Chat Transcripts
Topic
Week 1 Chat
Date
2025-10-14
Group ID
0Course ID
306333| User | Timestamp | Message |
|---|---|---|
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:56:11 pm | Hello everyone how are you |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 06:56:39 pm | Good Thank you! How are you? |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:57:04 pm | so far so good |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 06:59:04 pm | We will give everyopne a few more minutes to jump on |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:01:20 pm | Ok I just quick took attendance so let's dive in |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:01:38 pm | Hello |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:01:44 pm | How many of you have taken online classes |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:01:48 pm | Hi Darlene |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:01:56 pm | I have |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:02:04 pm | lovely |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:02:12 pm | it makes it easier |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:02:14 pm | First time taking online class! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:02:29 pm | No worries you are in good hands |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:02:31 pm | Hi Luis |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:02:53 pm | Here is how this works... |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:02:59 pm | hello:). I have taken a few |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:08 pm | we will meet here every Tuesday at 7p for live chat |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:03:22 pm | Hellowww. Everyone.!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:03:48 pm | During the live chat I will ask questions (they are in your sylalbus if you want to think about t hem in advance) and then you can answer them. I don't worry about folks answering in order |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:04:02 pm | also when I do this * it's how I call your attention back |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:04:14 pm | you do it back to me to tell me you are ready. Let's try * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:04:22 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:04:25 pm | yesssssss |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:04:44 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:05:03 pm | We have a few of our cohort who is not with us yet so hopefully they can log on and join us |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:05:05 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:05:13 pm | But we are going to continue |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:05:29 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:05:32 pm | We will start each week like this - chatting and catching up |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:05:57 pm | Feel free as we go along to also respond to each other and ask questions |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:12 pm | Speaking of - are there any questions for me just yet? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:06:21 pm | Not yet |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:47 pm | Hi Karkebe |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:50 pm | oops |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:06:53 pm | Karlene |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:07:02 pm | typos happen this time of night - it's ok |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:07:25 pm | 🙂 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:07:29 pm | Ok -if there are no questions I'll keep going |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:08:00 pm | Hahahaha! thats a new one! Hi Brenda.. I had trouble finding my way in....when I opened the course it sent me to week two. Had to click on "previous week" tab to find this chat! weird |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:08:18 pm | It did for me too Karlene |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:08:17 pm | We are wrapping up week 1. There is no discussion board this week so you all hopefully had a chance to peek at the sylalbus and course content |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:08:49 pm | Karlene - It does that to me every single week and throws me off! 😁 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:11 pm | Let's do a quick icebreaker* |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:09:16 pm | May be why some folks aren't here yet. I almost gave up |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:09:28 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:27 pm | Oh dear - could be |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:09:43 pm | * |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:09:48 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:09:58 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:09:59 pm | Tell us what part of the state you are with - if you are at a center or family child care - and something you are looking forward to this fall? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:11:32 pm | I live in West Central MN, I am a course writer, trainer and a family childcare provider. I am looking forward to the state Shaping the Future conference this weekend. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:11:44 pm | I am in the Northeast. Carlton county. Family child care year 31. I am looking forward to regrouping, getting back into training and spending some time quiliting:) |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:12:15 pm | I've always wanted to learn to quilt. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:12:47 pm | Its fun Sherry, while also quite addicting.....lol |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:12:55 pm | I'm in Woodbury MN and work for a nonprofit where I have a team of coaches who support early childhood programs accross our state. And then I teach at night. Something I look forward to - I'm heading to FL to my beach house on Saturday for a mini break from it all and will spend some time at the beach |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:13:22 pm | Wish I could have gone to the Shaping the Future conference. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:13:34 pm | Ohhh Karlene I know someone who quilts and it's just fascinating. I've taken up crochet but I'm a beginer |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:13:36 pm | You are a busy lady! Enjoy your break in Florida! |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:14:00 pm | I’m currently at Tierra Encantada Minnetonka as an Assistantt director! I have been there for two years. