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I have been taking frequent walks with my daughters and our two dogs, trying to relieve stress, get exercise and vitamin D.  I talk with my mom and sister daily to check on one another.  I stay in contact with my grade level team and students through email, google classroom, and Zoom.  I had a meeting last week, where 9 students attended.  We played a word game with Easter eggs which they loved, and I read a book to them.  It was wonderful seeing their sweet faces.  I'm trying to spend more time reading the Bible and other inspiring books.

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Angelique Burris           Connect with the right before redirecting with your left - OMG!  The six communication steps are so powerful.  I definitely need to practice daily.  I think this will help at home and in all of our relationships.                  

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Angelique Burris           Connect with the right before redirecting with your left - OMG!  The six communication steps are so powerful.  I definitely need to practice daily.  I think this will help at home and in all of our relationships.                  

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I have tried to keep a normal schedule and taking my dog for longer walks when it's been really pretty outside has helped. Also taking frequent breaks from looking at the computer has helped.

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I have tried to get up in the morning like usual and get the kids up as usual.  I let the sunshine in each day and go outside each day for a few hours.

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I try to stay on a schedule. I make coffee, open my blinds and sit outside every morning. Every afternoon I take my son outside to play. We keep the TV off until the evening. I try to keep my home cleaned up and uncluttered. I read a lot. I like to read research articles and informational text. Lately, I have been reading a lot. I keep in touch with people and chat with friends daily. There are other things that I want to do to practice self-care. My hope is that over the next few days/weeks I can implement other things to keep myself calm and positive during this time. This is definitely hard, but we are making it.

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My barn is still open. THANK GOODNESS! So I have been going there everyday even if it is just to hang out in the stall with my horse. I also take walks each day. It has also been very helpful to create morning meeting videos for my kiddos. This helps me feel connected to them which helps me with my anxiety surrounding this situation. Playing is a huge part of our day at school. We all do it, just in our own way. Keeping that "play" at home helps me stay focused on the positive.

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I have been taking walks everyday so I can get out of the house and see all the trees and flowers blooming. It helps me realize that while a lot is changing around me spring is here and my joy of that can't be taken away. My faith has really held our family together during this time, especially with my husband's job and the anxiety it brings each day.

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My anxiety has been something I struggled/battle my entire life. It's something I've worked hard to "cope" with, which I feel has made me a better EC teacher. That being said, due to the current situation, it has been very high. However, during this season I have a sweet little girl growing inside and that's where I've found JOY (in spite of the difficulties we are facing). God knew I would need her to get through this - this week we are starting to feel her sweet little kicks! Cue all the feelings! :) I also take time to "turn off" school. I focus on my husband and our energetic pups. I sit on our porch swing and listen to lots of worship music. My husband has taught me the faith of a mustard seed... this too shall pass. I pray for that, daily.

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I have been trying to set goals for each day so I can stay focused. Right now I am with my mom taking care of her and between that and school work it definitely keeps me busy. I did take a walk yesterday and that helped calm me.

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Opening the blinds around the house! So helpful to get the day started with some natural light. 

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Opening the blinds around the house! So helpful to get the day started with some natural light. 

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Some of the things that I have been doing is praying and remembering to keep my faith strong. I have also been running and walking a trail and sometimes I get lost in my thoughts about what I plan to change and do once this is all over. I spend a lot of time trying to keep my nephews encouraged because they are struggling too. Most of all I am trying to keep a lot of positive vibes. I have been practicing zooming. Can't wait to zoom with my class! I am praying for everyone! I am really ready to go back to my classroom with my kids! Again praying for everyone and hoping everyone is staying safe and positive!

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I have felt comfort knowing we have a prayer chain going now.

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I have been practicing deep breathing also. My family has been having our own Zoom meetings since we can’t all be together. A defense mechanism I have always used in “worrisome “ times is to find the positive and humor in things. I’ve also learned to step back, process, and put things in perspective.
I have been so thankful for our school family during this time.  It seems that we have become even closer as we all work together for our students and their families. My hope is that when we come out of all of this we remain as caring and supportive as we are now.  Breathe deep, smlle, and be kind.

