The simple question that retrained my brain

I have a confession to make....

I love my boss.

There. I said it.

There's a lot of reasons she is an inspiration but the one I am going to highlight today is her incredible hunger for personal growth and bottomless, genuine desire to help others succeed, grow, and find their own path. Last week in our coaching session, she issued this simple statement, a simple goal. In fact it's so stupid simple that it blows my mind how powerful it has been for me

"What is ONE thing you can do today for Breakpoint that works in your strengths?"

Like I said super straight-forward but it has been incredibly impactful in getting me into a better place for work because lets' be honest, no matter our job, there are days where WE DON'T FEEL LIKE IT, or at least there are parts of it that we just really don't enjoy. (If you don't have these moments, call me. I want to know your secrets...or if you are actually a human.)

somedays...

"What is ONE thing you can do today for Breakpoint that works in your strengths?"

It drives me crazy that this question is so SIMPLE but yet it has proved to be such a powerful tool; It resets my brain to see my tasks differently. There are things that drain me that shouldn't. For example, social media. What?! A millennial who slacks on her social media game?! *GASP*.

It's true though, and In reality it shouldn't be such a burden because it plays to my strengths of storytelling and connecting. What's the issue? My theory is that it didn't feel genuine. It was just something I had to do and it felt forced. The result? It got pushed off, and some days, nothing was posted, as ashamed as I am to admit it.

Wait. you find social media exhausting but you're sitting here writing a full length blog post?!

Yes. YES I AM. AND I posted to Facebook and Instagram hours ago. BAM.

But yes I am writing and posting a blog post, because I enjoy it. It's storytelling. Connection. And it's something genuine I can share. I am starting to re-frame and see social media the same way. I mean before social media became overrun with ads that is, its core and origin is connection. If my posts can entertain,speak to peoples' experience, or something they want to experience, then I my job here is done.

So I implore you, I CHALLENGE you to try something like this. On that day when that task is too much, when you would rather do anything else, find that ONE thing you can do that will be a help. Ask yourself what that one thing is. I think you'll be surprised how naturally the next step will appear.

Actually, prove to me you tried this. @breakpointstevenspoint for facebook or show off your productivity to me @breakpoint.escape.rooms on instagram.

PS. Do one better and share your productive secrets...I need all the help I can get.

Learning: It's not just for lectures anymore

Quick! Tell me your favorite lecture!

...

Anyone?

Let's not fool ourselves; lectures aren't exactly engaging. Even though the majority of traditional learning happens in a sit and listen setting, it doesn't do much to hold the attention of the audience, let alone give listeners a reason to remember the information (other than "this will be on you next test").

Now if I told the class that it was WWII and they are part of a resistance group that is responsible for smuggling precious artworks out of the country to keep them out of the hands of the Nazis? BAM! I know have a rapt, focused audience.

Escape rooms in classrooms are a growing trend as escape rooms become more popular and their potential for learning (and fun) becomes more well known. And it makes sense!  Problem-solving naturally occurs in an escape room and it isn't hard to incorporate historical facts or mathematical principles into the puzzle.  In fact in Ohio, there is an escape room that bases their adventures on historical events. Granted it seems like a really daunting task, and the first time you create one, it's going to take a bit of time!  Fortunately thanks to the growing their popularity and Google, there are resources you can turn to.

*Classcraft breaks down the steps of how to transform your lesson and classroom into an adventure!  As a company, they are seeking to make learning more effective and interactive by using escape rooms, storytelling, and even video games.  Just because it's non-traditional doesn't mean it's not a good idea.  Again, can you tell me your favorite lecture?  Or conference meeting?  And what you remembered from it?

Interactive mediums like escape rooms and video games draw you in because you are involved and you actually learn concepts because you need to apply them to achieve your objectives and move forward.

*We Are Teachers is a supportive community for teachers and they have a ton of articles on ideas for the classroom, resources, and just good old support.  They have an article on how to build your escape room, and another about the materials you may need!

Now, most teachers I know are ridiculously busy, between curriculum, grading, meetings, lesson planning, and teaching, time is precious and extremely hard to find.  You want to do this, but how on earth are you going to find the time?!  Have no fear!!  There are companies that provide kits you can use and *Lock. Paper. Scissors one let's you download printables, storylines, and kits.  *The Escape Classroom has a whole host of escape workshops, as they call them, that are all curriculum based and different difficulties and age categories.

