#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Tuesday September 13, 2016 5:30 AM EDT
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
I knew I had seen the but I didn't have myself together. Good to be back see you all 😊
Good morning and happy Tuesday!
I'm tired, cranky, and want my mommy. All you get today is a *grunt*.
'sup, ?
Certainly not me. https://t.co/ttG4LfBxVe
Good morning family! Happy Tuesday on this first full week with students.
Today's question. https://t.co/gaJNtel8TY
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
I'm waiting for our weather to change! I ❤️ Fall!
Wow! Such a great question! https://t.co/kquF41DxPT
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
Agreed! Had a breeze through my windows all day yesterday. It was lovely!
Northern VA and it's still pretty hot ☀️
Balance?? What's that? Lol
Good morning friends. Steve from NJ here!
My own children being athlete balanced me some. I always wanted them to know that I was at their games.
Good morning Great question - a constant struggle. Looking forward to your insights!
Good morning friends! Is it only Tuesday?
Any of my Twitter friends awake this AM?!? Join the chat! https://t.co/EmTNSVDmak
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
There is a way? I'm all ears-uh-eyes this morning! https://t.co/a45pKCxyy1
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
For me, work/life balance is about routine and people. Monday nights are taco night and Tuesday are trivia.
Good morning! I'm new to this chat. Nice to meet other early risers!
Good morning ! Katie from NY
Like Christmas, I've been telling my son we are "keeping the spirit of summer alive" this year. Purposefully planning family fun.
I feel them down here in NC my friend!
Now i am an empty nester, I am forcing myself to leave and work out.
I opened up the whole house last night; simply gorgeous weather here in NJ...for now
Balance is easier now that I am empty-nester. Hubby retired edu. Still, family is first. https://t.co/gaJNtel8TY
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
Great question today. I need to learn from many of you since I typically don't do this well.
Good cool morning from the Jersey Shore! Balance isn't always easy, but necessary. Last night, forgot about work, went to "Sully".
Work at work, home at home. Work at home = enjoyable stuff, not marking!!
Good morning everyone. David MS Principal from VA here a bit late. Waiting on coffee!
Melissa, DM me your email address, I'll share some resources. Love to hear what you're doing!
I'm still working to manage work/home balance. I've started having to turn off computer and emails, it's hard! 😳😳
Feeling somebstress as I begin anew this school year...still committed to daily workouts and running, sleep and relaxing evenings.
Hey, Steve. Hope all is well in your part of NJ
I wrote a section in my book, Instant Relevance, on the work-life balance. In short, don't separate, connect! My life = lesson opps
good to "see" you brother! Been too long!
I like that idea. I like to keep summer all year long.
hello everyone - trying to squeeze in some decoration making before . Next week is Spirit Week and the time crunch is on!
I make sure to plan for/provide space for both! I schedule, use my time wisely and commit! https://t.co/WVrZf1yOhC
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
Even when grading (Eng T), I take breaks to read for fun. I TRY to go for walks and allow myself to relax with my husband.
Teacher Peeps! Join in at ! Lurk or contribute - both are "free"! https://t.co/vcrPbZN84D
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
When my own kids were born I stopped bringing papers home to grade. I may stay late at school, but when at home I'm a father.
20 years in...still looking for balance!
Balance is hard. Look here, we are all up hours before school starts.
I think I need to get better at balance. It is possible to work hard and play hard.
Honestly, I allow it to consume me but when I am intentional about my balance I set a timer on my phone to stop and focus on family
wow! What's the webinar topic??
Good morning, Rashida! Glad you can join us!
Balancing work and home continues to be a struggle for me, esp now with new job, new school, new curriculum
Balance is difficult to achieve, especially your 1st few years.
This yr I'm trying to make my health a priority by making appts to work out. https://t.co/ZGbUgiMTI9
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
Cool. In our house, is a must. We also do crosswords together.