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:14:02 pm | You had me at "beach house" Brenda! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:14:18 pm | This is amazing Sherry - very dynamic. Looking forward to hearing more from you |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:14:33 pm | That is a busy position Darlene! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:14:34 pm | Ohhh Darlene that right there says so much! You too are a busy lady. Welcome |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:14:40 pm | I live in Minneapolis. I’m director of a child care center. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:14:56 pm | Karlene lol I can't stop saying it. We've had it x3 years and it just makes me happy |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:15:15 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:15:30 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:15:37 pm | Luis, that is also a busy and challenging position! I did that a few years back. It is rewarding though too! |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:15:43 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:16:20 pm | Oh Luis - thats a big and busy job. Very rewarding |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:17:10 pm | And Darlene is my assistant.! She knows how difficult it is every day to be in front of our center |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:17:23 pm | Tomorrow we start week 2 so you will need to complete discussion board by Sunday and respond to x3 of your peers Tuesday before we have chat next week |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:17:40 pm | Oh that is so cool Luis and Darlene!!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:04 pm | we repeat for week 3 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:20 pm | then at the end of week 3 you will all have your final written assignment to complete |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:29 pm | Time goes by quickly!!!! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:18:46 pm | Are we ready to roll up our sleeves? * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:18:54 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:18:54 pm | * |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:18:55 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:19:23 pm | ok first question - Why should teachers prioritize their mental wellness? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:19:54 pm | It strengthens their ability to stay patient, attentive, and responsive. A healthy educator can create stable, nurturing environments, model positive coping skills, and maintain quality care, benefiting both children’s development and the educator’s professional longevity. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:20:54 pm | well stated Sherry. It strengthens the educator. We all know they have their own stuff that they are dealing with on a personal level - on top of the stressors of their job |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:21:55 pm | If the teacher is not well, the classroom won't be either. The teacher sets the tone for all that goes on throughout the day, if they are struggling it will be harder for them to be at their best and most present self. And everything Sherry just said 🙂 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:22:42 pm | Ohhhh I like how you phrased that Karlene - if the teacher is not well then the class won't be either. Think about how the children are so intuitive of their teacher and can pick up on when something is wrong or not right |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:23:13 pm | Karlene, I couldn't agree more. We set the tone and we are their role models. They struggle when we struggle. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:23:24 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:23:33 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:23:46 pm | Do you currently practice self-care? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:24:06 pm | I wish I could say a definite yes, but I'm working at it. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:24:17 pm | 😂🤣 |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:24:19 pm | The kiddos know right away if their is something off. My mother was sick and passed this year after drawn out health issues. The kiddos would just know I needed extra hugs. Even the littlest ones |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:25:03 pm | 'I'm so sorry to hear that Karlene, but they have little sensors that pick up on that and try to fix it as little as they are. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:25:03 pm | YES even the littles can sense the emotions no matter how hard we try to hide it. My dog and cat do that too actually now that I think about it |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:25:23 pm | Karlene I know how you feel. No words. I'm so sorry |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:25:28 pm | Self care to me can become "just another thing I am not doing well". I had to change my approach to self care. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:25:59 pm | That is great point. It fluctuates depending on the level of stress. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:26:01 pm | YES, A LOT! And we encourage our teachers to take practice self care and disconnect on their time off! |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:26:23 pm | Great advice! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:26:33 pm | thanks. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:27:01 pm | Me too! I have had to reframe my mindset too so that it becomes less of something I have to do to checkoff the list |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:27:27 pm | I like to look at it like self maintenence |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:27:59 pm | my top self care strategies are 1. sleep. 2. sleep 3. sleep. Then I move on to allowing myself time to just be and not have to be doing something all the time. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:28:22 pm | self- maintenance. I like that |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:28:31 pm | It seems like early childhood educators tend to be nurturers and take care of everyone else before they take care of themselves. