A1: I feel like I have so many important people. My family, my grandparents, my friends, my reading peeps, co-workers, my dogs (they count). So many people help me get through the day/life #gfedchat
A1: Well @MrMcFarlane00 and @pb4gfc are somewhere in the middle of the "important list."
You know #11 himself (@cj_wentz) is pretty high up there!
The people who teach me how to be a better human.
#gfedchat
A1 - I'm so lucky because I have SO MANY people that are important to me! My parents, my husband, my kids, my extended family, and I have the best friends and coworkers. BLESSED for sure! #gfedchat
A2: Take the time to check in with loved ones through a simple text, phone call, or email, check in with co-workers before school starts or through a note:) #gfedchat
2: It is hard for me to focus on relationships, especially when the season has become so commercialized. I try and enjoy the time I have with loved ones, even if it’s just little moments. #gfedchat
A2: For me it is making time. It gets difficult to make time for everyone/every event this time of year. But if you remember people are important, their time becomes important #gfedchat
A2 I try to spend the little free time that I do have with people. I love giving gifts but I don't like shopping so I try to make shopping less stressful by keeping it simple. #gfedchat
A2: I leave! We spend time at my parents' house. We play a lot of board games, we go bowling, we watch movies. My family is good at prioritizing when we're all together. I <3 Christmas... #gfedchat
A2: We focus on traditions at home and school! Gingerbread houses, Advent prayer, cookies, Christmas spirit day! We focus on the family, fun, and faith! #gfedchat
A2: We try to plan time with family. This year we are going to @disney after Christmas with my Mom and Brother. We also have time planned with my wife's family and my dad and stepmom. Having kids makes it much easier to focus on memories over things. #gfedchat
A2: My husband and I "discover" each other and realize that we live in the same house when we are both home at the same time... That's a big step forward:)) #gfedchat
A2: As our kids have gotten older, we have tried to gear our gifts more towards experiences rather than "stuff". Making an effort to spend time together baking cookies, playing games, and just being together (it's a challenge but snow days are helpful!) #gfedchat
A2: Staying focused on what really matters, not if my cookie tray looks perfect. haha :) We like to play games, do puzzles, watch movies, etc. #gfedchat
A2: spend time with family-phones down, talk to friends on phone, time checking in with family, friends, coworkers, students building relationships
#gfedchat#gfedchat
#gfedchat A2, this holiday season will be like no other I have had! Spending lots of time with family and never missing a chance to tell them "I love you"
A2: After I got married we put a big personal push on the time spent with others and family rather than gifts or things like that. It's been a really nice change overall in life #gfedchat
A2 being intentional about how Im spending my time, how I'm training my girls to take care of others first, and recognizing we only have this season because of baby born in a manger #gfedchat
My mom gets Christmas gifts for g'kids where they spend time together and create memories (Canad Inn, sking in Bemidji) instead of material things
#gfedchat
A2: Cont-d: the toughest part for me is trying to give each of our family members enough time and still trying to connect with some long distance friends when they are in town. #gfedchat
A2: Kids certainly help bring things into perspective. They get excited about the littlest things that I would have thought weren't important. Important to stop and enjoy the small things once and a while. #gfedchat
A3: I do my best to be there for my Ss. I listen to concerns, reaffirm their feelings, but try and find the best outlook for them and options to offer them positivity. #gfedchat
A3: At the very least our room's are somewhere that they can go to be away from that which drags them down otherwise and focus on something else #gfedchat
A3: Focus on learning about traditions, talk about personal traditions, not gifts, what I want, etc. for those who don't get much - and those who do. #gfedchat
A3: Understand that it is not a happy time for everyone. Listen to their concerns. let them know you will be thinking of them over break, and try to make some positive memories at school. #gfedchat
A3: Keeping a strong relationship; impromptu talks. . . being honest, KNOWING them! Do the best you can to support them at school and not try to stress yourself out! It's the thought that counts! #gfedchat
A3: Be mindful of personal beliefs and family situations. Routine is also a big one for all kids, but especially ones who struggle around the holidays. #gfedchat
A3: Try to talk to them about the important traditions and people they are looking forward to see. Keep talks away from presents- especially when budgets are tight. Share some of the imperfections in your life:) #gfedchat
A3: Tough. You want to ask all about what Ss do during the holidays, but some may get bummed out hearing about everyone else's fortunate lives.
