Welcome to #dojochat! My name is Paige and I am an ESOL teacher (grades 6, 7 & 8) at a title one middle school in Maryland! Today we had a snow day so I had a relaxing day. How is everyone this evening?
A1: I like to put a relaxing video/music on as students are trickling in to set the tone for the morning. This is one of my favorite videos to use https://t.co/lEta4KGrtr#dojochat
A1 I always tell each child good morning, good to see you, etc. The kids eat breakfast in the room. So we do our morning procedures while eating and then gather for our morning meeting @responsiveclass#dojochat
I found the BEST station on Pandora. It play movie themes. My Ss LOVE to see who can call out the movie from its theme the fastest. Visitors don't know what HIT THEM. LOL! #dojochat
A1 I want students to feel independent and successful so making sure I front load them with everything they need is important. Checking in on students, getting time to interact #dojochat
A2: If I'm with students, I'll take one moment to breathe. If I'm by myself I'll turn out the lights and meditate for a minute or so. I keep some lavender oil in my desk and that helps on a particularly rough day! #dojochat
A2 When I see the Ss need a reset, I'll have them take a Brain Break and do a GoNoodle activitiy. Just switching gears for a moment can release the tension in the room #dojochat
A2 More often than not I reset with my kids. We do deep breathing exercises and stretches. I do the same if I am alone usually with my door shut and lights out. If all else fails, I call my husband or sister for a pick meup. #dojochat
A2 sometimes students will ask for a reset, or I say "ya know what, I think we should start over." Depending on the mood of the class, I might ask someone to tell a joke, we might run a lap and come back, we may shake it off, stretch, or do some breathing/yoga exercises #dojochat
A2 If I need to reset then Ss probably need to as well. We will take a quick brain breakācross the midline, mindful minute. Something quick but useful. #dojochat
A3 I give thinking time to my Ss when answering questions allowing them time to phrase their answer correctly. Slowing things down allows for mindful answering. #dojochat
A3 We talk alot about being aware of our thoughts and behaviors. We then practice being mindfull. The @ClassDojo videos really help the kids about mindfulness.#dojochat
My Ss LOVE all of the Class Dojo videos. We post them to Edmodo so they can re-watch and share with parents as well as answer discussion questions. #dojochat
A3 We talk alot about being aware of our thoughts and behaviors. We then practice being mindfull. The @ClassDojo videos really help the kids about mindfulness.#dojochat
A3: Ss have learned how to meditate. Weāve also watched several videos on the health benefits of meditation and how mindfulness practices have positively affected Ss and schools. #dojochat
A4 We have breaks build into the day. If I notice they need a break before the planned time, we change things up. Sometimes just moving to the carpet or a different area of the room can allow Ss to change gears. #dojochat
Yes! I kept the overhead lights off and used lamp light only. It was SO calming. I still do this in my office now. People make fun of me, but I don't care - I'm zen! lol #DojoChat
A4 My kids can go to a comfy spot and chill for a few minutes if they need a break. If it is the whole class, we might go outside for a few minutes, play games, something to turn off their "school" brain.......lol #dojochat
A4 they will let me know, or there may be some acting out that signals it to me. If so, they know we can chat about it, discuss what works best for them #dojochat
A5: I only eat lunch with colleagues 1-2 days a week. I'm an introvert and also like to avoid focusing on the negative. I think it's important to take time to recharge how it best suits you! #dojochat
A5 I have quotes right next to my desk that I can read when things get tought. I will also write them on my teacher table during the year. I also have a great 4th grade team that I can turn to any time. #dojochat
A5 I stay positive by sharing in the excitement of our unit of study. Adding exciting elements helps me to keep being positive. ex. Just got two games of Bloxels to use in my Cubism Unit. #nerdatheart#dojochat
I think it is important that teachers be honest about those hard days. I look at those days for what they are; tough days. Like I tell my kids, "Tomorrow is a a new day." We are human and have one of the toughest jobs out there. Prayer never hurts :) #dojochat@ClassDojo
Q5 My best friend and I teach at the same school. We encourage each other everyday. My partner teacher is wonderful too! I use a lot of Joy essential oil. I also think about my kids learning a new concept and I remember why I became a teacher. #dojochat
A5: Remind yourself what a blessing it is that you have a career where every day you get to do what you love to do and prayer, lots of prayer. š #dojochat
Thank you all for an amazing #dojochat ā¤ļø Huge shout out to @paigedobbertin for the amazing topic and questions, we're excited to hear how you bring #mindfulness into your classroom tomorrow š