Breakpoint has also created remote escape rooms!  Last October we created several escape rooms for them on each campus, utilizing different classrooms on site to create each escape scenario.  If this sounds like something of interest to you give us a call or email and we will see what we can dream up for you!

What are your thoughts on Escape Rooms in classrooms?! Would you do it? Or if your child's teacher did it? Comment below!

I'm Bored...NOT! 10 Things to do in Stevens Point

LIES! I'm going to call you out right now. Just because it's not obvious or won't show up at your door like a Dominoes pizza doesn't mean there's nothing to do.

"But it's a small town..." Uh huh... I grew up in a town of 350. Wal-Mart and take-out were 30 minutes away. So yes Point is small, but you can find something I promise. In fact, here's a list!

Sculpture Park- I love walking or running here in the summer. The sculptures are unique; the artists range from local to spread around the U.S. The trail is a quick half-mile but it feeds into the Green-Circle trail, which is a 26 mile trail so that alone can take up an afternoon! Biking, cross country skiing, hiking...no matter the season, the trail is open!

Tech Lounge- Because video-games aren't just for the dorm/basement/living room anymore. Tech lounge is a beautiful combination of a coffee shop and gaming central. Have a new release you want to play before you commit? $3 gives you an hour to play and give it a thorough check. Now choose your weapon,...er controller; choices are endless, ranging from Xbox ONE, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, SEGA, and even N64 and Atari! They have challenges every month so if you can top their leaderboard you score 10 hours of game play! That's a lot of Super Mario Odyssey...or Call of Duty...or Zelda 2...Pac-Man...endless possibilities.

Emy J's & Main Grain Bakery: If you know me, it's no secret that this is one of my favorite places to hang out in Point and do work. Food-from either side-is scrumptious and with the weather slowly getting warmer, their smoothies and ice cream are looking more and more tempting! Emy's also have live music most weekends and they've even been doing some yoga classes lately.

Breakpoint Escape Rooms- I mean obviously! Our 2nd room is opening in a few weeks and I am very excited! I love the set for Pawn Shop and there are some elements that I find to be super cool. Immunity Quest is the room we have open now and is perfect as an introduction to escape rooms and is very kid friendly. And while you're here...

Antique Up- It's hard not to give a nod to our neighbors downstairs! I truly love wandering in here; there is such an eclectic blend of antiques, hand-crafted furniture, soaps, local snacks like popcorn and beef sticks, and re-purposed and up-cycled items. Try not to get lost!

Galaxy Comics- SO MUCH GEEKERY. It's beautiful. Whatever your brand of nerding- comic books, Magic, board games, co-op style, and even disc golf! They have different weekly events as well as special events so check their calendar often! And Wednesdays are New Comic Day so if you have one your waiting on, this is your day!

UWSP Planetarium- Stars and space remain one of the great mysteries of the world and there is an endless amount to learn about them The university hosts public programs year-round on astronomy related topics, varying from myths to Mars missions. Why watch a Netflix documentary when you can see one live? (I mean, it's pretty close). The program schedule is found at the link at the bottom of the page.

Belts & Carl D's- Not that I support boredom eating, but going to Belt's and Carl D's is really just a fun experience, and you know what, you deserve to treat yourself!

Dive Point Scuba Adventure Center- It's hard to believe we have a scuba center in landlocked stevens point, but I got pretty excited about it when I found it! You can earn your scuba diving certification, then sign up for one of their international diving trips! There is a fee for the classes but it's definitely worth looking into! If you prefer to keep your head above the water, they also have kayaking classes you can sign up for. If you are already an adventure enthusiast, they sell equipment for all sorts of excursions: rock-climbing. kayaking, slack lining, diving, longboarding...so many options!

UWSP Climbing Wall- I discovered bouldering/rock climbing about this time last year when I was in Madison and I fell in LOVE (no pun intended). When my friend told me UWSP's wall was open to the public, I was stoked. Non-students membership is $60 per semester, and students can climb for free during free climb hours.

Small town is no excuse! And the warmer it gets, the more possibilities! So why are you still here?! Go! Explore!

What did I miss?! If you have a place or activity I need to know about, give a shout below!