Our goals are to connect grads and current students, share ideas and advice, and be inspired. #ElonEd chat brings together experienced teachers and novice teachers to discuss best practices. We see our chat as a way to mentor future teachers who are students at Elon, and anyone who wants to join us in that effort is welcome.
The #ElonEd moderators this evening are @annadamsbullock and @lbutlerstorsved. We are looking forward to the conversation! Our topic is promoting a healthy lifestyle for you and your students.
Hi everyone! I'm Emily Boynton and I'm a senior at Elon, studying elementary and special education. Getting ready to start student teaching in a resource classroom this January and couldn't be more excited! #ElonEd
Jeff Carpenter, Associate Professor & Director of the #ElonEd Teaching Fellows @ElonEdFellows
Trying to participate to the extent putting @superman to bed will allow
Can't stay for #eloned tonight, but I model healthy by celebrating 10K steps on my @fitbit each morning and also have a @FitDesk under my desk. I also have had a walking club at school the past 2 years.
Q1: Some research conducted in other countries suggested that teachers’ health is poorer than the general population. What challenges of being a teacher make living healthy difficult? #ElonEd
A1: Time! It's difficult to balance the needs of ss, demands of the job, and time for yourself! Make self care and health part of your routine! #eloned#selfcare
A1: Teachers spend their whole day at school taking care of others, so maybe it is hard for them to also take care of themselves in a healthy way #edu401#ElonEd
A1: I think that lack of time and energy is a huge factor! I mean who has the time and energy to go to the gym AND spend the time to cook a healthy meal after a full day of teaching?! Certainly not me, and I haven't even started teaching full time! #ElonEd
A1: I think that lack of time and energy is a huge factor! I mean who has the time and energy to go to the gym AND spend the time to cook a healthy meal after a full day of teaching?! Certainly not me, and I haven't even started teaching full time! #ElonEd
A1: Teachers have long, early hours, high stress, germs from students, and busy outside lives! Finding time, energy, and money to be healthy can be hard #ElonEd
A1: Teachers are always busy and “on the go” (even during lunch hour). This means that it is sometimes difficult to eat a proper meal during the day. #eloned
Q1: Some research conducted in other countries suggested that teachers’ health is poorer than the general population. What challenges of being a teacher make living healthy difficult? #ElonEd
A1: Ts struggle to find a good balance between work life and home life. It is a demanding profession and not everyone realizes that. Ts are expected meet the needs of each student and their needs vary widely. #ElonEd
A1: There is a lot of pressure put on teachers to create amazing lesson plans and activities while simultaneously creating and grading assessment. Teachers often get caught up in these standards and forget about their own health and well-being. #eloned
A2 - I think an understanding that for me to be at my best, it may become necessary to take a night off and rest. I may leave some things undone, but it will give me more mental/physical energy to be a better teacher. #ElonEd
A2: Find an accountability buddy to help you stay on track with healthy living - meeting at the gym at a certain time, or going for a walk together, or even just having dinner and NOT talking about school! #ElonEd
A2: Always carve out time for yourself. Find a hobby or passion unrelated to school and make time for it each week. Set limits or a cut off time for school work each day. There is always more that can be done but balance is necessary. #ElonEd
@roth_allie I was participating virtually in 2 EdCamps and giving my students real time feedback from that height when I went to @DigCitUtah. So cool! #eloned
A2: Don't always try to recreate the wheel. There are amazing resources out there, like teachers pay teachers, that allow you to use existing resources so you can let go and think about yourself. #eloned
A2: Since we've already established that teachers are very busy people, it's so important to take advantage of what little free time we may have to practice self care! Even if it's just for a few minutes, it makes a world of a difference in our mental and physical health! #ElonEd
A2: I feel like finding a buddy for accountability helps in any setting-making a plan to workout/relax/etc with a friend is way more likely to actually happen! #ElonEd
A1: It is so important that teachers take care of their own health. If teachers are tired, stressed and generally unwell, their performance will not be optimal. Taking time for yourself will pay dividends in the classroom. #eloned
This is super helpful! I always come home from work exhausted so figured out that I need to workout before I even going to school - I love my 4:45 workouts now! #eloned
A2: Also, TRY to leave school at school. It is easier said then done but if you can do it you will notice the difference. Time to recharge is imperative. #ElonEd
A2: Trying to eat healthier and drink more H2O! Getting enough sleep is the most important for me.. also, knowing it is OKAY to slow down and take some time for yourself. We really can't do it all, try as we might! :) #ElonEd
A2: speaking of planning periods... I’ve been getting out for quick half-hour jogs when I can. I always keep a change of clothes in my closet just in case I have some found time #eloned
A2: Don't fall into the trap of a work/life balance. Sometimes it will he work heavy. Sometimes it will be life heavy. Recognize that and be okay with backing off on the other when it happens. #eloned
A2: Ts should try and find something that helps them clear their mind! Meditate for a few minutes, read, go on a walk, etc. Meditation has really helped me even as a student! #eloned
A2: Would love to see peer-to-peer groups, support systems and programs developed and supported by school systems like we see in the private sector. Teacher-leaders have advanced Pro Dev efforts...they can do the same w/ health. #ElonEd
