on what’s important. #NoVAedchat
A3: I have had success with this. I implemented the Calm app about once a week when I was student teaching as I was introducing it. I feel like it definitely helped some students, and myself, and am curious to see how it will play out when I have a full-time classroom.#novaedchat
A2: I could always learn more. I’m definitely no expert. I guess what other #FCPSsbts do? and how teachers weave this into their lessons and classroom environments with Ss #NoVAedchat
i struggle to turn my brain off as well. I started doing a dump list in planner or whatever is close to me. I pour out everything I’m thinking so that I can focus on a task in front of me #NoVAedchat
This is an awesome point - think of how it can be part of our regular practice. I remember one year teaching some strategies and it was amazing to watch students practice them during high stakes events! #NoVAedchat
Also (we know it’s not all about tests but...) I know so many kids who would benefit from this during a test, but it has to be worked into their routines first
A3. Part 2: I also reflected about myself and realized that I gravitate toward art as a tool for self-expression. Seemingly unresolvable stress at work is almost always cured by a trip through the art room watching students work. @bryant_ART is amazing! #NoVAedchat
A3: I have become more consistent attending yoga classes, which is great. I also read the book 10% Happier which lead me to the app of the same name - it's meditation for "figity skeptics" which is perfect for me! @10percent#NoVAedchat
A3: Guided meditation such as @Headspace has worked well for me. I do best when I have that voice/direction to focus on. Also, being aware of the mind-body connection. Drop my shoulders when I feel them in my ears, for ex. #NoVAedchat
A3: When I do hot yoga | journal | make things | ask students to pause | When we do relationship builders | prioritize mindfulfulness ...I/we experience joy AND joy = success. Success feels good but where does it fall on the to do list? How do we keeping coming back? #NoVAedchat
Yes, incorporating mindfulness within my daily life has helped me not only become more aware of my surroundings and has allowed me to take every moment in, but has helped me be able to reduce my level of stress, especially as a college student! #NoVAedchat
A3: Putting a time during block scheduling for a break can be a good way to bring in a mindfulness activity to help transition from one activity to another as long as you have buy in from your admin team #NoVAedChat
A3: Yes, incorporating mindfulness within my daily life has helped me not only become more aware of my surroundings and has allowed me to take every moment in, but has helped me be able to reduce my level of stress, especially as a college student! #NoVAedchat
A3a: When I was in the classroom the Ss helped me stay mindful. Going to recess and playing basketball with them, or throwing the football with them, etc. was a self-motivator and it also helped build a community in my classroom. #NoVAedchat
A3: Hi! I'm Brian Simpson, ITC at PWCS and a bit late to the game. I've seen first hand a 1st year career switcher transform his class by beginning with 5 minutes of "Power Focus". #NoVAedchat
I have recently started (like yesterday, literally) planning my time after work. I am struggling to build certain habits and accomplish tasks. So far it seems to be working. Even something as simple as time to read before bed or to have dinner #NoVAedchat
Yes! How do we ensure other Ts and administrators provide Ss opportunities to self-express, reflect, meditate, be mindful, etc. in ways that work for them? Art for one, physical activity for another, silence for yet another. #NoVAedchat
A3: I look just walking away from my computer and walking my building. I get exercise, but also to see that teachers are doing in my building that day. Again, I make a point to use my breath app a few times a day, which is amazing. #NoVAedchat
A3: some teachers at our school visited another school that has a mindfulness room manned by a trained educator. That schools seems to have success with it. I’d like to hear more about it. #NoVAedChat
A3 pt. 2 - I've also been interesting in following the "Quiet Time" movement where some schools have adopted whole school transcendental meditation #NoVAedchat
At my old school, the counselor tried to build a school-wide routine/practice - Mindful Mondays, to start building the culture within the school but it is a struggle, especially in the upper grades when there is so much content and so much to do #novaedchat
A3 part 2: I have started to incorporate more mediating within my daily routine with an app that is free called Headspace. I highly recommend. #NoVAedchathttps://t.co/YwXxIvuLbX
A4: In all honesty, before it becomes part of the routine, we need to plan for it. I am going to start writing it into my planner and setting an alarm on my phone to remind me to do turn off the TV and journal and meditate. Turn the TV off when I sleep.#novaedchat
I think we can use some of the resources we already have like P2 and growth mindset. Like everything, it needs to be authentic and embedded in things we already do. Like for example, during a PBL, if a S is frustrated or overwhelmed, that is a perfect opp to practice #novaedchat
I read this and it made me think about how important it is to get to know our students. Some might have trauma that responds differently to sights and sounds #NOVAedchathttps://t.co/eIlKTOrXmV
A4: Not sure if listening more is a resource but we need to do more listening. Everything around us has something to share if we are really listening. #NoVAedchat
A4: I think researching how to implement it in the classroom and into daily life would be beneficial. I feel like the meditation apps, yoga groups, etc. are a good place to start and then build from when beginning a journey with mindfulness. Things that have a guide. #novaedchat
Not popular opinion but I think giving them access to fidgets. My Ss always have access to some sort of calming tool (glitter bottles, squishy balls, therapy dough, etc) It gets them out of their head for a bit #NoVAedchat
