Instant Inspiration

Day 7 and I am still going strong with @TeachThought for a November blogging challenge - Teaching Through an Attitude of Gratitude.  Please click here if you would like to join in the reflection.

November 7 - What new learning has inspired you in your career?

In the short-term, I would say Twitter has been my latest inspiration.  The learning that takes place in a simple 140 character message is amazing.  Every day I read a tweet which makes me think and reflect.

Or I see an idea or a new way of doing something that I want to try in my classroom.

Or I hear about a new book that I just have read and place in my classroom.

Or I learn about a new piece of technology or app.

The teachers I have virtually met have merged into a PLN that I never dreamed of having.  It is instant inspiration, and it has totally changed the way I learn.

My Favorite Quote, My Mantra

Woo Hoo!  I am on my sixth day with @TeachThought for a November blogging challenge - Teaching Through an Attitude of Gratitude.  Please click here if you would like to join in the reflection.

I am a teacher of reading.  I am a lover of books.  Building relationships with my readers is key to creating a classroom where reading is a priority.   I believe in the power of books.  

Several years ago, I was reading Igniting a Passion for Reading by Steven Layne and came across this quote.

"Never underestimate the power of a great book in the hands of a teacher who knows how to use it."

This has become my mantra.  It is what I believe.  Students need teachers who read and use books in a positive way.  They do not need rewards, or reading logs, or consequences for not reading.  They need to know books are powerful.  Sometimes it just takes the right teacher to ignite that passion.

My Strengths

This month I am joining fellow bloggers and @TeachThought for a November blogging challenge - Teaching Through an Attitude of Gratitude.  Please click here if you would like to join in the reflection.

November 5 - What are your strengths?  Which are you most grateful for?

Talking about my strengths is not easy for me to do.  I think this is because I am my worst critic and I am extremely hard on myself.  I tend to look at my weaknesses and many times focus too much on those.

Because I am such a critic, I am also a constant learner which I think is a strength.  I am a teacher who wants to continuously learn new things.  Buying professional development books is an addiction, but there is always something I want to be better at doing.  

Being reflective is also important to me.  Looking to see what worked and what didn't work and then making changes is also a part of my learning process.

I love going to workshops.  I feel that if I can take one thing back and implement it in my classroom, then it was worth the money.  Many people laugh at how much I am on Twitter, but it is because I am always looking for ways to learn.  

I have been called a nerd because of my thirst to learn - but I am proud of it!

A "Heroic" Teacher

This month I am joining fellow bloggers and @TeachThought for a November blogging challenge - Teaching Through an Attitude of Gratitude.  Please click here if you would like to join in the reflection.

November 4 - What was the nicest gift you ever received from a student/parent/colleague?

As a teacher, I have received my share of candles, body wash or lotion, or flavored popcorn.  I have always been grateful for all gifts, but I will have to say that any handwritten note has to be my favorite.

Last year while I was reading to my students, the word "heroic" was in the book.  For some reason, I just could not pronounce that word.  No matter how hard I focused on it, I kept saying the "oy" sound.  The kids were laughing right along with me.  It just would not come out of my mouth.  That little joke carried on for the entire school year.

At the end of the school year, I received a gift card (from Barnes & Noble - my favorite!) and in it was a note from my student.  This student and I shared a very special reading relationship.  He loved to read and I loved sharing books with him. Here is his note.  Being called a "heroic" teacher is something I will always treasure - not because it is true.  But because he remembered.

Attitude with Gratitude Catch-up Posts

This month I am joining fellow bloggers and @TeachThought for a November blogging challenge - Teaching Through an Attitude of Gratitude.  Please click here if you would like to join in the reflection.

Since this is a catch-up post, I am writing three days worth today.  They are short, but I am caught up!  Hopefully this won't become a trend!  I, like most of you, really do not have the time, but please check back Tuesday for my Slice of Life to read about why I decided to participate.

November 1 - What are the best aspects of being a teacher?

For me, the best aspect of being a teacher is the relationships with the students. When I was student teaching, I wondered if my supervising teacher even liked kids. To be in that environment for eight weeks was difficult.  I learned then, that creating those relationships was important to not only having a successful classroom but also to being a happy teacher.  My students make me laugh, make me cry, make me think, and make me happy.  

I was asked a similar question during an interview and my answer was, "The kids, of course!"  I am convinced that answer helped me get the job.

November 2 - What is one small delight in the day that you always look forward to?

My small delight at school is my third period dark chocolate M&M's.  That is my prep period and I keep a bag in my desk drawer.  It is that perfect pick-me-up!

My small delight at home is my time spent reading in the tub!  My "bath time" has been sacred since my kids were little...and they are 22 and 18.  That's a lot of bubbles.  

November 3 - What are you most proud of to date in your teaching career?

Actually becoming a teacher is what am most proud of.  I returned to school at the age of 40.  Prior to that I was a retail district manager and a stay-at-home mom.  The decision to return to school was not an easy one, but one I have never regretted. Sitting in a classroom with 20 year olds was not easy either, but so much fun!  

