Blog Archives

#WhyIExercise

6/28/2016

I’ve been waiting to write this blog for some time now. Since I’ve been on Twitter, about a year, I’ve noticed that a lot of educators are actively engaged in fitness. My curious mind really wanted to know more. So . . . let’s get our WOD on. (Ask a Crossfitter.)

#GoogleForm
First, I created a Google Form and posted it on Twitter to get responses. The survey started with some general questions: job title, years in education, and types of fitness activities participants engaged in. Then, I asked some open-ended questions. The 45 educators that responded were candid, thoughtful, and extremely relevant in their mindsets. Take a peek at the first set of questions.

That's some serious experience! Seems like a pretty good cross-section of jobs in education. Notice the running and walking trends? And I really wonder what types of "other" fitness activities are taking place. Could be another survey.

Now let's get to the real meat of the survey. My first step in analyzing the data was to cut and paste the responses into a word cloud generator. Take a look at the most commonly used words and phrases.

The open-ended questions were super insightful. I honestly could have recorded any one of them here, but for the sake of space, I chose 6 from each.

#Why do you exercise?

“I exercise for the physical fitness but it also serves as an outlet from the stressors within our profession and provides the time I need for reflection. Exercise allows time for me to establish goals and a plan for how to achieve them.” @matthew_arend
“Exercise is a big part of my life. It is about energy management and mood. I find that when I'm in a solid fitness regimen, my overall happiness levels increase and I have the energy to be effective at school and home. I'm responsible for 493 children (two of them biological) and they deserve my best. Exercise ensures that I'm on my game.” @MrCourington53
“My morning run is my happy place. It gives me a chance to prepare for my day and provides a sense of accomplishment. I have learned how to set goals and achieve them with persistence. It also models the importance of balance for others!” @Laura_Jennaro
“I started exercising 5 years ago to lose weight. I lost 40 pounds and have stayed at my current weight for the last 3.5 years. I continue exercising because I enjoy it! I ride my bike to work, go on runs and hikes with my dogs, and just take in nature.” @Johannabrown
"Enjoyment, be a role model, compete." @andycolstonhpe
"To keep relatively fit and to spend time outside. Reduces stress and increases appreciation for nature and non-tangibles like friendship and mental growth." @DrHirschmann

#What impact do you think an educator’s health/fitness has on their job performance?

"The impact of health is huge. The life of an educator is demanding. You are constantly acting in the service of others and need to be at your best to do so." @MrCouringtom53
“The more balanced we feel, the better we take care of ourselves, the better educators we are.” @teresagross625
“When you exercise, you have a positive outlook, you have the stamina to endure the whole day of teaching as well as less incidence of absenteeism, lots of energy to share with students, and most of all, you feel good with yourself.” @rizzapiccio
“It has everything to do with job performance! It keeps your brain clear and focused. It helps you stay on your feet all day, and it also helps you make better food choices at work.” @Lisa_drye
“Tons. It keeps us alert, positive, and we can be role models for our students.” @ajmerritt
“My workouts are a barometer of my stress at work. I know that if my lifts are suffering or I'm tired in class, I've been struggling too much at work. The more I can get to the gym to work out the better I feel overall.” @Ms_corcoran_207

#Please share a motivational tip.

“From Ray Lewis: I'm pissed off for greatness. If you aren't pissed off for greatness, then you're okay with being mediocre. And no man is okay with being basic.” @LoadmanHHS
“Don’t get overwhelmed by the need for a 60 min workout. A 10 minute walk is still better than 10 minutes on the couch.” @msventurino
"’Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you've eaten.’ I forget who said this. It is a poster in my gym locker room.” @SusMcCand
“This is what I tell my children when they try to resist eating something healthy or doing something physical: ‘Your body says thank you.’" @maryterry2015
"'You can do it!' in my best Waterboy accent." @seanathom
"When your body is ready to quit, your brain must push you forward! It's all in your head!" @SMAnderson4

#FinalThoughts
As we can see, we educators are pretty passionate about fitness. In a profession that requires us to be on top of our game, it's vital that we take care of ourselves. Whether it's a brisk walk, a Spartan Run, a hike in nature, or an intense weight lifting session, taking care of our physical bodies will enable us to maintain a healthy mind as well. As @RaRaPenquin wrote, "It's that little extra that makes the difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary." It's time, dear friends, to be extra-ordinary for our families, for our students, for ourselves.

#HashtagsToFollow
A couple of great hashtags to follow are #FitnessEdu, #FitLeaders, and #EduHike.

And my personal motto, #HealthyBodyHealthyMind.

Live it out everyday because our kids are watching . . . #HustleAndHeart

It's time to get fit!!!
Marilyn . . .