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Sometimes I do forget to breathe! It's rush all day. Now that I'm forced to stay in one place, being still has been forced upon me. And there have been positives. I try to begin each day thinking of 3 things, people, situations that I am grateful for. It's easy to forget in this chaotic mess we're living through where so much shifts from day to day.  So much information to be absorbed and sifting through to find what's important. What's important? People. Safety. Knowing I'm loved. I live alone, so Messenger, text and phone calls are my life lines. I try not to worry. What can I do? Nothing. I mean I can't change the situations around me. I can only control what I do, what I think and how I think. And I pray everyday. For all of us. Especially for my students who are at home coping too. I try to keep negativity at bay by reaching out so I don't live in my head too much. I just got a Message from my d.i.l. and son in Japan. They're going to dinner while I get up. He grew a mustache and won an award for it at his work. Humor is so important when times are stressful. I sit out on my patio and smile at my neighbors (yes, more than 6 feet away!)

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Sometimes I do forget to breathe! It's rush all day. Now that I'm forced to stay in one place, being still has been forced upon me. And there have been positives. I try to begin each day thinking of 3 things, people, situations that I am grateful for. It's easy to forget in this chaotic mess we're living through where so much shifts from day to day.  So much information to be absorbed and sifting through to find what's important. What's important? People. Safety. Knowing I'm loved. I live alone, so Messenger, text and phone calls are my life lines. I try not to worry. What can I do? Nothing. I mean I can't change the situations around me. I can only control what I do, what I think and how I think. And I pray everyday. For all of us. Especially for my students who are at home coping too. I try to keep negativity at bay by reaching out so I don't live in my head too much. I just got a Message from my d.i.l. and son in Japan. They're going to dinner while I get up. He grew a mustache and won an award for it at his work. Humor is so important when times are stressful. I sit out on my patio and smile at my neighbors (yes, more than 6 feet away!)

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I'm focusing on finding fun, interesting activities & lessons for my students.

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I have really been trying to find the positives each day. I have been enjoying the extra time that I have been able to spend with Riddick and being able to see some things he is doing for the first time that I may have missed while he was a daycare. We have been able to spend a lot of family time together going on walks and eating meals together. The big thing we are trying to do is to put technology up at a certain time and get outside and catch up on shows/movies we have wanted to watch. I miss my students and have enjoyed getting to talk with them on the phone and even do some teaching though FaceTime to help a student with their math (this made me feel like a teacher again.)  It has been a hard getting used to the new "normal" but I know at the end of the day staying at home is what is best for everyone, but I look forward to seeing my students, family, and friends face to face instead of through a screen.

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I’ve enjoyed the time at home with my husband....even though he’s ready for me to go back to work! Lol. I stay busy taking care of all the reptiles and the neighborhood children who show up at my door EVERYDAY to get a popsicle...I sort of started something a long time ago and now it’s just expected that I have them! 😂 I started walking each evening when it’s nice.... and all the kids follow me on their bikes!  I talk with parents weekly and we had our first zoom meeting today which was so fun!  I swear all my boys have long hair!  It’s definitely different... but I always see the positives!😊

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I have been leaning on my faith a lot more lately.  My pastor posts a new message on Facebook each morning, along with a bible verse.  These messages have been extremely encouraging and have helped me to focus on the fact that God is in control, and He will lead us through this unsettling time.  I'm trying to stay positive, and be thankful for my blessings.  I do miss my parents terribly.  I know it is best not to visit them, but it is hard.  I try to stay busy, go for drives in the country with my husband (we don't get out of the car!), and limit the amount of time I spend watching and listening to the news.  It is comforting to zoom with my Literacy Teacher colleagues on a regular basis (isn't it funny how zoom has become a verb we use in quite a different way now?!)  I truly miss my students, miss teaching them, and miss the staff at  Chapel Grove.  You all are amazing!  