A2: Build strong, professional relationships with your colleagues. Your fellow teachers are in the same boat as you. Share ideas with each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or offer a helping hand, if required. #eloned
A2: Build strong, professional relationships with your colleagues. Your fellow teachers are in the same boat as you. Share ideas with each other. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance or offer a helping hand, if required. #eloned
Kind of. I make sure to cook a good and healthy meal every night- 2 servings- and eat the leftovers the next day. So it requires me to plan ahead and to take care of myself! #eloned
A3: Ss model what is happening around them. If their family members or teachers aren't encouraging healthy habits then they might not know what is considered healthy. #eloned
A3: a lot of students are over-scheduled. They are busy with activities that keep them in good physical shape, but then they don’t eat nutritious meals or get enough sleep #ElonEd
Exactly! My students are currently reading a predictable text about healthy choices to get familiar with the idea while working on reading skills #eloned
A3: And on another note, the daily fast paced craziness leads to anything that's fast - packaged food, etc. So even families who try to eat healthy don't always do so. #momguilt#ElonEd
A3: I believe that many of the same factors hinder both teachers and students from making healthy choices. Students wake up early, spend the day at school then go home to do homework or attend to other commitments. The life of a student isn’t easy either. #ElonEd
Yes to the "problem" of over scheduling and over committing, which leads to added stress and less sleep. Can produce unhealthy habits to stay afloat. #ElonEd
A3: a lot of students are over-scheduled. They are busy with activities that keep them in good physical shape, but then they don’t eat nutritious meals or get enough sleep #ElonEd
A3: Lots of similar responses to this one. Pressure. Ss are sometimes under so much pressure from things like being over-scheduled, helping raise a sibling, and so many other obstacles. #ElonEd
A3: And on another note, the daily fast paced craziness leads to anything that's fast - packaged food, etc. So even families who try to eat healthy don't always do so. #momguilt#ElonEd
A3 Sometimes our students aren't able to make choices about their lives, and would make healthy choices if they had the opportunity and resources. #eloned
A3: Peer pressure leads students to do acts they wouldn't normally do and/or know they are wrong. But they do them anyway because they want to fit in with their friends. #eloned
This is so real. When I was a middle school teacher, we actually scheduled more breaks during the day so students could go to their lockers to exchange books and not have to carry so many. #ElonEd
Exactly! My students are currently reading a predictable text about healthy choices to get familiar with the idea while working on reading skills #eloned
A3: Many of our students’ families may not be able to afford healthy food. It’s very difficult to learn and focus at school if you don’t have proper nourishment. #ElonEd
A3: I think asking students what they think being healthy means sheds light on why they may or may not be meeting their health goals (and helps us know how to help them!) #eloned
A4: Model this! Talk to them about their healthy habits. Encourage them to get out and move, but also to take breaks! Ss need to learn how to pause, and to take time for themselves, I know I do! #eloned#selfcare
A4: When I was a classroom teacher, my students and I ate popcorn and apples to celebrate. Healthier than pizza and ice-cream. When kids get free food during class, they usually don't complain. #ElonEd
A4: Ts can model healthy eating, promote mental health awareness, and an active lifestyle. Make students aware of the importance of having healthy habits. #eloned
A4: I love to bring in fresh fruits/veggies when I can for snack. They get to try new foods and they're usually asking for seconds! Connecting families with resources to get more fresh foods in the home. Modeling/discussing healthy choices #ElonEd
A3: I imagine if life outside of school isn’t reinforcing healthy lessons it will be hard. Has (I really don’t know) there been efforts to give physical education homework?...if one can be assigned math problems why not assign health habits to complete? Too much? #ElonEd
Totally support this. @AnnasClass always has healthy snacks in her room for kids who need food. (They also get the security of knowing someone cares for them at school by providing for them with no questions asked.) #ElonEd
Yeahhh! Have you tried @GoNoodle ? It is geared towards younger learners, but my 7th and 8th graders love it. Lots of opportunities for movement and mindfulness. #eloned
A4: Modeling is so important. I've also been reading about pracicing mindfulness in the classroom in #edu401. And as @TruskaChristina said, we can incorporate health education into our curriculum. #eloned
A4:Teachers can promote a healthy lifestyle for their students by modelling a healthy lifestyle. Take your students outside for breaks during the day. Practice mindfulness. https://t.co/ClqcjtpX8V#ElonEd
A4: It's also so important to keep kids moving, we can't expect them to sit still for 6 hours a day! Incorporating movement and physical activity into your instruction whenever possible will help keep students active and focused. #ElonEd
A4: Yes to modeling a healthy lifestyle. Also place an emphasis on mental health because it is SO important. Set goals with your Ss, both academic and nonacademic goals and then provide support. Ask them “how can you achieve them? How can others help you achieve them?" #ElonEd
This is a great point. My CT uses this as a rule and lets students snack when they are hungry, not during a designated time. As long as it is a whole food and not disruptive they can eat it in class. She also has some available for students without snacks. #eloned
