Learn by Heart: The Amazing Effects of Gratitude

The Amazing Effects of Gratitude

This week I watched this video about gratitude and the positive effects it can have on people. I was really surprised to see how much of a difference such a simple task could make in people's lives. It was interested to see how just showing a little gratitude could really make people happier and create better relationships with others. I may consider keeping a gratitude journal like the video mentioned to be reminded of all the things I should be thankful for. I should also show my gratitude for others more often.

Week 8: Learning Challenges - Review My Schedule

In the beginning I had my schedule set for two hours on Monday and four hours on Tuesday because I wanted to get all my work done early. However, this did not happen and I quickly realized that I was much more efficient if I spread the work out equally. It was also much more enjoyable to do a little at a time. So now I work on this class for an hour every day from Tuesday - Sunday and though I haven't made it a full week yet, I think it will really work. I usually look forward to doing the work for this class because it's fun and creates a more creative outlet for me. At this point in the semester, I am on track to finish this class early because I have done all of the required assignments as well as a lot of the extra credit. This way I can relax more throughout the semester.

Little by Little link

Week 7 Learning Challenges: How to Read More

How to Read More by Austin Kleon

This is really great advice from Austin Kleon to read more. The first point had me laughing because I really do believe that technology has taken away from reading. You will see a lot of people on their phones, playing games, or looking at social media instead of reading. Especially for kids this generation. All of the other points are things that I actually did during grade school. I remember always making sure to have my book in my backpack incase I had some free time. I also remember making sure to check out a new book from the library on Friday so that I would have something to read over the weekend. I hope to implement these practices again because I really do miss reading for fun.

Week 6 Learning Challenge: Reading - Love it or Hate It?

For me, I have always loved reading as a kid. Getting AR points was never a hassle and I often went beyond the expected goal. Most kids didn't like rainy days because that means recess was spent inside. I didn't really mind however because if I had a good book to read, I would read through recess. Of course reading wasn't my life. I loved other things too like playing outside and playing games with my friends but reading never was tedious to me. As long as it was something I enjoyed reading. As I grew up, reading for fun happened less and less and reading a textbook for school happened more and more. This is when I started to be pushed away from reading. Reading because boring and dreadful. After reading a textbook, I didn't want to read a normal book. It wasn't until a couple summers ago that I read a book just for fun and now I make it a goal to read a book at least a few times a year. It doesn't sound like much of a challenge but when you get so caught up with school, work, friends, and family, you often push your books over to the side of your shelf and allow it to collect dust.

I also never really understood kids who hated to read. There's a different world in book and stories that you could never imagine. Maybe those kids haven't found the right types of books that they like to read but if I were teaching reading, I would encourage kids to read with someone. I always enjoyed reading to someone or having someone read to me.

These are some insightful blogs written by a reading teacher, Pernille Ripp.

Love to Read Again link

Learning Challenges: Empathy Meme

This week I decided to learn more about empathy. I initially ignored this while learning about H.E.A.R.T. I'm not exactly sure why. A part of me felt that I was already empathetic enough and I think another part of me was because I didn't really want to think about emotions.

However, this week I thought it would be a good idea to explore empathy and see what it's all about.

I came across these meme that I really liked.

Empathy link

I think the quote speaks for itself.

Learning Challenge: Time Management Video + Tech Tip Blogger Youtube

This week, I found a good video on youtube about time management. I like the suggestions that this video makes because the first step is to realize what you spend a lot of your time on and then find a way to make your time most efficient. This could include making a list and physically writing out what needs to be done throughout the day so you can prioritize your tasks. I think you are more likely to get something accomplished if you have it written down somewhere. It also feels really good to cross something off of your list. Here's the video if you'd like to watch it too!

Time Management 

Here is also a tech tip on how to upload youtube videos right to a blog post.

Learning Challenge: The Pomodoro Technique

This week, I challenged myself to the Pomodoro Technique which uses a timer to help keep track of your progress. I tried it for just a couple of days and at first, it was hard to follow and break bad habits, but you get used to it. Each break, I found myself wanting a long break instead of just 5 minutes. However, it still did a good job at keeping me more focused on my work. There's something about knowing that you have a time limit which makes you work more efficiently. I think with trying the technique several more times, it will become more and more helpful. I'm thinking about using this technique at least once a day to help me finish my homework and study efficiently.

The Pomodoro Timer link

Week 2 Learning Challenge: Reading

Today I'd like to share a learning challenge. I chose reading this week because I have been doing a lot of it since school started. Of course, I haven't been able to read for leisure but reading in general is really important for gaining knowledge. Here is a quote my Dr. Seuss that summarizes the importance of reading. You can never lose by reading a book. There are only things to gain. Hopefully I will be able to find more time to read more often.

Dr. Seuss's The More You Read... online source

Learning Challenges H.E.A.R.T

For life in general, I think that overall health and happiness are the most important to me. A good health gives me the opportunity to be able to do what I love to do. 

My goal is to live a healthier lifestyle. I don't have the best eating habits or a strong will to exercise. So, I know I need to work on this area more and it has become a new challenge for me as the new year starts. 

Happiness is also an absolute necessity in life. Without happiness, what's the point? Of course it's impossible to be happy at all times of your life and sometimes bad days and pain is necessary for a person to grow, but I think it's extremely important to realize that circumstances can always change.

In the context of focusing on just school, then I would have to say that time is the most important and by far the biggest challenge. It's extremely difficult to not procrastinate and to be efficient. Especially when there is something that you really don't want to do, you put it off until the very end. I think this is really hard for anyone to overcome but I do think that it is possible. Managing time well is probably a very big factor in one's happiness and health. Procrastination leads to an extreme amount of stress which should be avoided. Every year, I try to work on time management more and more. It's a slow process and some days I am better with my time than others but eventually, I hope to become a more efficient person. I think what has helped me best with managing time is by being organized and keeping a planner. This way, you can see in advance what needs to be done and you won't forget something. Writing your schedule down helps you accomplish tasks.

Carpe Diem and Procrastination Link to online source