December 2022 Family Time Padlet - Year 1 by Rikki Benjamin

Before Reading

2022-12-12 12:10:40 UTC

I think this book might help people to realize that when we multi-task, we aren't really experiencing and enjoying life and building relationships with those around us. Society tells us to get more and more done each day, but we lose the personal connections when this happens (and we often don't do the best job we could when completing tasks, either)

Yay!

2022-12-12 12:11:06 UTC

I got my National Board renewal results this weekend, and I maintained!

Appreciating what you have...

2022-12-12 12:13:07 UTC

It's easy as a coach to focus on the things that could be improved (as this is often what admin wants us to focus on), but it really helps to focus on all the great things happening at your school too!

Before:

2022-12-12 13:07:54 UTC

Just by looking at the cover and title, it makes me that that the story is going to be about really noticing what's around you. The character looks to be totally surrounded by nature and very present. I think that the purpose of the story is going to be to help us really see and experience what is around us.

After:

2022-12-12 13:12:46 UTC

I feel like the theme of this story is very simple, but is very challenging. The part that struck me the most is when it said to focus on what's happening now, instead of thinking about what's next. As an adult, and especially working in the education field, I feel like so much is focused on the next hour, day, week, etc. that it is very challenging to focus on the now.

Celebration:

2022-12-12 13:14:07 UTC

We had amazing school Christmas programs this past week, we watched an amazing Christmas cantata last night, and my children are in our church program this week. I love this time of year!

Wish

2022-12-12 13:18:13 UTC

While I love this time of year, there's always a little heaviness on my heart too when I think about people who have lost loved ones the past year and are experiencing the "first" with their absence. I lost my daddy a few weeks before Thanksgiving when I was in college and I always think about how tough the holidays were that year. So extra prayers for anyone hurting this holiday season.

Before: The character is literally immersed in their environment. I think that is what this book is about...being present in every moment. The character is surrounded by nature. I think that tells us to slow down and enjoy what is around us. We don't need all this fancy stuff, there is beauty in the natural world.

2022-12-12 13:20:45 UTC

After:

2022-12-12 13:29:51 UTC

I love the theme of the story. I try to be present in every day. I have actually made it my mission to be more conscious about how present I am. These quotes from the story really stuck with me and how it relates to my coaching cycle. " Listen carefully when other people are speaking." "Notice when someone needs help and take the time to give them the help that they need." "Treat each new experience as an opportunity." "Making mistakes is how we learn and grow." And the biggest one is "Appreciate what you have, even if you think someone has it better." I really struggle with this because sometimes I feel so lost and overwhelmed in this new world of coaching and I sometimes compare myself with how others are doing it or how they are handling situations.

Celebration:

2022-12-12 13:33:53 UTC

Found out this weekend that I am getting a new niece! So excited for this new little life that I get to spoil and give back! :) Also, we haven't had our big family Christmas bash with all the cousins and aunts and uncles since Covid started. We were able to all join back together this weekend and it was so good seeing family members that you may not see that much! I love this time of year!

Well Wish

2022-12-12 13:37:19 UTC

There are so many people that are sick and hurting during this time of year. So many people that have lost loved ones and going through so many firsts without their loved ones. My heart goes out to them and wishes that they can find peace and comfort during this time.

Before predictions

2022-12-12 13:38:16 UTC

Just looking at the cover the child is surrounded by nature and the title says "What Does it Mean to be Present" so I'm predicting this will be about taking notice of what's around you and just being in the moment.

By looking at the cover, it makes me think that sometimes people are used to hiding, but that when you are actually "present", then you notice things around you.

2022-12-12 13:39:27 UTC

My prediction is that this book will be about paying attention to what is important in our lives. Paying attention to the people, the world around us.

2022-12-12 13:39:46 UTC

It's nice to think about being present in a positive way, instead of focusing on negative things. Sometimes in coaching, we get bogged down with trying to help teachers make corrections. It's nice to see the positives of being present.

2022-12-12 13:41:32 UTC

We get so busy that sometimes we don't focus on what is really important - people. This theme reminds us to celebrate the people around us- fellow teachers, our students, our family. Celebrate the little wins, show grace to everyone, and live in the moment because every moment is precious.

2022-12-12 13:42:32 UTC

Except for TWO MORE GIFTS, I'm finished with my Christmas shopping! Yay!

2022-12-12 13:42:37 UTC

I did a float for our top readers at the middle school and elementary school in our town Christmas parade. It won 2nd place. The kids were so excited to ride in the parade.

2022-12-12 13:44:08 UTC

My prediction is that it'll be about children learning to be patient and to enjoy the moments they're in even if it's not exactly what they want to do.

2022-12-12 13:44:11 UTC

Coaching can be so hectic and overwhelming, but I must stop to breathe and realize that we have the power and privilege to better the lives of every soul in the school. It's definitely worth remembering in the midst of chaotic schedules.

2022-12-12 13:46:07 UTC

After the reading

2022-12-12 13:46:24 UTC

I can relate my coaching to this story as this time of year there are so many things to get done between holiday celebrations, mid year assessments, and SLO's. This story helps remind me to not only be present and find joy in these moments but to help my teachers take a moment to be in the moment to process and know that we will get through these different things and to enjoy the moments with the students before going on break.

I got to have a date with my husband last night while the kids went to youth group.

2022-12-12 13:47:48 UTC

Praying for a young newly widowed neighbor with a baby. It'll be their first Christmas without her husband.

2022-12-12 13:48:36 UTC

Prediction:

2022-12-12 13:51:34 UTC

I think the book will be about paying attention to and appreciating the small moments.