That decision has led me down a wonderful path.  I never imagined I would be where I am today, challenging myself to reach higher and dream bigger.  

Reflective Teaching Challenge - My Superpower

Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Reflections hosted by Teach Thought.

September 16 - If you had 1 superpower to use in the classroom, what would it be and how would it help?

When I read today's challenge, I felt myself being swept back 40 years ago and sitting in my living room watching Saturday morning television.  I remember wishing I could be Isis (and no I don't mean the same ISIS as today!)

Andrea was a high school science teacher who obtained superhuman powers by taking out an amulet from her shirt and saying the magic words, "Oh mighty Isis!"  Isis, who was before Wonder Woman and the Bionic Woman, was able to control weather, lift heavy objects with her superhuman strength, make things disappear and reappear, and stop time in its tracks. 

She was a dedicated foe of evil, a defender of the weak, and a champion of truth and justice.  Plus she was a poet!  Every power she acquired was requested through a poem.  

"Oh zephyr winds which blow on high,

lift me now so I can fly."

If I had a chance to become a superhero, it would certainly be Isis, and I would repeat these words as I tackled illiteracy and aliteracy in our schools and in society. 

"Oh dear students who do not read,

hear these words so you can succeed.

Reading can take you where you've never been

Open a book and climb on in."

I would be a foe of standardized testing and politics in education, a defender of the children in poverty and those who are bullied, and a champion of those who struggle with or do not care for reading.

Reflective Teaching Challenge - My Favorite Part of the Day

Two days in a row - I am on a roll.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Reflections hosted by Teach Thought.

September 11 - What is your favorite part of the school day and why?

I have thought a lot about this reflection.  I first started to write my favorite part was before the day starts because it gives me time to think about the day ahead.  

Then I realized this was the time when I feel the most helpless.  There are too many unknowns, too many unanswered questions and too many fears which make me apprehensive.

It is at the end of the day when I can stop and think about how our day went and how being a teacher really did make a difference.

I can think about that student who didn't understand a concept and how I made a plan for better understanding tomorrow.

I can think about that student who blew up today and how I helped him to problem solve and control his feelings.

I can think about that student who will go home to abuse but know that she felt safe and loved today in my classroom.

I can think about how that lesson I switched at the last minute because I was going to be observed went better than expected and wonder how I can piggyback on that learning.

I can think about almost tripping over a stool and how I saw one of my students smile for the first time.

Yes, at the end of the day, I can smile and feel blessed that tomorrow I get to come back and do it all over again.

Reflective Teaching Challenge - All About Me

I am still trying to blog with reflective teachers everyday, but sometimes daily life just gets in the way.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 10 - Share 5 random facts about yourself, 4 things from your bucket list, 3 things you hope for this year as an educator, 2 things that made you laugh or cry as an educator, 1 thing you wish more people knew about you.

Random Facts:

1. I returned to school to become a teacher when I was 40.
2. I am petrified of wind or tornados.
3. I am a retired quilter
4. I am a Peabody Leader in Education
5. I have two dimples.

Bucket List:

1. Be a published writer (other than my blog - that doesn't count!)
2. Travel to the east coast and watch the whales migrate.
3. Learn to sing (the shower or my car doesn't count!)
4. Retire while I am still able to enjoy life.

Hopes:

1. I hope to launch our Next Chapter Book Club this month.
2. I hope to get more colleagues on Twitter.
3. I hope to someday teach without worrying about things that really don't matter.

Things that made me laugh or cry

1. Reading Wonder aloud to my students.
2. The last day of school when I have to say goodbye to my current students.

I wish people knew that I am a "doer" because I want to "do."   Not for the attention or the recognition, but because it is how I am wired.  

Reflective Teaching Challenge - My Desk Drawer

I knew when I started the Teach Thought September Blogging Challenge that it would be tough for me stay with it...I lasted four days!  For some reason, the weekend is much harder for me to write and blog than during the week.  I am hoping to jump back in this week and maybe even catch-up on the few that I missed.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 8 -What’s in your desk drawer and what can you infer from those contents?

I am an office supply junkie!  I get so excited for back-to-school ads simply for the office/school supplies.  Looking in my top desk drawer, I can infer that I am obsessed with sticky notes.  Just in this picture, I can see seven different kinds and/or sizes.  I have the sticky notes on my computer, but they just don't "stick" like the real thing.

My note of choice is the Post-It Super Sticky 3 x 3 in lime green.  

My stash also includes:

4 x 6 lined for a long things-to-do list
4 x 4 lined for a short things-to-do list
2 x 2 for those small reminders
1/2 inch page markers to use as arrows
Easel pads for great portable anchor charts

and my favorite discontinued item was the word cards which were great for creating word walls!  I still have a few of those left, but I sure wish I would have bought more when they still made them.

If only I had stock in Post-Its!

Reflective Teaching Challenge - What I Love Most

Starting a new grade level gives me an excellent opportunity to truly reflect on my teaching and to continue to grow.  Thank you to Teach Thought for hosting the 30 Day Blogging Challenge focused on reflection.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 4 - The thing that you love the most about teaching.