Morning, ! I think finding balance in our life results from the combination of being reflective, mindful/present, and setting goals.
A little late to this morning.
Brian, HS principal from Mass.
Conscious decisions and accountability help. In our dist Ts are encouraged to put auto email response on at end of day and step back
Your exclamation point is an affront to my caffeine-craving cranky self today :P
Good morning, Michelle :)
My friends and family help me balance work. They're always encouraging me to try new adventures.
My biggest way I manage is by reminding myself that my #1 job is being a wife and mom ...it supersedes everything ❤️
I knew we were on the same page...same part of life.
thats the issue, so much 'newness' takes time to adjust. hence the less balance.
A: Early morning dog walk w/teacher husband after , yoga, stress reducing piano playing, forcing myself to go to bed at decent hour.
Anytime I have a new grade, balance goes out the window. Year 2 in grade 3 and still struggling. https://t.co/ZM4Ey1wH4x
Balancing work and home continues to be a struggle for me, esp now with new job, new school, new curriculum
Hi, Nicolette! Great to meet you! You've found some of the best Ed peeps I know:)
Sometimes I just have to walk away and focus on me. I also teach 2 classes at a local college and it's not easy this semester
It's a high wire act,certainly art the start of the year it tips more to teaching.Need to keep perspective https://t.co/xix9F9bPrh
Happy Tuesday ! Todays topic: Teaching is a consuming lifestyle! How do manage work-life balance while being committed to the craft?
I have an honest fear that I will be far less effective once my wife and I have kids.
Thanks Jerry! Always count on you!
You are so good to have the exercise in there. That's always the first thing to go for me and what I really need
Awesome! Will have to check it out later. Good morning, .
Great to shut off the AC in my classroom and home yesterday! In for a hot one today!
It's like the idea of building a life that you don't dream of taking a vacation from. https://t.co/lWrhsRHftZ
I wrote a section in my book, Instant Relevance, on the work-life balance. In short, don't separate, connect! My life = lesson opps
Strive for balance.
Iterate.
Strive for balance.
Iterate.
love this! https://t.co/hmSmOGGFzx
Conscious decisions and accountability help. In our dist Ts are encouraged to put auto email response on at end of day and step back
Maybe we needed an app for this! revenue stream! https://t.co/SG9nmHddmJ
Honestly, I allow it to consume me but when I am intentional about my balance I set a timer on my phone to stop and focus on family
going to bed a decent hour is how I got up in time for this chat today! Sleep is key! 😴
Morning walks & gym time r my time. Try to leave it at work, but that is becoming more&more difficult
Actually, has helped me create a more efficient am routine. I am much better when things are scheduled, even play.
YESSSS!!! Can't take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves!
Hey friend! I pitched my book Sat!!! An agent is looking at it currently! 🙏
No AC in classroom. Open windows with a breeze is wonderful.
Have a productive day and keep inspiring young minds. You make a difference.
do you have a page making page?
I balance things by working to stay healthy: gym, good diet, or I can't do my job.This is new for me, I have so much energy now!
Block off Thurs nights to play trivia with fam & friends at a local pub. It forces me to relax. Lol
Marking periods are the hardest for me. I remind myself balance makes school for fun.
I am trying one day a week real late. The rest only about an hour
Well said. When I'm bringing my stories into school and Ss build on them to learn there's no 180 countdown on the wall
yes, but somehow it all works out. Now that my kids have left, I wonder how i did it all.
Yes, just rearranged my schedule to get back to the gym, cleans my head out ! https://t.co/obm0OuSyH3
Morning walks & gym time r my time. Try to leave it at work, but that is becoming more&more difficult
That's awesome! This shows that your district values the work/home balance! Love it! https://t.co/t7iYt5SjTK
Conscious decisions and accountability help. In our dist Ts are encouraged to put auto email response on at end of day and step back
Family comes first but sometimes they don't feel like it! This is a daily struggle for me since we have 1 in college and 3 at home.