Talk about the importance of relationships vs. things.
#gfedchat
A3:I think it's important to find out what they are excited about during the holidays. Not everyone has bountiful amounts of gifts, or fancy trips, but they might be excited to see cousins, grandparents, or simply going sledding while on vacation. Connect and find out! #gfedchat
A3: Just like the rest of the year, show them you care by making personal connections. Have meaningful conversations and make them feel like they are a part of something special. Make them laugh like @MrMcFarlane00 always can! #gfedchat
A3: Empathy is the key --- but it depends on what the student is struggling with (family life? financial situations? friends? academics?) All begins with empathy and an open ear, though #gfedchat
A3: Focus less on the material things and more on the common things students share - an extended vacation being one of those things - what they plan on doing with the time off, etc....#gfedchat
a3: sox for kids, adopt a family, toys for tots, food baskets, elf on the shelf, winter clothing drives, showing that gifts don't have to cost $, compassion, empathy, the list can go on and on #gfedchat
A3: Being a listening ear, knowing not all students celebrate Christmas, and if they do, it may not be in the same way we do. Approaching students with an open mind and heart in all we do! #gfedchat
A3: Understand that for some, school is their "getaway" from struggles -- Tell them something like, "Enjoy the break, and I look forward to seeing you afterwards!" ... Let them know that you are - and will be - there #gfedchat
A3: Empathy - always ready to listen and support and try and understand their perspective. Be present and continue to CONNECT! Help them to see that gifts like compassion and empathy don't cost anything and are truly better than "things" that we can buy! #gfedchat
A3 - Listen to them. Laugh with them. Show them them that you care. Be present. Give them notes that let them know how SPECIAL they are to you. It's not about things. #gfedchat
A3: Last year, we did a version of the "Compliment Project" on the last day of school before break -- Wasn't sure how it would go over with high school students, but several of them were stressed and said they NEEDED that ... #gfedchathttps://t.co/MLdo0OFpba
A4: Remember that what it should look like isn't what is important. It will be different for everyone, and as long as you are with people you love - it's all good! #gfedchat
A4: I struggled with this quite a bit for a while, but I try to keep in mind what my children will remember about their childhood and I don't want it to be "mom freaked out a lot". #gfedchat
A4: I try and remember that everyone’s holidays are different - no one lives in a Hallmark movie. As long as there are family and friends around, food to eat, and a laugh or two, I am fortunate! #gfedchat
A4: As long as everyone is happy and healthy and made it to their locations for the holidays, it's perfect. As long as there is fun and love, everything will be great. #gfedchat
A3: Last year, we did a version of the "Compliment Project" on the last day of school before break -- Wasn't sure how it would go over with high school students, but several of them were stressed and said they NEEDED that ... #gfedchathttps://t.co/MLdo0OFpba
A4: I think we celebrate diversity. I think we need to model how to deal with stress, confusion, and change. By celebrating diversity and our differences, we can start to move past the "perfect" we want to see #gfedchat
A4: DVR the shows I watch and bypass the ads.....too much white noise that clouds the sincerity of what we should actually get out of this time of year...#gfedchat
A4: I think this is easier now that I've gotten older, been on my own, seen more than just my family's version of holidays. I can share lots of different perspectives on how holidays can go! #gfedchat
A4: I just keep at the front of my head the true meaning of Christmas and keep in mind the traditions and the connections those traditions bring. #gfedchat
A4: My kids have helped make perfection difficult and easy at the same time. The older I get the more I like to have as much as my family together under one roof as possible....in-laws, divorcees, everyone. #gfedchat
A4: I used to try to do it "all". I asked my family - what should we do for traditions and stuck with that; I quit trying to make it too much. We're all happier. #gfedchat
IA4 n a time when everything is pintrested and posted I have learned to stay away from some social media for my own sanity, and allowed loads of GRACE remembering it is more important to be present. #gfedchat
A4: I grew up in a house that focused way too much on what the holidays should be and since then have abhorred the atypical holidays and going all out, so now as long as @TOstgarden is happy so am I #gfedchat
A4: After spending Christmas in the hospital 4years ago you realize that the things/the look of it doesn't matter. It is who you are with. The time together and memories made #gfedchat
IA4 n a time when everything is pintrested and posted I have learned to stay away from some social media for my own sanity, and allowed loads of GRACE remembering it is more important to be present. #gfedchat
A4: The grass is green where you take care of it. Self-care is the new normal. Try it.
