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4/11/2022 0 Comments

We all remember those bright, fuzzy journals we would ‘use’ way back when we thought we would journal our whole days. For some, they may have held fast to this practice, but for others it slipped through the cracks. But, journaling can be an influential tool in our everyday lives. Whether it’s moment for moment recollections, or just a quick line for the day- reflecting can help with setting goals, having a place to store memories, or just somewhere to pour all your thoughts and feelings. There are SO many different methods for journaling, and here are a few you can look into to try yourself!

Diary This is the ‘classic’ type of journaling many of us picture. Very personal, many thoughts and feelings on things happening in your personal life. This typically is where writers share their ideas they aren’t comfortable sharing with others in your life, but need to get these words out.

Bullet Journal This method has become EXTREMELY popular as it is structured, yet there is so much room for creativity. With this type of journal you can organize to do lists, goals, calendars, milestones, truly anything in your life! Many people use habit trackers in these if they have certain habits they want to start, or to track a goal they are reaching for. Except you are creating these things yourself so you can make it look however you would like to! This is a great type of journal for a doodler!

Gratitude Writing what you are grateful for each day is an excellent way to bring positive thinking to your life. This can be so simple as a quick list of 1-2 things you are grateful for right when you wake up, or right before you go to sleep. These things can be as big as a new job, buying a home, starting a business or as small as making your bed, getting yourself a coffee, or cooking dinner!

These are a few different methods of journaling to introduce into your daily routine. It is a great way to center yourself for the day if you prefer to journal in the morning. Or a wind down method at the end of the day to reflect on all you have done. Whichever one works best for you, so long as you give one a chance, we promise you that you’ll feel a personal shift as you take this time for you!

With love, The A to Z Fam

4/8/2022 0 Comments

Goals; It may seem so silly taking goals seriously, but they are hugely important in increasing your motivation to attain the goal that you set. Not only as teachers or students, humans in general thrive on goal setting if it’s done correctly and in a way that motivates you!
One type of goal setting that is largely used is a SMART goal! These can be used in ANY situation, as simple as taking a walk 3 times a week or as complex as starting your own business. Here are the steps to take to create your SMART goal.

S- Specific    When setting your goal, be VERY specific about what it is you want to accomplish. What is it you want to do?

M- Measurable    Create a timeframe for when you want this goal to be reached or when each step needs to be taken. How are you going to know when you reach your goal?

A- Achievable    Your goal has to be something that is within your power to achieve. Setting a goal that is not within your reach will only create resentment in yourself and cause negative thoughts in thinking it’s something you can never attain. Goals should be challenging, but not impossible. Is this goal in your power to accomplish?

R- Realistic    Your goal should not cause unnecessary stress, it should be something that is relevant to you and your life. Can you realistically achieve this goal?

T- Time-based    Give your goal an end date. Having a set date will help you to stay focused on your goal and inspire you with something to work towards. When do you want to achieve your goal?

This can seem like a lot of steps, but when we are intentional about setting our goals we are so much more likely to achieve them! Now think of something you have wanted for so long, yet haven’t taken the time to achieve yet. Set your goal and start a trend in your life to achieve them!

With love, The A to Z Fam!

4/2/2022 1 Comment

April 2nd is a specific day dedicated to bringing awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The entire month of April is also the time we are called to support those with ASD.

So, what is Autism??
           As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, “ASD is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism.”
During this month, we are called to support, celebrate and acknowledge those who live with ASD. There are so many ways you can bring awareness to ASD!

Wear Blue!
The color blue was chosen because it is associated with a calm feeling and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people on the spectrum.

Learn the History!
   To understand ASD, it is so helpful to know how those with ASD think and communicate. Here are a few websites with helpful, accurate information on ASD:
-    https://autismsociety.org/
-    https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
-    https://autismawarenesscentre.com/autism-news/blog/

Read About ASD
There are some incredible books on ASD, including books written by those who live with ASD.
-    The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida
-    Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism by Temple Grandin
-    Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Dr. Barry M. Prizant
-    An Early Start for Your Child with Autism by Sally J. Rogers

Teachers
    Start the conversation with your students! Define ASD as what it is and be honest and open about what it looks like. Here are some ideas to learn more on the topic and how you can help your students.
-    https://www.autism-society.org/10-things-every-teacher-know-autism/
-    1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s by Ellen Notbohm
-    Create an Infinity Loop Craft!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z83dajt1Is4
-    Puzzle Piece Craft (symbol of ASD)
https://www.drugstoredivas.net/autism-awareness-puzzle-piece-toilet-paper-bracelet-craft/

We hope this inspires you to learn more about ASD and spread your learning to others as well!
With love,
The A to Z Fam

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