Day: November 13, 2018

Regardless of your religious or cultural background, the end of the year is usually a time for gathering with family and friends, reflecting on the year, and planning for the future. It is also a time of increased stress and pressure to consume; whether that consumption is related to food or the biggest, newest, fastest, most popular toy or gadget. We are bombarded from images in the media and advertising designed to influence our purchasing decisions. We may also feel pressure to meet the perceived expectations of family and friends to bring the best dessert to the party or buy top-of-the-line gifts.

Our consumer society isn’t going to change any time soon. So, how do we combat the pressures that sometimes overshadow the end of the year celebrations and gatherings with friends and family?

The answer is surprisingly, very simple. It is free, accessible to everyone, and readily available day or night. The answer is Gratitude.

In the simplest terms, gratitude is the act of appreciating what is present in your life. Expressing gratitude involves shifting your focus away from what you wish you had and turning your attention to the conditions that serve you in your life. Gratitude is also one of the most important things that you can do in your effort to incorporate self-care into your professional practices.

In this month’s newsletter, we will explore the benefits of gratitude, ways that you can cultivate more gratitude in your life, and how to introduce this concept to the children in your care.

For the article Research on Gratitude – The Benefits, CLICK HERE

For the article Things to be Grateful For, CLICK HERE

For the article Strategies for Adults, CLICK HERE

For the article Introducing Gratitude to Children, CLICK HERE

My name is Jacqui Syers and I live in Wayland, Michigan.  I began my career in early childhood right after college, 4 years ago.  I was a Spanish teacher for a preschool when I first started my career. It really launched me into my love for teaching.  I am now a Pre-K teacher at Wayland Union- Baker Elementary.

My favorite time of the day to spend with children is during lunch.  They are so full of questions, stories, and eager to show you what they have learned.  Between counting their food, asking what my fourth favorite type of dinosaur is, and telling me all about their time at the park.  My children’s favorite time if the day is recess.  They love the playground.

My motivation comes from my passion of being a self-taught teacher.  I love watching the progress that children make through the year, academically and socially.

What I enjoy most about my job is being able to wake up in the morning and love the fact that I love going to work.  I love my job.  I love that I get to shape the minds of the future every day in my classroom.  I love that they teach me as well, I never stop learning.

In my free time I fish with my husband, John.  I enjoy gardening flowers, vegetables, and fruits.  I love to bake anything, mostly my grandma’s recipes.  I also love to cook Pinterest dinners with my husband.

I participated in the Early Childhood Credential Certification program.  I am so excited to have this certification and continue on with my education.  My coach has continued to push me to do my best.  She always takes time to encourage me and compliment me on my successes.  I feel so blessed in life in general.  I plan to keep in contact with my CCEI coach and taking further education courses for my professional development hours.  In the future I believe that my career will be taking me to get my Masters in Education and becoming a Principal of an Elementary School.

I would recommend CCEI to anyone!  It has been an awesome program for me and helped me learn a lot about my job.  I am fortunate to have a great coach that has helped me through this process.