Unless that means skipping #gfedchat. Then it waits until 9:30 #thanksModeen 😉
A4: The quest for perfection will drive a person insane. Most holiday movies and tv shows mislead with their idea of perfect holiday tenderness. Barf. The only perfect thing on Earth is the fantasy football record of @pb4gfc#gfedchat
A4: I try and live by the motto of "it doesn't matter what anyone else does or thinks." That being said, my Christmas tree looks pretty dope.
#gfedchat
A4: stay off of pinterest and instagram!! :-) ha! I truly believe that people truly won't remember the decor you had on the table, but will remember the ways that you made them feel and the time, laughs, and conversations shared!! #gfedchat
A4: As a child (with few responsibilities), I have fond memories of the holiday season. But the present must be more about those around us and their "ideal" holiday season and less about my past. #gfedchat
A4 Cont. : "I should make these cookies this Christmas because that's what people do." " I should put avacados on my sandwiches in the fall because that's what people do." "I should be this kind of teacher because that's what people do." #gfedchat
A4: Clearly, you have not watched me teach. No where near the ballpark of perfection, or @MrMcFarlane00. Not in the cards for this guy so no use fussing over it. #gfedchat
a4: reminiscing about my childhood holidays and try to emulate something as meaningful. I remember making treats with my mom, not how pretty they looked. #gfedchat
A4 I find it difficult to let go of perfection all together but try to appreciate what others do for the holidays rather than compare myself to them. I do what I can with the time that I have and what will give me the most joy. #gfedchat
I love this. I especially like stay away from social media. I had a conversation with a coworker last week about how facebook is often a false reality. People put their "best" on, not their "average" I try not to compare myself to social media #gfedchat
IA4 n a time when everything is pintrested and posted I have learned to stay away from some social media for my own sanity, and allowed loads of GRACE remembering it is more important to be present. #gfedchat
A4: Then I remember, "I don't know how to make those cookies, I'm NOT the same teacher as Mrs. So-and-So, and I don't even like avacados!" :P #gfedchat#gottabeme
A4: Remember what the holidays used to look like in my childhood: singing around the Christmas tree, ONE gift under it for each family member, dinner and family time - warmest feeling ever! #gfedchat
A4: I love spending time during December focusing on the true meaning of Christmas through devotions and using that to guide our Christmas. Letting go of things I can't control #gfedchat
A4: my husband helps calm me and does a great job with making the important things happen and helping me to not sweat the small stuff @JeremyCebula#gfedchat
A4: I just try to think about how we can make fun memories and don't worry so much about what people think. Those that care- don't matter and those that matter- don't care. :) #gfedchat
A4: Keep in mind what the holidays are truly about! It's more important to spend time with family and practice self-care than putting your energy into trying to impress others. #gfedchat
A5: model self-care. Verbalizing if you need a break or if you are feeling a little stressed. modeling this will help Ss to understand it's ok to have those feelings too #gfedchat
A5: Remind them what the real meaning of the season is. Model the empathy, kindness, and compassion ALL the time. Model what it is like to be present in the moment (easier said than done!) #gfedchat
A5: I need to cut my kids a little bit of slack when it comes to noise and mess. Its also important for my wife and I to make time for each other to keep calm and sane! Read more, watch movies, play games. #gfedchat
A5: Doing things I enjoy like exercise, listening to music, or just snuggling with kids and reading books or playing games and let all other non important things wait
#gfedchat
A5: I use morning meeting to talk through some of these things with my students. We love our sharing time where we can talk about the goods and the bads and reflect on this #gfedchat
