So... I'm kind of a big guy. I certainly wasn't always that way but I certainly fell out of the good habits that I had while growing up. And I ate way too much junk. Probably still do, if I'm being honest.
About a year-and-a-half ago, I got a Fitbit for my birthday. I had heard about them from some friends and colleagues and, though I thought the gift 'cool,' I wasn't initially sure just what kind of an impact it would have on my personal fitness. I certainly wasn't expecting miracles and I was wary of being just one more bandwagon cheerleader who would temporarily espouse the virtues of said product-of-the-day. So I tried it, quickly getting used to the feel of around my wrist and enjoying how much fun my boys had figuring out whether or not I had reached my daily step goals.
Yesterday, I got my first summary for the full year, which I've posted below:
It's worth noting that I am still not what would be considered a fitness buff. Let's just say that I'm still not at the point where I would be eager to take up competitive swimming anytime soon (Speedo!). However, what my Fitbit has done for me perhaps more than anything else is to give me a better idea about how much, or how little, I'm actually doing. There are many days when I go to work and I feel like it's non-stop from the moment I arrive until the moment I pack up to leave. And then I check my Fitbit. More often than not, I will feel the need to press pause on my departure and tell myself that I can do little bit more before heading home. Or, if I'm not quite at that point where my daily goals are done, it might affect the choices that I make later in the day. I might be more willing to realize that if I couldn't be bothered to head into the fitness centre and do my run I probably should dive into that bag of chips or simply park myself onto the couch. It's for that and other reasons that I continue to wear mine with pride, as long as plastic on the bracelet holds up.
So, here's to you, Fitbit. One more example of how knowledge can be power.
Semester Break
As a teacher, I have come to appreciate and value to role of structure and routine. However, there are times when I sit at my desk and I realize that I'm going to be spending a lot more time in my classroom teaching, answering many of the same questions, and working around a lot of the same material without too much variation. That can be a little overwhelming and maybe even a bit disheartening, hence the push to keep things as fresh as possible and avoid falling into a rut or becoming complacent.
I do look forward to the semester break at our school because it gives me an opportunity to shake things up with some new faces and a new classroom dynamic that can be difficult to achieve in a year-long course, like my Grade 8 Humanities courses. Now, this isn't to say that I prefer one course or grade level over the others. I am merely pointing out that something as simple as a class change can be a good way to get a much needed shot in the arm that helps to push me forward for at least the next few weeks. It's like when my wife is gone for a few days and I'll rearrange some of the furniture for her. It isn't anything too groundbreaking but it's enough of a change to bring in some enthusiasm.
I'm Starting an eSports Club!
Just before Christmas Break, I organized a meeting for those students who were interested in setting up and running an eSports Club. Those not necessarily versed in gamer-speak are usually a little confused by the term so I dug up this little video which might explain the concept a little bit more.
When I met with my principal to explain the concept, he shared a couple of what I felt to be pretty valid concerns, mainly focused on the fact that there are many teachers and parents who feel that kids don't need more time playing games. I told him that I understood and for that reason, the focus of the Club would be to promote friendly competition amongst a demographic that has not always been typically included or targeted in extracurricular activities. Furthermore, our eSports Club would promote socialization and peer building through gaming that can't happen when students are by themselves.
I had over 30 students across all grades show up at this meeting and it was awesome! There was an energy and an excitement that I hadn't fully anticipated and I couldn't have been happier with the response. The challenge, now, is to build everything from the ground up. While I've already been able to secure a few resources that will allow us to have something that we can call our own, we'll have a lot of work to do if we want this to become something truly memorable.
I'll report on our progress here, including our first intended event which will be a Smash Brothers tournament. If there's anyone who has questions, feedback, or other suggestions, please send an email to chhs.esports@gmail.com.
Further resources worth looking into, especially from a parent perspective and the issue of students and gaming, can be found here.
~Mr.T
