Well, it is time to bid adieu to our technology class. It was incredible seeing all of my fellow classmates' Digital Portfolios and all of the care and creativity that went into their Genius Hour projects! Considering how intimidated most of us were at the prospect of embracing technology into our lives... I think we came out on the other side victorious!
I must admit I learned a great deal from my own research and this project has transitioned from a mere experiment into (hopefully) a new lifestyle. I'm so glad I decided to research mindfulness on a whim, I encourage you to evaluate the potential value it has to offer for you as an educator and for your future students.
[Tedx Talks] (2015, May 21). Why Aren't We Teaching You Mindfulness [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/-yJPcdiLEkI
Okay, so now I know what in the wordle ;) these things are called! I loved picking out the big words that have stuck with me over the course of creating my digital portfolio and my genius hour project. So much of how we live our life depends on our perspective and our ability to slow down, breathe and be present! I love the juxtaposition of chaos with all of the calm and beautiful words that have stemmed from this mindfulness project.
I remember the first week of my technology course.. I was not optimistic. I have been rather resistant to technological advances in my personal life so the thought of incorporating more technology into my professional life was absurd! Tweeting? Blogging? Ha!
Flashback to Gamification. I am in love with this concept to this day! I cannot wait to implement gaming strategies into my own classroom.
Also surprising? I have found myself on twitter fairly often recently as the American election draws near (back channeling is my new favourite pastime!) Who doesn't love seeing impassioned Americans rant during a debate?
Like the technology wizard Dave said... The class is what YOU make it, and your attitude will impact your enjoyment of the course. I actually did learn a lot and have added a number of resources to my virtual goody bag of teacher things! How ironic that I decided to study how my attitude impacts my life for my Genius Hour project? I have actually decided to extend this project into my cohort inquiry project over my placement in January. I stumbled across the new MindUP curriculum this week and will be investigating how mindfulness can impact my students' mental health!
[Thehawnfoundation] (2011, May 18). The Hawn Foundation - The MindUp Program [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/tAo_ZSmjLJ4
Every time I hear the voice of James Earl Jones I shudder like the Hyenas in the Lion King thinking of Mufasa. What a rich and beautiful thespian-esque voice that man has! OF COURSE he tells the best stories! Enjoy listening to this beautiful book and his beautiful voice. Please take my quiz too!
A different perspective on managing behavioural challenges in the classroom. In my experience, managing emotions is not an easy task for any child! Can meditation, breathing, pausing and reflecting effectively impact negative behaviours?
The more I study mindfulness and practice it in my daily life, the more I am realizing what specifically is beneficial. I found the daily Instagram challenge frustrating. It became more of a chore than a benefit so I decided to modify it. Instead of daily posts, I post when the urge strikes me to do so. This maintains an organic intention that was lacking in a regimented schedule.
There were three major sources that impacted my mindfulness journey over the past week. I found a picture on Pinterest that suggested adapting a short daily routine to follow before getting out of bed. Starting off your day with goals and happy thoughts brings a smile to your face without really trying.
1. Express Gratitude
2. Set your daily intentions
3. Take five long deep breaths
4. Smile!
5. Forgive yourself for yesterday's mistakes
Gratitude has been a strong recurring theme for me during this process. It's amazing how much slowing down, and reflecting on the positive little or big things in your life can impact your outlook.
I suggest watching this TED talk by Benedictine Monk David Steindl-Rast. Of course he isn't preaching a new message, but the method by which he suggests pursuing gratitude is to "stop, look, then go." Build intentional stop signs in your life that remind you to pause and reflect. Look around at your surroundings, the people in your lives and all there is to enjoy. And finally, go, and really do something to spread the joy!
[Ted] (2013, November 27). Want to be happy? Be grateful [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/UtBsl3j0YRQ?list=PL1J9RD0NRtrDBRvuKEa7pcjZ8zuTWRLjp
This talk brought to light an issue I have with mindfulness in general. Mindfulness, in my experience thus far, is very inward and individualistically focused. It is of little benefit if we don't let it impact our behaviour, not just our attitude.
This is another article I honed in on this week. I have been listening to all of my favourite Musicals, not sure why they came up one day, but as soon as I put my Sound of Music album on... there was no turning back. Listening to your favourite toons = mood boost for sure! This song has become my Teacher's College Mantra. There is a weight of responsibility that comes with becoming a teacher, but I'm up for the challenge. #Ihaveconfidence
[Gabrielle Staron] (2013, March 24) The Sound of Music - 05 I Have Confidence [Video File] Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9PX9SIQdCjs
This week I created a calendar to track my progress for my Genius Hour Project. I am marking down what activities I did on a specific day, rating its effectiveness on a scale from one to ten, and including notes about how it impacted my energy level or mood.
I had originally selected an Instagram challenge template on pinterest but I found it a little bit limiting so I'm going to just take snapshots of moments throughout the day that are reflective, fun, happy, or inspiring.
I tweeted out to the twitterverse today to see how they practice mindfulness but I have yet to get any responses. I hope to glean from other people's experiences or resources. I have never done any research on mindfulness or participated in any mindfulness activities so I hope this project will also give me some incite into that practice. My favourite resource from this week was the plickers activity! I would love to incorporate the use of plickers into the classroom in the future. I can still relate to kids who are afraid of giving the wrong answer! That's why I love collaboration, you get a chance to support your ideas after you hear from other what they thought, but more importantly you can learn from their perspective too! The plickers would be a great resource to include for activities where students would appreciate a level of anonymity.
This week I want to read some articles on Mindfulness and tweak my project if need be. I leave you with a laugh, or what I hope will produce a laugh! #calvinandhobbesforever
Watterson, Bill. (2013, October 23). Calvin and Hobbes [Online Image]. Retrieved by http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2013/10/23