A5: I like to show gratitude during the holidays! I like to bring treats for the teachers. Together with the staff, we plan special events whole school. #gfedchat
A5: Take time to just sit with my family. Don't need to get everything done (shopping, wrapping, baking) at once. Remembering it is ok to step back. #gfedchat
A5: I model stress regulation by showing stress! BUT, I also show how I handle it. Take deep breaths, focus on the present - change what is changeable, and accept what is not. I try and do one thing every day to benefit my Ss and one thing to benefit myself. #gfedchat
A5: slow down, take things one day at a time (something I am working on), enjoy the little things and time spent with kids and family, and take deep breaths when needed! :-) #gfedchat
A5 Everything seems to work out just a little bit better if I give my daughters a few more hugs each day, wait to do horse chores or snow removal or dishes until after they go to bed or read a few extra bedtime stories to Solveig. #gfedchat
#gfedchat A5: manage regulation of stress by taking my dog for walks...and joy by seeing her excitement of jumping in the "snowbanks". (She's not very big, so everything is a snowbank.)
A4: The grass is green where you take care of it. Self-care is the new normal. Try it.
Unless that means skipping #gfedchat. Then it waits until 9:30 #thanksModeen 😉
a5: breath! remind myself that Im human and it's ok to make mistakes. focus on big picture and trust that things will work out some way some how. #gfedchat
A5: Blessings journal, writing something you are blessed for everyday, sharing more positives with co-workers, let people know that they matter #gfedchat
A5: As an ambivert, I pay close attention to my work and stress load, and adjust as needed. I also give everyone around me candy. They are happy...and quieter 😉 #gfedchat
A5: Be real and honest with students. Share some of those stressful moments (without OVER-sharing, of course) ... and share how you worked through it .... I show them how laughing (aka finding the joy) helps me to process, reflect, etc. ... #gfedchat
A5: This time of year is always so busy. Be okay with an unclean house or unfinished chores if it means time to recharge so that you can be your best self the next day. #gfedchat
There is a really fantastic live nativity outside of Reynolds..I can check on the date or if anyone can give specifics? We went a few years ago..its was awesome #gfedchat
A6: Recognize what I have as well as what I don’t - I do not have sickness, I do not have to fight for food, etc. I am so thankful everyday for what God has provided for me. #gfedchat
A5: Take time for myself, teach Ss positive outlets to handle stress: exercise, music, reading, share with Ss things that bring me joy- family, friends #gfedchat
A6: Count my blessings; working with Ss w/disabilities and families has taught me this. Be thankful for challenges that teach you to be a better person. #gfedchat
@JenniferModeen you are a ROCK STAR! I missed out on replying to your edchat, but please know I am inspired to be a better person from reading all of the insightful tweets! #gfedchat
A6: Verbalize my gratitude. Let others know when I am thankful and what I am thankful for. I need to take time to just stop and reflect. I think that's why I love candlelight services! #gfedchat
There is a really fantastic live nativity outside of Reynolds..I can check on the date or if anyone can give specifics? We went a few years ago..its was awesome #gfedchat
A6: I like @n8olson31's gratitude posts on Fb. Makes me reflect on what's important to me, too.
Also - tell people how you feel about them TODAY. You reap what you sow. #gfedchat
A6: I like to give high fives to kids and verbal thank you to others. It is so easy to get too busy to notice what is so wonderful in our schools. #gfedchat
A6: By giving more: My family agreed to forgo the gift exchange & find ways to help others outside our family. Each individual and/or family chooses their own charity, non-profit or individual/family in need to provide gifts of time and/or money. #gfedchat
A6: tell the people in my life how much they mean to me, focus each day on the things around me that I am thankful for, send meaningful texts and notes of encouragement, and take time to reflect! #gfedchat
Ambivert=introvert + extrovert.