Agree with : hard to always compartmentalize school and home.
totally agree! First year back in grade 3 and I have no balance currently!
Hey, Mr. Isaacs! Great to see you my friend:)
This year, so far, ive made it a point to go for a swim immediately after rough work days. it helps me calm down.
Posted my pre-dawn craft comment before I knew the topic - when there's extra on my plate, balance can go out the window
Balance has always been tough for me; work=life in many ways; hard to disconnect; I always have flashes of how to make it better
I try to give myself plenty of time to relax at the end of the day and on the weekends. Let's see how well it works this semester.
It changes definitely, but gives a whole new viewpoint.
...and having the resolve to consistently meet those goals. That includes saying the word "NO" at times. :)
, friends, my are all important; it's okay to let my house be messy for now
Hah. Thats a good point. like moving from 45 min periods to 90.
Closing homework gap by providing home access to S thru checkout filtered wifi hotspot & laptop https://t.co/Tyg9TQ7Ve7
wow! What's the webinar topic??
I agree! Whenever there is change or lots of stress, I find myself off balanced
yup! Last year for me. This is better, but still hard.
I have given up trying to be "balanced" ... Like trying to be perfect ... Causes too much stress in itself.
Too Funny! Nice to meet you, Lisa:)
Sometimes you just have to say no.
nah. Somehow that part seems to work itself out organically. Responsibilities shift but you also become more efficient
same here, but no matter how much I have to do, I am always asleep by 9.
We have a trainer come to school 2x per week for Ts. Forces me to exercise, no excuses!
This is positively delightful https://t.co/vzVuLP9IZn
Conscious decisions and accountability help. In our dist Ts are encouraged to put auto email response on at end of day and step back
OMG OMG OMG I'm soooo excited for you! Please keep me posted! https://t.co/b1TUyDSIgH
Hey friend! I pitched my book Sat!!! An agent is looking at it currently! 🙏
Same here! Planning to go to beach coming Sunday. Extend summer trips!
good morning! I stumbled upon this chat last yr when my D started leaving for school at 530! Hope you love it too!
STILL working on that one!
Me too. I go up at 9 and either read or watch TV until I fall asleep.
Came to a point in my career where I realized if I wasn't healthy, I couldn't be the best T possible. Not selfish to "prioritize me"
Lots of new things. Need to pay extra attention to self for focus/balance. Best wishes https://t.co/sKnyhRcrYm
Balancing work and home continues to be a struggle for me, esp now with new job, new school, new curriculum
Good morning ! Chris fr checking in.
My answer...
Family comes first. Bottom line.
it definitely makes it harder.
right - struggle for me too but I have to remind myself that family should come 1st. They're not replaceable...
I think I need to get better at balance. It is possible to work hard and play hard. MORE >> https://t.co/YhfI0K4bqX
Sometimes I don't focus on balance. I give attention to what needs attending to
Yes, but the noise from the unit can be loud and distracting. 😊
Last week calm and cool down swims helped me.
Yes! Create the life you want. If you are passionate about your work it blends nicely. https://t.co/6FsQulh4sJ
It's like the idea of building a life that you don't dream of taking a vacation from. https://t.co/lWrhsRHftZ
I wrote a section in my book, Instant Relevance, on the work-life balance. In short, don't separate, connect! My life = lesson opps
I commit to my Morning Pages every morning and I journal every night; going analog helps I find
@I@ReadWriteBlue2 I miss a lot of great night chats because I go to sleep early.
Trying to keep everything in balance is tuff. We Ts are often reacting to situations that disrupt our plans. https://t.co/lClZJ8C8k8
Still figuring out my balance... Lots of newness this fall 😊
Making coffee B4 having coffee.
Waking surly teen @ 5:30.
Work-life balance of a teacher.
I'm seeing issues here. Unpleasant issues
Most of the time I work through lunch. That 20 minutes makes such a difference in how much I can get done!