A4: It's also so important to keep kids moving, we can't expect them to sit still for 6 hours a day! Incorporating movement and physical activity into your instruction whenever possible will help keep students active and focused. #ElonEd
YES! When I was lesson planning last week, I intentionally placed activities at certain points just so kids could get up and move to do them. Everyone needs to get up and move around often. #eloned
A3: Peer pressure leads students to do acts they wouldn't normally do and/or know they are wrong. But they do them anyway because they want to fit in with their friends. #eloned
Yes! Sometimes our brain break is just a walk around the outside of the school... fresh air and some sunlight does a world of difference, for them AND me! #eloned
YES! When I was lesson planning last week, I intentionally placed activities at certain points just so kids could get up and move to do them. Everyone needs to get up and move around often. #eloned
My students in my mixed choir like to sit in chairs...because they are available. But when I teach them, we stand and move almost the entire time! #eloned
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
I actually used GoNoodle videos with my kindergardeners last semester to practice mindfulness! They loved it and it helped them settle down and center themselves after high excitement times like lunch, recess, and specials! #ElonEd
In reply to
@roth_allie, @annadamsbullock, @mmmccarthy21
Things like fruits, veggies, nuts, etc.! Essentially whole, healthy foods that will provide students with energy and brain power to sustain them throughout the school day! #ElonEd
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
A5: I found my students were very in tune to what I ate at lunch and snacked on. Just eating healthy in front of them is a great place to start! #ElonEd
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
A5: Eating healthy foods in front of your students, drinking water instead of soda, etc. I've encouraged my kids to drink more water this year during the day (water bottles on desks/in cubbies) since they know it is one of my personal health goals. #eloned
A5 that was my suggestion. Showing healthy eating is good, talking and sharing is as well. I had great luck when I made it the curriculum in COR110. #eloned
A5: I found my students were very in tune to what I ate at lunch and snacked on. Just eating healthy in front of them is a great place to start! #ElonEd
A5: 1 of my favorite sayings is: "Be gentle with yourself"- @suschilders I think it's something we all forget. We all make mistakes in and out of the classroom. We need time to breathe. This may be tricky to model, but it's a good motto to live by! #eloned
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
A4 lots of folks are excited about mindfulness and meditation. I’d encourage developing a personal practice before making it part of your teaching practice. #ElonEd
This is a great reminder how being positive and leading with grace in our classrooms helps with the mental aspects of taking risks and having a great day. #ElonEd
A5: Just practicing healthy habits like eating healthy foods, drinking water, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep! You have to practice what you preach #ElonEd
Reminder: Drinking more water means more bathroom breaks... for students and teachers! This is a good thing, though. More movement, more breaks. #ElonEd
A5: Show students that a healthy lifestyle is one of moderation and self-awareness. In order to thrive you can not restrict yourself. By showing students all options, they are more likely to find a good balance for themselves. #eloned
Q6: I’ll make time to exercise. It’s so easy to let our busy lives get in the way of taking care of ourselves. A 30 minute run will make your next working session so much more productive. #ElonEd
A6: Drinking more water! It's so easy to reach for the iced coffee when I'm tired. I just have to remind myself that the tiredness can be a symptom of dehydration and that I probably need more water, not coffee! #Eloned
A6. Learn how to stop time or convince everyone else that time is based on your perspective, and my perspective just happens to take longer than everyone else's. #ElonEd
A6: All that talk about water made me realize I dont’t drink nearly enough of it. It also made me thirsty! I’m going to set and achieve a water intake goal this week! #ElonEd
A6: I really need to start turning off my phone and laptop at a reasonable time and reading a book before bed instead... I know it's affecting the quality of my sleep but social media and Netflix are just too addicting... #ElonEd
A6: I plan on reading books and brushing up on my flora and fauna identification. Oh and spend less time thinking about the future and more on the present! #eloned
I have done one walking meeting a year ago, and it was wonderful. I cannot believe I haven't done one since. Goal: Walking meetings this week. Get ready, @nhunnicutt12. #ElonEd
Agreed! I swear I must spend 95% of the time stressing about student, licensure exams, grad school, and the job search.. I need to enjoy my last year of college! #Eloned
Thank you for participating in tonight’s #ElonEd chat! The next chat is on 12/10/17 and will be moderated by ABSS superintendent @wch33 and ABSS teacher @MrDpasion.
Thank you for participating in tonight’s #ElonEd chat! The next chat is on 12/10/17 and will be moderated by ABSS superintendent @wch33 and ABSS teacher @MrDpasion.
Very thankful that I finally participated in an #ElonEd chat tonight! I've followed it for weeks and never got around to participating. I love that we have such a prestigious School of Ed right here in #alamancecounty
@LButlerStorsved and I are going to drink water and go to sleep so we can be super rested for the week. Have a great evening everyone! Over and out from the CRC #ElonEd
Thanks to the awesome dean of the @elonuniversity School of Education, @annadamsbullock & her excellent co-moderator for leading our #ElonEd chat this evening