1 Comment

#StarbucksMyroom

6/19/2016

5 Comments

I know we’re just finishing up the school year, but my mind is already spinning with ideas for 2016-2017. First and foremost, a classroom redesign. Without further ado, let’s get started.

#Inspiration

As I’ve been on Twitter for a year now, one of the most inspiring aspects of it is sharing and encouraging growth in others. I’ve spent hours reading blogs and educational articles. One of the first ones I came across was an Edutopia blog on flexible seating and creating a student-centered classroom by Kayla Delzer. In her blog, she shares how she decided to “ditch desks” and create a 21st century environment that encourages collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Kayla did extensive research on the benefits for kids. Besides the obvious, the classroom is more inviting, she found that the classroom redesign also encouraged a mindshift on the part of the teacher. Embracing the new room, teacher’s philosophies also changed. In particular, teachers created a student-led, self-aware, empowered classroom.

Catlin Tucker, a classroom teacher, speaker, and author, has also been a source of inspiration. In her blog “Classroom Furniture: Does it Improve or Impede Learning?” Catlin shares how classroom furniture is generally bought in bulk and has a “ones-size-fits-all mentality.” In that vain, if we are to meet the needs of our 21st century learners, sitting in rows sends the message that the room is designed for students to listen to the teacher. In contrast, if desks and tables formed groupings and students were allowed to choose their prefered seating, what message would that send? The hopes Catlin and I have is one that encourages meaningful group work, building of relationships, and a sense of ownership. This is OUR room!

Finally, Oskar Cymerman put out a challenge to #StarbucksMyRoom. In his blog, he challenged teachers to create a Starbucks like environment. One where seating options were varied and 21st century skills can be mastered. The ultimate challenge is to do the redesign spending zero dollars. I signed up, of course. If I hadn’t already had the idea on my radar, Oskar’s enthusiasm alone would have sold me. The redesign was already on my list for the new year. But how would I get the funding?

Before I forget, here are the links to the blogs mentioned above:

Kayla Delzer @TopDogTeaching
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flexible-seating-student-centered-classroom-kayla-delzer

Catlin Tucker @Catlin_Tucker
http://catlintucker.com/2016/04/classroom-furniture/

Oskar Cymerman @Focus2Achieve
http://www.focus2achieve.com/blog/2016/6/2/starbucks-my-classroom-project-the-master-plan

#MyRedesign

I have to say, I love my classroom. It’s always been full of color: bright pink, purple, blue, and green. And for two years now I’ve practiced, and preached, the 4Cs of Common Core. I’ve been intentional about group work, providing choice, student-led presentations, and incorporating elements of the design cycle. All of these involve students moving around the classroom, engaging in discussions, and a lot of trust. Take a look at some of my students hard at work and following my motto, “We can learn and have fun at the same time.”

So what do I want to change? Did you notice the large red table? I’d like to swap that out with a wooden farmer’s table and benches. I already have a rustic theme. My students and I painted wooden stools this year. As a matter of fact, I’d like to replace the two rectangular tables behind the red table for tall tables that will house the four stools. (Oh, students use the stools as table tops when they’re on their chromebooks or using their whiteboards in math.) In the front of the room, I’d like to swap out a work table for a park bench. This will be great for students working together editing their writing, planning a presentation, or coding with a classmate. I have another work table that is rarely used that I’d like to replace with a two person bistro table. (Oh, I have a wrought-iron one outside that students love! They even placed a poinsettia on it during Christmas.) I’d also like to get some“sit fit cushions.” A Twitter friend, Stephanie Ranger @StephWardRanger, introduced them to me. They are plastic round disks filled with air that students can sit on. I think they’d be perfect when students want to work outside. Stephanie has been a source of inspiration and guidance with me. (Power of the PLN.) We have great weather here in the Imperial Valley, well except for summer when our highs are 115, but other than that, great weather for outside seating.

For now, my plan is to redesign the perimeter of the classroom. If all goes well, then next year I will consider student desks. As with everything, it’s a process. At the end of the day, I want to create a relevant environment that encourages meaningful learning, strengthen relationships between my students and myself, and create confident, independent learners.

#Funding

So, back to Oskar’s zero dollars from my pocket. I’m applying for a grant from our local El Centro Education Foundation. They’re a generous group that funds innovative academic endeavors. I have my fingers crossed that they’ll embrace flexible seating and the #StarbucksMyRoom as much as the rest of us have.

Time for a mocha,
Marilyn . . .

All the products listed are from IKEA

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Welcome to my blog. I'm an 80's girl embracing being a 21st century tech-girl with the help of my amazing sixth graders. Join us as we journey through sixth grade.

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