I make sure that stay fit I have a strict workout plan& try 2 unplug on the weekends by using time blocks 4 work
Rely on your friends to hold you accountable for wellness checks. https://t.co/LGUaY7v92C
Balance is difficult to achieve, especially your 1st few years.
I found things in teaching energize me, like this chat. Other things drain me. I try to save the energizing things for home.
GM, how are you and ur wonderful family?
Well stated! By the way, iterate is my favorite word in the English language!! https://t.co/FS0tPOyEXf
Strive for balance.
Iterate.
Strive for balance.
Iterate.
thanks, Jerry, I'll check it out.
Balance is also diff. because most edu care so much they do/givr whatever they can to b better at their craft
Perfectly said! https://t.co/36WpkOVusg
Came to a point in my career where I realized if I wasn't healthy, I couldn't be the best T possible. Not selfish to "prioritize me"
we also do a "email up" only policy after school day ends. No admin--down emails after school
3 grade change in 5 years, one can only hope
Good morning ! I am huge failure at work-life balance, but each Sept vow to do better. Now trying to "schedule" breaks--we'll see?
I begin each school day reading for ME for ten minutes.
Helps ease into the day.
Ok, Mets fans, no laughing here, but my provide balance for me:)
The days when balance is off is when you want to throw in the towel. You have to shut down, otherwise you run out of steam.
Not sure if we ever attain balance (at any one time). The quest for it, however, is certainly noble work. https://t.co/2v8SRBoSAh
This is the yogi in me, I think its important yo state your intentions out loud throughout the day. What do you want to accomplish?
Good morning Brian, never too late for positivity!
I love this idea as well. Or just don't look at your work email until the next day.
My friend at work said it was really good.
I have my kid half time. No schoolwork on those days. All about him. Hubby and I concentrate on one another on kid free weekends.
I'm trying to get back to my daily 10k steps. Trying to clear the mind and lungs. Breath fresh air into both.
not f failure, what makes us passionate about our teaching also makes us passionate about our families https://t.co/ENjGl9u4nI
Good morning ! I am huge failure at work-life balance, but each Sept vow to do better. Now trying to "schedule" breaks--we'll see?
Good observation Melissa!
Family, work school, classes for degree, Church and centering time, exercise, & time with friends leaves little time for rest.
Sometimes you just have to apologize ... Sorry class I didn't get your stuff graded because I was watching the Patriots game
Me too. I have found that time is so helpful!
I think the problem is, we do love what we do ...that's why it is so hard to balance
we have an air exchanger that is like that all day. I feel your pain!
Also, If we neglect our personal lives then we are just robots. I'd rather children be taught by humans.
Nope. I tried. Still laughed. At, not with. hehehe
Nothing wrong with sitting still and binge watching tv or binge reading once in awhile.
I like this! Goes with my "scheduling" everything idea. Can't let work take over the "free time" if there is none!
I love this idea! https://t.co/iWa4bOvGeG
Conscious decisions and accountability help. In our dist Ts are encouraged to put auto email response on at end of day and step back
Plan one weekend getaway a month - something to look forward to, plan for, be excited about, away from the bag of papers to grade.
I always had such a hard time balancing when my three were younger. It's much easier now.
Yes. this is a thing that i suck at doing. Need to get better.
Such powerful discussion this morning.
Keep striving!
Yes!!!! Although I have to be careful admitting that in this neck of the woods now! https://t.co/1qPcZxpPRv
Sometimes you just have to apologize ... Sorry class I didn't get your stuff graded because I was watching the Patriots game
I love what I do and there is no part of my life that i don't want to thrive so I try to work hard, play hard, sleep hard!
great thanks. I'm just getting over being sick. Actually missed first week of school! Glad to be back
I signed up for adult jazz dance class with daughter. Talk about adventure! https://t.co/zn8Kc2b3BK
My friends and family help me balance work. They're always encouraging me to try new adventures.
