I love the start of a new school year! I'm already anticipating not sleeping well because I can't wait for Thursday when the kids start! New notebooks, new pens, new classes, new students, new resolutions! It's a clean slate. No matter how last year went, it's a chance to make the coming year spectacular! This year I resolve to:
1. Really use the technology I discovered in my Web 2.0 class earlier in the summer. I have a tendency to learn about new technology, but then let it drop as the year passes. I found several web sites that my creative writing students could use to write children's books. Also, found some great sites that would make my classroom more interactive. I need to consciously add these tools to my lessons!
2. Read more professional books. I didn't read much professionally last year, and I found myself getting burnt out much earlier in the spring. Professional reading keeps me excited. It empowers me to better myself and my classroom. I need to keep a "to be read" list of professional books for the year. The first two on my list are The Book Whisperer and 14 Things Great Teachers Do.
3. I will be an active learner. I have a great PLN started, not only with people in my district, but also with new friends in the blogging and Twitter world. I must take advantage of all that knowledge!
Two quotes will also guide my teaching this year. Attributed to Buddha, the first is Life is so very difficult. How can we be anything but kind? Students, teachers, janitors, administration. It doesn't matter? Everyone has things going on in their lives that affects their daily attitude. Things that affect how they deal with others. My attitude needs to be kind. Attitude is everything.
The other quote that I have been using as a mantra this summer and will continue to use throughout the year, You must be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Ghandi. Students began using this at the end of last year when confronted by actions from their classmates that they didn't like. I think as adults we also need to constantly be the change. Instead of sitting in the lounge complaining, I must find a way to change what I don't like.
So, there is it. Short, but meaningful for me. Things to think about.
Happy School Year!
I just began "am i being kind". I find it interesting that you are on the same page there! My very best wishes for a happy new year! I should be setting some resolutions for myself as well.
ReplyDeleteYou speak with determination. Now that you have written your resolutions down you can't help but make them happen. I hope that you keep posting what you learn (tool using, reading, PLN.)
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen wise guidance words for yourself. Three years ago our school made polo shirts for all teacher with Gandhi's quote printed on them. These shirts carried the slogan around almost daily.
Happy new year!
It's a wonderful idea to make new year's resolutions. Of course it's so meaningful to all teachers, for this is our new year! Your resolutions are admirable, something for us all to think about & aspire too, Deb. I hope you will keep posting about them, & I'd really love some of those 2.0 links! The Buddha quote is something I will use again, & again. How can we not?
ReplyDeleteI know this will be a good year for you. Your thoughts speak to me. They will resonate in my mind as I begin this new year. Thanks for the thoughts, Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteThree wonderful goals for the new school year! I think they're all attainable. Good luck.
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All powerful tools to start the new year. Yes, teachers are fortunate to be able to start anew and refine what we do. In my second year of being a retired teacher, I envy the new beginning you all have. I need to re-evaluate what I am going to accomplish this next year, too. Thanks for the heads up!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! It sounds as though you are in a wonderful frame of mind for a great school year.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea of "New Year's Resolutions" for the school year! Your resolutions are great goals and really similar to my own. I think I'll follow your idea and right mine down too! :-) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love the Buddha quote. Being kind in every moment to every person is a worthy aspiration for everyone. It is one that I will take to heart and keep in mind in the new school year.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your wonderful goals. Professional books always inspire me too. You will love The Book Whisperer. Good luck with using your new tech knowledge. I will be doing the same. Have a great year!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of actually writing down New Year's Resolutions for the new school year. I wonder if I am brave enough to put mine into writing? :) I also LOVE the quote from Buddha. So true... so very true....
ReplyDeleteThanks all, for the comments. I had never really written down my resolutions before, but decided it needed to be done this year. I printed them out and taped them to my desk just to help me remember. I have started "The Book Whisperer" and I do love it. Sounds just like me!
ReplyDeleteYOU are so inspiring! I love your quotes. This may sound weird, but your writing sounds like you and has a nice flow that makes it easy to ready. Good luck on your first day of school! :)
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