Margaret asks us to reflect for this week's DigLitSunday. Reflection was my #OLW (one little word) in 2012. My #OLWs have impacted my life both personally and professionally. I really never have any idea of where my #OLW will lead me.
Reflection is ever changing. There are moments especially in the car driving home for 20 minutes when I have the waves of rollercoasters reflections. The ups and downs of reflection. I tend to lean more on the harder side of reflection when things aren't going well. But I'm learning to be softer with myself. I think that is why I chose my #OLW Quest for 2016. Reflection is crucial for me especially this year as I embark on a new journey in my classroom (flexible seating along with inquiry learning) Blogging is an important part of my reflection. There have been moments when I wasn't sure if I should hit "post" and what's interesting those posts are the ones that tend to have the most comments. I'm thankful for reflection I always believe I'm better educator. I'm thankful for my PLN of friends who are everywhere from Maine to Montana. I'm thankful for colleagues at BES and friends that support me. Most of all I am so thankful for my family. Thanks Margaret, Reflections of Teche, for encouraging me with your weekly tweet to post on #DigLitSunday.
Sunday, September 11. I still remember where I was 15 years ago. I was teaching and the first attack happened during my plan time. I gathered with my team members, watched silently, cried and had to walk into my classroom to teach. I'm not sure how I made it through the day, If I'm honest I know how I made it through that day. Prayers and knowing that I had to maintain composure, so my students' parents would be the ones to tell their child about what happened on 9-11. I remember.
Margaret gathers #DigLitSunday posts at Reflections on the Teche. I appreciate the invite every week to post; however, I haven't taken the opportunity to post. I always enjoy learning along with others who post on Sunday. When I saw the tweet about the topic for this week: motivation. It hit me right in the heart. Motivation for my students is where my first thoughts flew too. But then I paused and thought all day Saturday about motivation for me. Margaret has chosen extremely smart topics for #DigLitSunday. Topics that are relevant at the start of the school year. Motivation.....where do I start....
I took this photo several year ago on a trip at Lake Erie. The quietness of the lake and the time to relax with my husband ended up being one of those moments caught in time for me. Motivation evolves for me. Motivation ebbs and flows. Motivation unfortunately is sometimes based on who is around me. I believe that is why I love my PLN group on twitter and blogging. Those colleagues are the shoulders I lean on even when I can't physically be with them. I'm learning about Voxer and hearing their voices has made a huge difference in my motivation.
As Margaret asks me to consider motivation, I realize that it also comes with my energy level. Summer motivation is huge and I believe I can conquer the classroom especially with power lessons, huge inquiry probing questions and differentiation. Three weeks into the school year with 27 students motivation is weening. Moments in the classroom take over because all of a sudden I know my students and am beginning to know their needs. Motivation shifts to meet 27 individual learners. Teaching is going to be different this year with the shift in flexible learning as well as teaching and implementing new focus areas. Motivation will continue to be on the forefront of my learning. Happy Sunday my friends.