Asking me to name the thing I love most about teaching is like asking me what is my favorite book?  I just don't think I could answer either question with just one response.

As with most teachers, I love building the relationships and seeing the lightbulb moments.  But, since I am a reading teacher, my answer would certainly pertain to books.  My ultimate goal is always to build lifelong readers.  Matching books to my students and seeing their reading life take off is a natural high for me.  

So many students are at a disadvantage because their teachers do not read.  I am not saying that not reading makes an ineffective teacher.  However, I do think it puts students at a disadvantage because it is much easier to make those connections between readers and books when a teacher has knowledge about books.  I take pride in my reading life and sharing it with my students.  I get a thrill when I can successfully make that connection.  It makes me smile when a student comes in the next day and can't wait to tell me how their book ended, or how late they stayed up reading a book.  

That is one of the things I love most about teaching.

Reflective Teaching Challenge - Improving My Evaluation

Starting a new grade level gives me an excellent opportunity to truly reflect on my teaching and to continue to grow.  Thank you to Teach Thought for hosting the 30 Day Blogging Challenge focused on reflection.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 3 -Mention 1 "observation" area that you would like to improve on for your teacher evaluation.

I taught 4th grade for seven years before I moved to 6th grade.  The biggest change that I have found is the amount of time for instruction each day.  Now, I teach language arts which combines both writing and reading in a 48 minute period.

I came from a 90 minute reading block and a 45 minute writing workshop.  I was comfortable with my routines and how I taught both areas.  My day ran smoothly because my students knew what to do.  I taught mini-lessons, small groups and individual conferences while my students were engaged in authentic reading and writing.  I loved every minute of my day!  

Now, I am lucky to complete a full lesson without forgetting a part or running out of time before I am finished.  It is extremely difficult to get both reading and writing instruction in during a week's time.

I know this is an area in which I will need to focus.  Because of this, I have been reading many professional development books geared toward middle school and teaching workshop at this grade level.  It will be a continual learning process for me.

Hopefully I will have plenty of time to finesses my instruction before my first evaluation!

Reflective Teaching Challenge - Using Technology

I have started my first year as a 6th grade language arts teacher, and I know I have much to learn as I make way into the middle school environment.  When I read that Teach Thought was hosting a blogging challenge for teachers who want to reflect, I immediately accepted the challenge.  Because reflection is such an important part of teaching, and since I was teaching a new grade level, I thought this challenge would be perfect for me.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 2 - Write about 1 piece of technology that you would like to try to incorporate this year into your curriculum.

This summer I attended several conferences focused on technology.  By the time I left each one, my head was spinning with ideas to use and new tools to try.  Since today's prompt was to write about ONE piece of technology, I had to narrow it down.

Our school year began with arrival of Chromebooks for our English department.  Our previous experience has been on MacBooks, so this will be a learning experience for both students and teachers.

We also will be using Google docs for the first time, and I am so excited about using this tool as well. One of my goals on yesterday's post was to collaborate using Google docs.  I think this will be an excellent tool for students to use for the entire writing process.  Drafting on a computer adds excitement, and revising using Google docs lets me see the revision process because it automatically saves each change.  It will also eliminate carrying home 100 notebooks to read student writing.  Now, all I have to do is open my computer, and I will have the writing of all my students at my fingertips. 

If anyone has any tips for making our transition to Chrome easy, please share! 

Reflective Teaching Challenge - Setting Goals

This is my first year as a 6th grade language arts teacher, and I know I have much to learn as I make way into the middle school environment.  When I read that Teach Thought was hosting a blogging challenge for teachers who want to reflect, I immediately accepted the challenge.  Because reflection is such an important part of teaching, and since I was teaching a new grade level, I thought this challenge would be perfect for me.  Find more information here on how you can join other teachers for September Refections.

September 1 - Write your goals for the school year.

As teachers, we write goals for our students, our schools and ourselves.  This is vital for a reflective teacher.  For many teachers, writing and achieving goals is part of their evaluation.  Because of this, many people think that goals need to be measurable.  I don't think that is always the case.  I have several goals which are practices I want to start or changes I want to make.  These are not necessarily measurable, but are goals nonetheless.

* Create a global classroom - Through the use of Twitter, Skype, and Kidblog, I hope to increase our classroom presence globally.  Please check us out at @ExplorersCMS.

* Collaboration through the use of Google docs - This summer I participated in a book study using Google docs with teachers across the United States.  This was such a great learning experience for me, and now I want to bring this form of professional development and learning to my colleagues.  I also want to use Google docs as a collaboration tool for my students with their writing.

* Finding their voices - The majority of writing for our students is prompt writing, or practice for the standardized writing assessment.  I want my students to find their voices through many different types of writing and understand how to use that voice to make a difference in their world.

Being in a new grade level and a new school, I know I will have many learning experiences that will impact my goals.  I am sure these goals may change and evolve as we go, but for now, I have a vision and that is important for me.