Closing Thoughts

3/3/2019

Thank you to all who participated or followed along in our book discussion. Please share any closing thoughts, takeaways, or related books for teachers or students. Also, we hope to see you at our Spring Literacy Conference on May 4th at St. Joe’s, where Lisa Lucas will be our keynote speaker. See details under ‘Meetings and Events: Spring Literacy Conference’.

3 Comments

Janice Ewing

3/4/2019 02:23:32 pm

I feel as though my understanding of 'presence' has been deepened by reading this book and trying out some of the practices. I will definitely be going back to it. My biggest takeaway is how much mindfulness and awareness of the present moment affect all aspects of our lives. We can't control much of what life leaves at our door, but it helps a lot to have tools and habits that help us to cope, no matter what.
Here are a few children's books that might be of interest:
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires (perseverance)
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham (hope and healing)
Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes (gratitude)
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (kindness, friendship)

We're looking forward to continuing our conversation with Lisa at our Spring Literacy Conference at St. Joe's on May 4th. In the meantime, you can sign up for her newsletter to get ongoing tips and info about a June retreat, if you choose to.

RITA A SORRENTINO

3/5/2019 07:48:51 pm

I know I will continue to read, reread and reflect on practicing presence. Lisa ‘s wide range of strategies and challenges offers support and motivation for teachers in their interactions with self, staff, students and families. My initial take-away is the emphasis on the importance of self-care for teachers. Being mindful of our own teaching and learning lives should underlie the hard work in promoting the wellbeing and development of those in our classes and work environments. Practicing presence starts with a pause but has the potential to move us forward with a stronger sense of self-care and emotional awareness amid the demands of daily life.
It was good to have this opportunity to read and share before the Spring Conference. I look forward to meeting Lisa Lucas.
Here are books to add to the list:
Quiet by Tomie dePaula (2018) is a beautiful picture book for PreK-2 that encourages children to find comfort in their own quiet moments.
Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems by Kate Coombs (2017) K-3 (and beyond)

Carol Shiffrin

3/23/2019 08:05:53 pm

Practicing Presence has taught me to slow down a bit to stop, think, listen, reflect, focus, alter my perspective, and thereby increase enjoyment of my personal and professional life. Lisa Lucas notes that presence incorporates the mindfulness ideas of being aware and content with your thoughts and keeping your mind on the present moment; however, it adds the concept of reframing some thoughts in a more positive way. I seem to be applying this idea on a daily basis, and it is working!

For example, after teaching a lesson or dealing with a challenging individual, often I thought only of what I should have done differently. Lisa Lucas identified what I call the “demons of destruction,” such as self-blaming, and offered helpful reframing ideas, such as focusing on being grateful for what is going well. It is amazing how this can change one’s outlook for the better.

There are certain books in my library that are worn and dog-eared due to constant use. I am certain that Practicing Presence, with its wonderful strategies and encouraging tone, will join those excellent tomes. Thank you, Lisa!

Winter Book Club

Closing Thoughts

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