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:28:39 pm | Karlene that is soooo important, it's not a priority enough |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:28:42 pm | I would like to sleep as much as you 🤣🤣 |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:02 pm | When we are younger I think we just learn to push through push push push |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:29:22 pm | hahaha Luis, I wish I actually did! it's why i have to prioritize it otherwise its 4-5 hrs a night |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:42 pm | It's pretty normal Karlene 4-5 hours |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:29:48 pm | * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:29:55 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:29:54 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:30:03 pm | What type of resources do you think early childhood educators need to improve their ability to implement self-care routines? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:31:18 pm | First they need to give themselves permission to take care of themselves. Hobbies, stress-management guides, mindfulness apps, reflection journals, or quick relaxation techniques like deep breathing are helpful. Professional support groups, mentorships and learning networks are great resources. Community connections like counseling services and wellness programs are helpful supports for some educators too. For me, I like the quiet. |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:31:39 pm | Permission. Permission from themselves and others in their lives to not have to do and be it all for everyone all the time. Permission to say no. permission to just breathe. Permission to take a day off. really off. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:32:01 pm | I love that Karlene, the permission to say no. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:32:19 pm | I love this Sherry! It's fun to ask them about their hobbies and interests and what's going on - in some ways it encourages them to take care of themselves |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:32:26 pm | We are on the same wave length. I love the quiet too. So much noise in our day |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:32:41 pm | Permissions are so powerful, thank you Karlene |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:33:42 pm | This is great * |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:33:51 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:33:56 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:34:12 pm | Does the mental wellness of an educator have an impact on their ability to effectively establish relationship-building with young children and their families? |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:34:24 pm | We touched on this a little |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:34:47 pm | Yes. When educators are emotionally balanced and mentally healthy, they are more present, patient, and responsive, qualities that help children feel secure and valued. This stability also allows educators to engage in warm, consistent interactions that foster strong attachments, support children’s social-emotional growth, and encourage open communication with families. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:36:02 pm | Oh I like this Sherry... it allows them to engage in warm consistent interactions and these are so important |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:36:38 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:36:41 pm | Without a doubt! For the past year+, my life has been consumed with taking care of my ailing mom and my daughter with debilitating long covid. So much of my band with was consumed with their care that I found I had to really work hard to stay present with my little ones. |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:37:41 pm | It takes a lot to compartmentalize stress when it gets intense like that Karlene. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:37:41 pm | I so get that Karlene |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:38:19 pm | powerful strategy Sherry... compartmentalize |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:38:54 pm | last question* |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:39:01 pm | * |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:39:35 pm | * |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:39:35 pm | As an educator who worked 10 hours a day hands on with the little ones, the only way I could stay present was to literally just sit down and read stories and sing songs. After about 15 min, I could feel my body reset to be with them. I think as ECE leaders we really need to remember we can give what we don't have. |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:39:48 pm | * |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:39:53 pm | What skills do you hope to attain or grow around the topic of mental wellness, resilience, and self-care? |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:40:49 pm | I’m not great with self-care so I hope to grow in that area and foster a better sense of wellbeing that improves relationships with children and families, and enhance overall effectiveness as an educator. I also hope to strengthen skills that promote balance, awareness, and long-term sustainability in my work. These include mindfulness and presence, boundary setting, reflective practice, connection and support. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:41:04 pm | I love that Sherry |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:41:38 pm | Continuing awareness. Compassion for myself when I slip up. Quieting the negative inner mean girl voice. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:41:55 pm | This is an area I'm trying to work on too |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:42:11 pm | Sherry, those are great goals. reflection is what I give myself so little time to do. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:42:17 pm | Hmmmm I love that Karlene - compassion is a great one too |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:42:57 pm | Grow as a person and professional, taking care of my self to give my best .!! |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:43:15 pm | To be kinder to my self! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:43:23 pm | Yes Luis Yes |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:43:41 pm | We are all our own worse critics. |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:43:50 pm | Darlene I love that |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:44:33 pm | Well it's time everyoone. Thank you so much for tonight |
| Tiegs, Sherry | 07:44:49 pm | Thank you Brenda |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:44:49 pm | I'll see you next week - same time for chat |
| Rivera Mercado, Darlene | 07:44:58 pm | Thank you! |
| Dunaisky, Karlene | 07:45:00 pm | Thanks Brenda! |
| {Lowe, Brenda} | 07:45:07 pm | You are so welcome |
| Cruz Solis, Luis | 07:45:13 pm | Have a great night .! And thanks 😊 |