For me: I have a certain amount of time each day I have extrovert tendencies - i.e. at work. Then, there comes a point where I'm ready to retreat, be alone, and have quiet - i.e. first thing in the AM and evenings. #gfedchat
A6: write a gratitude list, post these lists around the house (in cute font of course), volunteer, choose a new something/someone each day and let them know you are grateful for them and why
#gfedchat
A6: I have been trying to do a daily gratitude journal over the past few days. I also try and make plans w/ friends and family. I struggle to enjoy what I have and be present. Putting worry and anxiety aside is difficult for me. #gfedchat
A6: Try to do things for others to show them your appreciation of friendship.....clean out driveway after snowfall, help jump vehicles, stuck vehicles, etc. Little things you don't "have" to do, but people appreciate. #payitforward#gfedchat
A6: i think the gratitude sneaks up on me in the quiet moments: after everyone’s in bed, or watching the cousins decorate grandma’s Christmas tree #gfedchat
A6: My Ss are taking my class on an elective basis. It is not required but they choose to sign up anyway. I make sure to thank them frequently and let them know how grateful I am to all of them for sharing their talents. #gfedchat
And the perfectionist in me needs to accept being okay if that happiness jar is an old washed-out peanut butter jar with scraps of notebook paper in it - ha ha! ;) #gfedchat
A6: Faith reminds me to stop and be thankful. There are so many things that we all take for granted every day. When I take time to reflect on my blessings, I feel so much more positive about everything in my life. #gfedchat
A6: continued... My Ss are taking my class on an elective basis. It is not required but they choose to sign up anyway. I make sure to thank them frequently and let them know how grateful I am to all of them for sharing their talents. #gfedchat
I learned all about being an ambivert from the fabulous @Carla_Pereira2.
Oh wise one - do you know of a book I can share with my #gfedchat colleagues on that topic?
A7: experiencing new things. adventure. nature. I love exploring a new hiking path on a beautiful day. But all of this is more fun/enjoyable with friends, family, or my dogs to experience it with #gfedchat
A6: We have been trying to focus on gratitude at Winship and it surprised me how nervous I was to tell people how awesome they were, and to tweet it! Its important! #gfedchat
#gfedchat A7: Travel brings me joy. Searching new places to visit brings me joy. Maybe someday I will visit India, Sri Lanka, Morocco, or Algeria, but for now I will be thankful and grateful for Hugo's.
A7: My kids, both my 3 boys and the amazing things they do and those that are in my class/teams and seeing them succeed when the going gets tough #gfedchat
A6: I'll be honest, sometimes in big schools, students (as PERSONS) can get lost in the mix .... I try to take moments to reflect personally on those quieter Ss, "This person -- They have their own family, friends, hobbies, etc., and I GET to spend time with them." #gfedchat
A7: The feeling of purpose and making a difference brings me joy. We all do this in education. At the end of hard day we push on, because after all, it's all about the kids. #gfedchat
A7: Stepping back and looking at everything I have in my life, and then trying to figure out how I was lucky enough to have it all work out the way it has....very grateful. #gfedchat
A7: Traveling brings me excitement. Friends, family, and my kitty bring me a more familiar kind of happiness... but all of the above bring me joy. #gfedchat
A7: watching my own kids (and my students) grow in their strengths and overcome struggles, my faith, and ultimately being with my family and creating memories brings me JOY!! #gfedchat
A7: I love spending time with my family. Just tonight my son Palmer sang us the "Button Factory" song he learned in pre-school. It was so stinking cute- especially with his unique speech issues:) Love date nights, golf, and laughing. #gfedchat
A7: Thankfully, I have many things that bring me joy. Husband, kids, family, my church, friends, co-workers, Ss - I smile at something everyday when I work with kids. #gfedchat