A4: I think a lot of our teaching staff needs education on how to increase their own mindfulness. @MssSiddiqui mentioned earlier teachers modeling behavior makes it easy for the kids to take part, and I think the same can be said here, they just need to know how. #novaedchat
A4 - Buy in. Making it part of the norm and woven into the fabric of what school is. Going back to "Quiet Time", it became successful because the students didn't see it as a gimmick, but saw it as routine, and later found their own personal value in it. #NoVAedchat
A4: Resources or strategies that we can use with Ss to practice #mindfulness is, of course, building in time for reflection in the day and holding to that. I like giving Ss time in the AM & in the PM. It can be a class meeting, a journal, blog, etc. Modeling is key! #NoVAedchat
That #modeling part is so important. If kids see/hear about you doing it, they'll be more likely to, as well. I wonder if we might send information home to encourage practice outside of school. #NoVAedChat
A4: I love music! I think softly played music (w/o words even) while Ss or Ts are working is an easy resource that could be used. I put an essential oil diffuser in my office this year and when I remyto turn it on, it’s a great tool for mindfulness. #NoVAedchat
A4: Ts need to experience it (and feel the benefit) before feeling excited and proactive about adding it in. How can we include mindfulness in PD? How can mindfulness become routine rather than spontaneous? #NoVAedchat
A4: at the beginning of the year I read this book to all of my classes to help them as they navigate challenging things. We always say, if you don’t quite understand... it’s #nobiggy#NoVAedchat
I love the idea of journals and blogs! I wish I had more time with my (music) Ss and could justify the time away from playing instruments. We do some written reflection, just not as often as I'd like. #NoVAedchat
Absolutely! I used to play music while the kids worked in my classroom. The rule was while the music played you had to be working. I still will play music in my office on those days I can't get to work with Ss and need a stress break. #NoVAedchat
A4: A resource that I would like to eventually utilize in my classroom are meditation exercises, maybe with the use of an app. As well as allowing students to write in gratitude journals. And giving my students the opportunity to take stretch and take a break often. #NoVAedchat
A4: A resource that I would like to eventually utilize in my classroom is meditation exercises, maybe with the use of an app. As well as allowing students to write in gratitude journals, and giving them the opportunity to take stretch and take a break often. #NoVAedchat
A5: Mindfulness gives us balance and helps us take care of ourselves to we can be better for our students. It helps us manage stress and focus on the present. #NoVAedchat
A5: I think mindfulness can make me a better person and T by helping me be even more reflective and not reactive and it could improve my interactions with my Ss. #novaedchat
A5: As a culture, we are always “on”. Being mindful would give the opportunity to stop and process what is going on around us, and make better decisions in both our personal and professional lives. #NoVAedChat
My Ss like 2 Cellos, Piano Guys, Lindsay Stirling on my Pandora radio. I allow them to add stations that they use as well for studying and focus. #NoVAedChat
A5: I have struggled with anxiety and unhealthy self-talk in the past and a feeling that I do not have control. #mindfulness strategies help with positive self-talk AND help me cope with my anxiety without having to take medication. #NoVAedChat
A5: Mindfullness would help me to calm down and stop. Take in the moment and stop stressing about the next 1000 moments. I could learn to leave work at work and be present at home. A calmer teacher and wife is better for everyone I love. #novaedchat
A5: Clearer mind when problem-solving or thinking outside the box and from all perspectives. Less stress, happier, more connected/deeper relationships. #NoVAedchat
A5: it could help me be less reactive, better with my T language and bring balance to my work and personal life and use my time more purposefully in my personal life #novaedchat
A5 Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Similarly, I think the time we spend investing in ourselves through mindfulness is paid pack to us #novaedchat
A5: I think mindfulness will help me be a better me! When I am more focused and relaxed I can do more for my students - and family/friends! I'm curious how I can incorporate mindfulness strategies with my music Ss #NoVAedchat
A5: Being mindful would give me and my students designated time to focus in on ourselves and what we need to have to be successful: balance in life and with your emotions so you can conquer the day #novaedchat
Agreed! I talk to my Ss about positive self-talk ALL the time! and try to get them to understand that it is a habit you have to develop but mindfulness is key to getting there #NoVAedchat
A5: Mindfulness helps me to be my best self for my Ss, colleagues, friends, and family. I need to put my own needs first, so I can be there for the ones I care about. There are times when we all just need to go to our “sanctuaries”. @thezenteacher#Sanctuaries#NoVAedchat
I tend to take on more than I should. I get overly excited about everything and then get stressed out because I am a perfectionist. I would like a way to help me prioritize and calm down over all my stress. I have so many balls in the air that I'm afraid to drop one #novaedchat
A5: Mindfulness, as an everyday individual, has allowed me to take a step back and breathe a bit. As I have gotten older, I have realized that the use of self-care is so necessary, in order to maintain a healthy mental state. #NoVAedchat
A5: #Mindfulness helps by helping me be a more effective T & person. I'm a very thoughtful person & can spend a lot of time in my own head. Building in the time to just let lose helps get out of my head and in turn more effective. #NoVAedchat
Staying in my head had been a problem of mine too. My boyfriend has really helped me gwt out of my head by trying new activities. It’s helped a lot. #NoVAedChat
A6: ...continue to take time during the school day to take a mindful (reading) break ....maintain my bullet journal and explore other ways to use it... exercise to help clear my head each evening. #NoVAedChat