After reading

2022-12-12 13:57:44 UTC

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in completing the must do's that I forget to celebrate the progress I do see with individual teachers and students. I try to recognize growth, but I need to make time to do it regularly.

2022-12-12 13:59:48 UTC

Praying for a high school junior who has been in ICU for 3 weeks with lung issues.

My god daughter spent a whole week with us! She will be 2 in January. It was wonderful, but I'm exhausted:-)

2022-12-12 14:03:56 UTC

I think the book will be about how you can enjoy things by being present and only focusing on what is happening at that particular time.

2022-12-12 14:05:32 UTC

My teachers have been stressing due to MAP testing, common assessment, and report cards all being due around the same time. I've suggested numerous ways to help them organize their time. I have taken the time as well to check in on them emotionally and filled their buckets to help them make it through.

2022-12-12 14:08:30 UTC

2022-12-12 14:18:18 UTC

The story seems like it will be more analogy based vs. straightforward. The title leads me to believe that it is asking if you are present mentally, yet the illustrations show peaking out from leaves, so that makes me wonder if it is related to being "present" physically.

2022-12-12 14:19:02 UTC

Due to the time of year and the pressures teachers are feeling right now I believe we are all struggling to be "present" in every meeting we have.

2022-12-12 14:20:08 UTC

My daughter received 4 college acceptances so far. We are waiting on her top choice. So hoping this leads to a very happy Christmas as we will find out before Christmas.

I think the title and the cover suggest, you should take the time to enjoy the moments. I predict that the character is going find an appreciation in being present in various settings.

2022-12-12 14:20:57 UTC

2022-12-12 14:21:31 UTC

Praying for one of our 1st-grade classrooms. Their teacher has resigned and we have found a long-term substitute for them but worry what more change will mean for this class and pray we help them navigate this change successfully.

Prediction

2022-12-12 14:25:22 UTC

Looking at the cover, I see a happy child who is exploring the world. The title makes me feel it will be about stopping and taking in the world around us.

After listening to the book

2022-12-12 14:29:48 UTC

Teachers are stressed with the end of the semester deadlines. Some are celebrating student Iready growth, while others are beating themselves up for not having growth. The read aloud made me realize sometimes we need to stop and listen without judgement, without suggestions, without answers. Just listen, To show them all how much I appreciate all of their hard work by being present in their moments of need and celebrations.

Celebration

2022-12-12 14:30:26 UTC

My principal is back from being out since September. We are ready for our January "reset!"

Wish Well

2022-12-12 14:31:44 UTC

Praying for everyone who will enter the holiday season missing a loved one. In my case my child is still with us, she has just moved into the "adulthood" stage and it is hard for this mom. I miss my baby not being with me in all of our events.

Yes, be present! It is very difficult especially this time of the year. Burnt out is setting in and it is the holiday. Our focus is all over the place.

2022-12-12 14:55:35 UTC

I am wishing all a safe holiday and renewed focus and energy for our scholars in the new year.

2022-12-12 14:56:27 UTC

Prediction

2022-12-12 14:57:00 UTC

Looking at the cover, I am guessing that we will learn/read about how to make sure we are present when listening, acting, conversing, etc.

I will have all of my children and a new grandson all home for the holidays!

2022-12-12 14:57:37 UTC

2022-12-12 15:00:05 UTC

Being present can be applied to any and all situations. When coaching, it is imperative to remind our teachers that we must be present at all times, be aware, think aloud, and remember that we have such a great impact on the kiddos we see daily.

2022-12-12 15:00:27 UTC

Winter break! Leaving for Jamaica on Saturday for our honeymoon! :D

2022-12-12 15:01:22 UTC

Well wishes to our lead instructional coach who lost a baby.

I think the book will be about a character learning to be present in the world around them

afudali1 — 2022-12-12 15:37:22 UTC

Being Present

afudali1 — 2022-12-12 15:54:57 UTC

It can be difficult to be present all the time. The demands of the education world tend to grow and grow and it becomes easy to be distracted and flighty. Keeping in mind the message of the book, will help teachers and coaches "treat each new experience as an opportunity".

I think the book will help us get a better understanding of what it means to be Present.

2022-12-12 16:12:59 UTC

Being present isn't just being in the building. It means to make myself available, paying attention to the wants/needs of the teachers, listening and helping out as much as possible.

2022-12-12 16:16:11 UTC

Praying for the family of one of our 1st grade teachers that was killed in a car accident.

2022-12-12 16:21:32 UTC

My daughter is home on Winter Break!!!

2022-12-12 17:06:19 UTC

Praying that everyone is safe during the holidays.

2022-12-12 17:07:29 UTC

The title gets us to thinking. The author shows the girl peeking through a bunch of leaves, kind of showing that being present is about being seen.

2022-12-12 17:09:48 UTC

Being present, isn't just about being physically there, but engaging with others in a positive and active way. It's also being intentional in your interactions with others.

2022-12-12 17:58:51 UTC

My best friend is coming to visit

2023-01-18 15:35:34 UTC

2023-12-12 13:26:32 UTC

The colors of the cover are beautiful. I predict the book is about changing in the moment and the ability to be flexible.

2023-12-12 13:27:10 UTC

Even when you do not have the tools you want, there is always a way to reach your goal. It is being very intentional and being able to think outside the box.

2023-12-12 13:27:37 UTC

We lost a 5th grade student last night to illness. Please pray for her family, the community and our school.

2023-12-12 13:27:51 UTC

Working towards WINTER BREAK !