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I have been leaning on my faith a lot more lately.  My pastor posts a new message on Facebook each morning, along with a bible verse.  These messages have been extremely encouraging and have helped me to focus on the fact that God is in control, and He will lead us through this unsettling time.  I'm trying to stay positive, and be thankful for my blessings.  I do miss my parents terribly.  I know it is best not to visit them, but it is hard.  I try to stay busy, go for drives in the country with my husband (we don't get out of the car!), and limit the amount of time I spend watching and listening to the news.  It is comforting to zoom with my Literacy Teacher colleagues on a regular basis (isn't it funny how zoom has become a verb we use in quite a different way now?!)  I truly miss my students, miss teaching them, and miss the staff at  Chapel Grove.  You all are amazing!  

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I have been trying to see the positive in this scenario.  Even though we are somewhat confined, I have had dinner with my family every night at the dinner table.  Although we all miss our activities and friends and family, we are blessed to have the four of us together. We laugh and make the best of what our situation is.
I try and remember those blessings, we have a yard and house where we can all separate when needed.  I try to spend as much time outside and continue to workout, which helps keep me sane.  I have tried to reach out in different ways to help staff and students and parents during this time.  It is hard not to see all the kids and I certainly do not enjoy trying to do my job from home, however if I focus on the blessings and continue to pray and thank god  I know we will all get through this.

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When the weather is pretty, my husband and I will go walk in the neighborhood or the park. I’ve done zoom meetings with some of my students and parents.  It’s so interesting to see the students interact with each other.  It’s funny, but when we are at work, we say we want to be at home... when we are at home, we want to be at school.  I’ve miss my students so much.  Just wish we can get back to normal routine.  Not only do I miss my students, but I miss the staff as well.  Hang in there everyone!

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I've been spending more time outside- walking the trail that's near my house. It's been really hard sticking to a routine. I make a schedule/to do list everyday, and try to stick to it. That seems to help some. I keep in touch with my parents/students weekly- I check on them to make sure everything is going well, & to see if they need anything. I'm Just trying to keep a positive attitude.

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Just try to have funny conversations with people and family members. Watch funny videos made about the situation. I try not to over react to anything. I also laugh at myself for dumb things I might say or do. My family is pretty good at laughing at me.

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It's hard to keep things as light as possible, especially when you hear multiple children say they wish they were back in school. I have been trying to keep things as positive as I can and stay in contact with my students through GoogleVoice, Zoom, and some silly extra posts on GoogleClassroom to get them talking through the comments. At home I've found that setting a specific time to put work away has been helpful. It allows me to spend time with my family and get away from the computer screen.

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My favorite movie when I was little was Pollyanna.  It was an older movie that my mom played for me a lot. I watched it the other day with Aleigha and Ben and was reminded of the Glad Game.  The game was to find something to be glad about in every situation. I've tried doing that daily when I am feeling down.
This time has allowed me to SLOW DOWN. I cook more, spend more time with my family outdoors, play family games, and just enjoy their company. It has also allowed me connect with my students and their families through ClassDojo and Seesaw.
I've also been able to discover new tools that I am excited to bring back to my classroom.

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This has honestly been a tough time for me. I miss being in the classroom. I miss our kiddos and seeing the smiles on their little faces everyday. I have enjoyed being at Chapel Grove as well as in the Kindergarten classroom teaching with Mrs. Mullinax and Mrs. Brown. It breaks my heart knowing that I am unable to end my student teaching in the classroom physically, with everyone present.
(I am still working on assignments for my seminar class and communicating with peers and professors daily.)
As this time has been a bit challenging for us all, I have been trying my best to get some sort of workout in each day to help prevent the trigger from going off due to the current situation. I have also been spending a lot more time with my family which was much needed. I also have days where I just have to take a minute, walk away, and breathe. I haven't been able to contact/communicate with students and parents as much as I would like to since we have been out of school. I have posted a few videos on dojo as well as sent students feedback on seesaw. I plan on continuing with videos, and audio feedback as well as typed feedback or comments for students and parents to stay in contact. Just taking things day by day, trying my best not to stress or worry.

