It has been almost two weeks since I added a post to this blog. Honestly, it is not because I didn't want to do it. I've thought about it, read research on a few topics I know are relevant for our school and yet...it has taken me an abundance of time to just get moving.
As I reflect on this, I realize that motivation is clearly a key factor in this. (It didn't take much to come to that conclusion! ) I could blame the work load, a lack of time, or the need to enjoy vacation if I chose to do so. The truth is, I'm actually a highly motivated person - I just didn't make it happen.
This created a domino effect for me and list of exceptional practices to improve our school was created. Remember our staff meeting - we are good already, but we can be great! We are creating "A Culture of Excellence for All Students" ! This equals excellence for students and staff alike.
Don't worry I will not be adding more to your plate - although I am asking you to reflect once again on your own practice. Are there particular projects or instructional practices that you are not doing, but have every intention of getting up and running in your classroom? Make your own list - think outside of the box - and Make Things Happen! : )
Although I'm constantly adding new things to my multiple "to-do lists", it often takes me a long time to check each item off...I always seem to get distracted or interrupted by something! After a meeting the other day where we talked a lot about the difference between teaching children material that we expect them to master, and teaching children material for exposure only, I decided to divide my own to-do lists in a similar way.
ReplyDeleteThe items that I want to "master" are:
-Sticking to my planned activities and time limits for each part of the day
-To become more focused while organizing the classroom, and to stop procrastinating!
-To inspire all of my students to love learning while also helping them to improve their academic work and behavior through targeted instruction...definitely the biggest and most important item on my list, but also the only thing that is not completely within my control!
My list of "other items" is much longer, but I'm going to try to focus on just these goals for now and add others slowly so I don't feel so overwhelmed :)
Meghan,
ReplyDeleteThat was a great take away from our discussion! I think we can all relate to what you are saying!! Kudos to you for such an authentic post and putting yourself out there. I know for sure you will successfully master your list! Lisa
I have been teaching first grade for a while now. (18 years to be exact). I could suppose that I know what I should be doing each day. But, I don't want to suppose that because then I would not evaluate what I do and I would not learn from my mistakes. ( and there are many!)
ReplyDeleteEach afternoon, while I am cleaning up our room and preparing for the next day, I try to evaluate how the day went. Did I try to meet each child's needs? Did I incorporate multiple ways of learning? Could a lesson have been done differently? What worked and what didn't? And...most importantly...did the kids have a happy and joyful day? Were they interested and excited about what we learned and the projects we did? Where should/could we go next? Did I do my best to help them?
A wise woman( a former Edwards teacher) once said to me that we should all strive to do our best each day and that we should remember that our best does not always look the same every day. We can forgive ourselves any mistakes and try all the harder the next day.
Happy Weekend!
We will miss you next week, Lisa. Wherever you go and whatever you do...enjoy it!
Mary
HI-
ReplyDeleteI concur with Meghan! I spend hours planning each weekend and it is amazing how much I don't get to each day and that adds up by the end of the week! Given our schedule this year, I am struggling with how to be prepared to teach everything before lunch - from literacy to math in one swoop. What always gets the short end of the stick? Math! I know this is not my area of strength in teaching so it's easy to push aside but I would like to challenge myself to find a way to be organized enough to do all that I have planned in the time that I have planned for it!!
Happy weekend everyone!!
Margy
Although I have been teaching for a while, I have been a bit overwhelmed this year adjusting to a new grade level and the curriculum that goes along with it. I am thankful for my team and other Cove staff members that are so encouraging. Still, when the day ends I get frustrated that there is just not enough time in the dayl. My goal is to not worry about what I can't control and do the best job I can do with the time and resources I have while taking time to enjoy my wonderful students.
ReplyDeleteI am working at looking at my group pairings and if my lesson prpeartion anbale sto meet all of the kids needs as indicated by their IEP goals. Ilene Conway
ReplyDeleteMeghan's post really resonated with me! I have sticky notes all over my computer and desk listing all of the important "to dos" that I haven't done yet, because there just isn't any time. As with all teachers, I struggle to balance it all. So, I try and focus on improving my students' basic skills while meeting their social-emotional needs and managing some challenging behaviors.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I also try and laugh everyday!
Grace