"Read & Ride"

Physical & Mental Health

Dear Readers,

When we left school on Friday March 13, 2020, I never thought we would not be going back for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. I remember being in a GHO with my department when Governor Cuomo announced NYS would continue remote learning through the end of the academic year. I was filled with mixed emotions.

I would not get to say goodbye to my 8th graders that would be headed to the high school.

We would not have end of the year traditions.

We would not have graduation for the class of 2020.

So many events & activities that "make up" the end of the year would have to be cancelled, postponed or revised.

An escape for me has always been reading and books. It took me a couple of weeks in quarantine before I could settle my mind and focus enough to read. Once I started, I couldn't stop. My mental health has revolved around #Read4Fun and YA literature.

I also realized I would not be "physical moving" anywhere as much as I do in the classroom. I typically average 10,000 steps or more daily. Luck would have it that I had purchased a recumbent exercise bike just before everything was shut down. 

I started "Reading & Riding" on an almost daily basis. I am currently up to an average of 6-10 miles while incorporating some small hand held weights. It is an easy ride, no Peloton workouts here, but it has kept my mind and body in a good place during the past few months.

We don't know where life will take us as we move forward. I hope you have found a way that works for you to maintain physical and mental health as much as possible during this difficult and challenging time we all face.

I am including the picture of books I have enjoyed. Sometimes it helps me to see the books, because we often do judge books by their cover. I have divided them into adult reads and YA reads. I have not read any PD books at this point. 

Stay safe.
Stay Healthy.

Warmly,
Teresa

Adult Reads

YA Literature

Introverts Are Struggling Too

What I Miss....

Dear Readers,

I have always considered myself a more introverted personality. I enjoy my independent, quiet, alone time. However, even I am struggling during this time of social distancing. Some things I miss, that I used to do by myself, are.....

• Going to the library.
• Going to Barnes and Noble.
• Getting coffee.
• Making a stop at At Home.
• Running into The Loft.

These are difficult times for all of us in different ways. I am constantly reminding myself.....

• Be kind to yourself.
• Be patient with yourself.
• Step away from the news and social media as needed.
• Get rest.
• Eat healthy.
• Exercise.
• Read.
• Connect with others via phone calls, texting, Twitter, FB or GHOs.
• Participate in chats. Try some new ones!

I give myself permission to.......

• Grieve. I am missing going to work every day and being in my classroom. It's okay to feel sad.
• Do nothing at all. Sometimes it feels so overwhelming, I just don't want to do anything.

But I also give myself permission to..........

• Be happy that I am safe and healthy right now.
• Know that this will pass.
• Be thankful that my family and friends are safe and healthy.

I hope you are all finding your "new norm" and staying safe and healthy. To all our essential workers, thank you, my prayers are with you. 

Warmly,

Teresa

Updated: Twitter Book Study Tips & Tricks

Where Do I Start? 

Dear Readers,

Over the past few years I have facilitated several Twitter Book Studies. It has become one of my favorite "formats" for discussing books. 

How Do I Choose a Book?

Honestly, I choose based on my interest level/passion and/or what I see people posting and reading on social media. The important aspect of the chat to me is the discussion itself. Whether you have a few or many people, it has been completely worth the investment. 

How Do I Choose a Date and Time?

First I would decide if you would like a slow chat (post throughout the week) or weekly chat (scheduled time to discuss). The bottom line is, you will never be able to meet the needs and schedules of everyone. 

What Length of Time Should I Choose?

Since it is a book discussion and there is always so much amazing material to cover, I facilitate a 60 minute chat with approximately 8 questions. It is pretty fast-paced, but so much good discussion happens! I also run mine for approximately 4 weeks. 

If you chose to do a 30 minute chat, you could potentially stretch it out longer than 4 weeks to whatever you feel is appropriate.

Should you opt for a slow chat, you can determine how many times per week you will post a question, quote, etc.

How Do I Approach Authors?

It has been an absolutely amazing experience working with authors over the years. They have graciously allowed me to use their books, participate in chats when they can and support the book study by helping me with promotion. Take a risk and contact authors! You will not know if you do not try!

What hashtag (#) Will I Use?

In my experience, I have used the hashtags associated with the books I have chosen, with permission from the authors, with the exception of two titles. I created my own hashtags just for those book studies. 

A suggestion might be to ask the author if you can borrow the hashtag for the book study. If not, be creative and make up your own! If you plug a # into the "search twitter" box it will let you know if it is already being used. If it is, try adding numbers or abbreviating words until you get one you like. All you have to do once you have it is start using it! Post tweets with the hashtag and you will start a feed. 

How Do I Choose the Questions?

There are a few resources I have used for choosing questions. The first is to read the book and create questions based off the reading. The other is to access websites (with permission from the authors) and borrowing questions that have already been created for book studies to be used with that particular book. In one instance, I had a study guide e-mailed to me upon request.

I try to create questions that are specific to the book, but also general enough that those who have not read the book can still participate. A favorite question starter is to pull quotes that stick out to you. I also try and post the questions ahead of time so participants can prepare if they wish to.

Good luck and happy reading!

Warmly,

Teresa