I am thinking of you all along with our students and families at Chapel Grove. Hang in there. (:

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I’ve been trying to stay in contact with my kids and their families with Google Voice. Going to zoom with them on Friday. I’ve also been messaging with a friend at another school.   I plan to read to my students and upload it onto my web page and treat it like a literacy lesson asking questions to model for the parents the best way to interact with the kids while they read to their child.
The one good thing I can say is that I try to see the good in every situation (even this one).  This gives me time to focus on my lessons and improving my teaching skills. I’ve been able to reflect on past lessons and years and can see where I want to be and what I can do if I put my mind to it.  So now I will focus on those things and working on ME so that I can be a better teacher and friend.

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I find myself praying more than ever and avoiding the news . We’ve been walking which has helped maintain a better balance of body & mind . I’ve been made some parent contacts - which just talking to the parents and finding out how their children are doing makes me feel better . It’s a sad time , but we’ve gotta stay strong and persevere  together at a “Social Distance” 😊

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My family goes outside each day and we set goals for activities that we would like to complete. Also, each day I make sure that I check on family who I cannot visit now. My students' families and I have been staying in touch and have been supporting one another with reassuring and kind words. Just knowing someone else cares means so much.

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This time has been especially challenging for me to turn away from the negative. It seems like when things start to hit the fan it all goes flying! I am so heartbroken we don't see our kiddos each day because I thrive off that interaction! Thankfully I have normalcy in my schedule as I continue with college classes and communicating with my students as much as possible and it is so uplifting to see their smiles. Rex and I have picked up the hobby of tennis which is great! Love the sunshine(: I have also been doing weekly video sessions with my therapist which helps keep things flowing.

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I have been walking everyday just enjoying the weather a

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I have been walking everyday just enjoying the weather a

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I have been just trying to see the good in the situation. This has allowed me to spend extra time with the baby and she does not have to go to daycare. I also have had extra time to spend with Beckham during the day. That is time I can never get back. We have been playing outside a lot, taking family walks, and watching a lot more movies.
I am in constant contact with my students and I hear from several of them daily.

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I have been Zooming with parents and children.
Facebook live with my other students. I love how surprised they are to see me and asking how they are doing. I have been google chatting with first grade team everyday. I have been walking 3 miles a day. Reading books on my kindle and hanging out with my dogs and husband.

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I have been walking everyday, this helps to have time to myself, so that I can think and relieve stress. I have also enjoyed spending time with my family and since we have some beautiful weather, we have enjoyed getting outdoors.

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I look for things to share with others such as the mothers prayer I shared last Sunday in workplace . It's nice to know that other people are feeling the same. It's also nice to laugh at what is happening to other educators because it happening to me too and to know we are not alone in this  all across the country.
I have two first res-ponders at my house and it makes me nervous everyday they go to work. So I have been walking 4 miles a day to help with the stress,just breathe ,take in the beauty of spring and think this too shall pass....

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During this time, I really wish I could be at school. When I talk with my parents they are curious as to why I worked at school so long when I could have worked from home, but what they don't seem to understand is that I love my school and my job. Having to stay at home these past couple days has created stress and my smart watch seems to constantly be telling me to stop and breathe. Mudge and I take walks around the complex, though my allergies want me not to. I have also gotten back into yoga. I used to do yoga a lot when I was in college, but I let it go when I moved down to NC. Now is the perfect time to give myself a moment of peace (even if Mudge is trying to lick my face every 3 seconds).

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We have enjoyed family time...it has been a calming source for our entire family.

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We have enjoyed family time...it has been a calming source for our entire family.

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My husband and I have been cooking dinner together each night and then we try to watch a show, walk through the neighborhood, or play with the dogs in the yard. I try to listen to music as a distraction as well.