Over the years, I learned to keep my family as my top priority. I don't want to look back and wish I had spent more time w/my kids.
wonder if professional athletes struggle with "balance" when they spend hours watching film/working out
This is so true. Add twittering, blogging, researching to the mix & there's just not enough time
Thanks, everyone! Have a great day!
Many of the books I read this summer by talked about the importance of a T having a life to bring into the classroom.
I'm laughing and not mentioning last night's Mets score by the way:)
Again, we need to model behavior that we want Ss to pick up on. Their lives are probably just as stress-filled than ours!
so there is hope for the rest of us! Lol
"not looking" can be tough. When parents get the message that Ts may not respond til next day, emails lessen
Thanks for getting my day off to such a great start friends! Have a great day! 😊
you are exactly right. I'll only have my HS daughter for another two years before she's goes to college.
we are a bunch of people talking about work/life balance at 5:30 am.
Getaways for me mean I see my grandchildren.
Great chat this morning! Have a great day everyone!
hey can't win them all !!!!! https://t.co/RZ6rmuWqGk
I'm laughing and not mentioning last night's Mets score by the way:)
You go! that is fabulous. Never say no to a daughter!
Keep in mind how busy society has become and forgive yourself. The word Priority was not pluralized until the last few hundred years
there is no such thing as work-life. Work is a part of your life, sometimes it demands more,others less- stay on the seesaw
There's no such thing as work/life balance.only life balance.Be most present where you need to be,and always present where you are
What a great chat! I couldn't keep up!
Great strategy! My Ss routinely ask me about my morning exercise - keeps me honest and hopefully influences them as well.
True enough. You may connect with a student in that way!
For the first month or so of school, balance is completely off - I just get so tired! So much to do, so little rest/sleep
Speaking of time- gotta run. Have a great day everyone! Hoping to figure out a better time schedule soon so I can be more active in
yes and that's exactly why I don't burden them with lots ( if any ) homework
Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
when priorities are in order balance is achieved.
Sunday nights game was awesome to watch ... no regrets for not getting the grading done
and I wrote YA books - which was a great escape from reality! Try a creative craft to get your mind away from school.
A lesson I've learned many times since 2008 and prior to that:)
A good hobby helps too; my family does community theatre; change of pace from teach & tech; show this week so all hands on deck
balance is definitely tricky. I know I could use more balance but doing what we love certainly helps.
Always a good morning that starts with
Oh believe me, as I get older I definitely know it can make or break my day. https://t.co/uNFY8NZJiN
going to bed a decent hour is how I got up in time for this chat today! Sleep is key! 😴
Tech week is rough. Break a leg.
Yes folks, away I go, off to suit up and get to work.
Time to - have a great day everybody
So true! chats (& crew) make me happy & get my work day off to a good start. Feels like balance. :)
I am certainly sharing your understanding of that challenging! I am reminded it gets better! 😊 Hang in there!
Have a great day, Friends.
The real key is a proper diet, eliminating a lot of the processed foods and sugar. Watch documentary Sugar Coated
that's my plan too! However, with after school trainings & meetings, my "one" late day often turns into 2 or 3.
Being strategic in planning ur time both at work&home is key. I pack a lot into my work day&make a list for the next day!
Oh yes! Signed up to apart of event. Will be on and off during the dsy. Lots going on for district.
Apparently I must leave now to wrestle an unwilling teen out of bed.
I promise to come back tomorrow in a happier state of mind.
Have a great day everyone.
Yes it's true !!!! https://t.co/jNjwGclKtw
I can't favorite that. Just ask Eric, I'm the nicest Phillies fan you'll ever meet:)
I did a music camp with my son this summer. So fun to coo next with your kids this way!
Also, sometimes we have to let it go. The work never stops
good luck! If for some reason the agent is foolish enough to pass, I know a great Indie publisher
hi Steve hi! (this slipped right past me in my pre- haze)
I do too...thought the sleep hard part eludes me at times
We have to stay positive to keep our energy up, too. I won't make time in my life for negative people. for that
So true! I love it!! I can totally nerd-out while working on school stuff 🤓😜
Goodness! Hope you're feeling back to normal.
Off to a great start today, thanks friends.
lol. Yep. Remember, they can always replace you as a teacher, but you're irreplaceable as a mom!
Seesaw is the appropriate metaphor...and they are my favorite playground ride, thanks! https://t.co/019CJ0WNYL
there is no such thing as work-life. Work is a part of your life, sometimes it demands more,others less- stay on the seesaw
that's a tough one here too!
Great to hear. Allergies got me going but still working. Can't let them keep a good woman down. LOL!
Time to put a few miles under my feet! Thanks for the motivation this morning!
I like 's philosophy of making connections. If we keep areas of our life separate, the imbalance grows.
got it! I have a 6th&7th grader,another baby on the way 😉 & a police officer husband so, our time now is vital
Have a great time today with your personal balancing acts everyone! Have a terrific Tuesday! https://t.co/Oe5VywxAzZ
if you try to look at work as something aprart from your life,you will always feel out of balance Work is a big let of life
You have a whole Mets folder on every device don't you?
true. We tell our parents at open house to give us a 24 hour window to respond, so I don't have that prob
always happy to share wisdom from my friend
Prioritizing is key to balance. We can do ANYTHING...just not EVERYTHING.
aaahhhh yes, your child is at a different stage :) I'm still helping w/HW and carpooling to sports daily lol
Thanks for all the tips Have an amazing, balanced day!
Bill George Truth North is a great read and in his work he highlights the importance of balance
we shall see !!! https://t.co/2Q6G7fkPx0
Apparently I must leave now to wrestle an unwilling teen out of bed.
I promise to come back tomorrow in a happier state of mind.
Exactly! Sometimes you give more in one area or another, all needs to fit together into your priorities https://t.co/e93RkrAxzL
when priorities are in order balance is achieved.
you're right. Hard to break the sugar addiction, but once it's done, you feel much better!
My lovely wife helps me. She'll often say, "You can't help your Ss and others if you don't take care of yourself. Go to bed."
Loved the chat this morning! Great way to keep me focused! Hoping I can join again this week! Have an awesome Tuesday!
Yes! Things can feel out of control otherwise. For me, it goes back to reflecting, being mindful, and goal setting.
Congratulations!! Built in babysitters! You are a busy lady.
unfortunately, I missed it! I saved all my work for Sunday night. Bad call on my part. 😢
It's also a great electronic student portfolio app ! 😊😊😊
ironic, YES! But I pull so much positive energy from you all... my load will be lighter today bc I was back here this ☀️
Have a great day Inspire. Motivate. Be someone's champion today!
What a great family activity!
No more foggy brain! https://t.co/PfeYJCvNJc
you're right. Hard to break the sugar addiction, but once it's done, you feel much better!
No matter how packed my schedule is, I make sure I fit in a yoga session.
Enjoy your day today, friends. ALL aspects of it! :)
ha ha ha! Me too!! I get annoyed with missing those 9 pm chats, but sleep is a MUST.
Good for everyone in the family, too. We need to spread the love. Sometimes we run out of steam for those most important.
Have a great day, everyone!
I do community volunteer work, which I love. If I find myself too tired to do that, tells me I'm working too hard as a teacher.
Ouch! *runs to find a band-aid*
Right?! I always look forward to October when routines are established.
Time to go. I do enjoy spending this morning time with you all. Have a wonderful day!!
one of the most important realizations in my career!
Good point. We drive home "making a connection", and need to be sure we don't lose ground there. Autoreply?
Thank you! I will let you know! https://t.co/PPqR9S76ds
good luck! If for some reason the agent is foolish enough to pass, I know a great Indie publisher