Reflection Connection: March

Ah, March, how I love your warm days and the promises of Spring Break...but oh how I grumble at the thought of the busy testing season that lies ahead. In April the testing season begins in earnest, and no matter how confident I feel, there's still this little nagging voice that whispers, "Are we ready?" I think it's just latent testing anxiety that originated in my youth, but nevertheless, it persists. That brings us to our reflection of the month: 

Question: What anxiety are you feeling? What steps are you taking to find life's positive moments?

My Response: At this point in the school year, any anxiety I'm feeling usually centers around the hectic schedule of testing and end-of-the-year activities. (Yes, I know it's only March, but the calendar is already starting to fill up and planning for class activities takes time!) Thankfully I have wonderfully supportive colleagues that share equally in the planning process and greatly reduce any anxiety I'm feeling. During the busy testing season, I also take time to stop and make sure my students know how proud I am of their work throughout the school year and try to create moments where we celebrate their accomplishments and growth. Above all, I make sure that my students see none of the stress I may be feeling. They are incredible individuals that work hard to succeed every day. I know that they already put pressure on themselves to succeed on the state tests - even when the adults around them reassure that all will be well. My goal for March is to make sure I find the time to celebrate the positive moments of each school day amidst the hectic schedule of the school year as it marches towards the lazy days of Spring Break and summer vacation.

Now it's your turn! Share your response in the comments or write it in your own reflection journal.

Reflection Connection: February

February is the month of pastel hearts, cupid's arrows and little treats to show you care. In the spirit of love and all things wonderful, this month's Reflection Connection gives us an opportunity to consider what we love most about being an educator. Some of us are definitely in difficult positions or are dealing with a lot of stress at work. Still, it's important to regularly reflect on the positive aspects of life to keep everything in perspective. :)

 

Question: What do you love most about being an educator?

 

My Response: I love so many aspects about being an educator that it's pretty hard to choose just one! I love finding and designing lessons that make history come alive for my students and I'm very blessed to have supportive teammates and colleagues who collaborate to create engaging activities and a positive atmosphere. Most of all, I love working with students to instruct them in historical content and teach them life and social skills that they can use in the years to come. Middle school can be a confusing and exciting time in a young person's life. I'm thrilled that I get to guide them along in their journey, even if for just a brief time.

 

Now it's your turn. Leave your response in the comments below or write it into your reflection journal!

Reflection Connection: January

The first days of January always feel so full of promise. We set goals for the new calendar year and make plans to grow personally and professionally. This entry in our reflection journals is a very personal one and honestly quite challenging to write.

Entry 6: What unique talents do you bring to the classroom? What makes you a good teacher?

My Response: So often we are asked to think of how we can improve...always implored to think of ways we can increase the learning gains of our students. It's important that we reflect and improve our practices, but it's equally important that we consider what we have already achieved and "toot our own horn" to celebrate our own selves. This month, reflect on your incredible talents and the things you do to change the lives of your students. You are amazing - recognize it! :)

Reflection Connection: December

 

YOU GUYS! I feel like a little kid this time of year because I LOVE the Christmas season! As soon as Thanksgiving is over, I'm whisking out all of the decorations and blaring Christmas music in the house. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year! This month's Reflection Connection is all about joy.

Entry 5: What brings you the most joy each day?

My Response: On a professional level, seeing my students collaborate well with their classmates and make good decisions brings me the most joy. As a teacher, I aim to help my students learn how to be compassionate individuals who can navigate our diverse world with understanding and kindness. Watching them learn those skills and deal with challenges in a productive way brings so much joy to my heart because I know (hope!) that these are skills they'll take with them long after they leave my classroom.

Your turn: What brings you the most joy each day?

Reflection Connection: November

I love November because it kicks off the start of the holiday season in my house! Delicious food, more time to spend with friends and family and thinking of all the things I'm thankful for in my life make this season truly special.

Entry 4: What do you feel thankful for in your life?

My Response: At school, I'm most thankful for supportive colleagues who are always ready to collaborate with each other and constantly put students first. At home, I'm thankful for the unconditional love and support of my family. Life isn't always perfect, but the people around me sure do make it fun!

Now it's your turn: What are you most thankful for in your life?

Reflection Connection: October

Now that it's October, we've settled into the rhythm of the school year. Classroom expectations have been established, we know all our students' names and half of our year's supply of pencils is already missing. :) The first weeks of school jitters are behind us and new challenges rise to confront us on both personal and professional levels. This month, let's reflect on those challenges we're facing and create an action plan for how we can solve those issues.

Entry 3: What challenges are your facing in school? What is your action plan for solving these issues?

My Response: One challenge that I'm currently facing is finding effective strategies to keep students' work organized - primarily for those who seem to lose everything! I've developed a binder organizational system, post homework and assignments in my classroom and online as well as work with those students on an individual basis. Somehow, though, a few students still seem to lose work despite all my efforts! Does this happen to you? What is your strategy for helping those students?

One policy I'm going to try this year is binder checks. I'm hoping it provides an extra incentive for my kiddos to stay organized while at the same time setting up a system that keeps me routinely checking on their organizational skills and offering assistance when necessary.

Your turn! What challenges are you facing and what is your plan of action?

Reflection Connection: September

The start of the new school year is the perfect time to consider which new skills you want to learn over the course of the school year and make a game plan for how to achieve them. No matter how many years you've been teaching, there are always concepts to learn and master.

Entry 2: What new skills do you hope to develop this year? What will you do to obtain those skills?

My Response: This year, I want to continue developing my organizational skills. I've come a long way in the past couple years but I still see areas where I can improve so that I can better help my students stay organized. I think some more organized binders await me this year: one for parent/student contact information and one for substitutes (or maybe a sub tub...hmm....). I'd also like to come up with a new and improved plan for creating and maintaining meaningful student portfolios.

What skills do you hope to learn?

Reflection Connection: August

Pencils (or keyboards) at the ready! Today begins the first entry of our year of reflection. If you’re just joining us, welcome! During the first week of each month, I’ll be posting a question that encourages you to reflect upon your experience as an educator. By answering these questions privately or in the comments, we’ll grow stronger as educators and discover more about ourselves in the process.

Entry 1: What are you most excited about this year? What makes you nervous about the start of a new classroom adventure?

My Response: Like many teachers, I always get a bit nervous to meet my new students. We’re about to embark on a year-long adventure together and I’m anxious to create positive relationships with each of them so that we can create a classroom community that encourages learning, participation and respect. Of course, while I’m a bit nervous to meet my new students, it’s also something that I’m really excited about! I look forward to getting to know each one of them over the course of the school year and helping them grow as individuals. Besides meeting my new students, something else I’m excited about is finding new ways to grow as a teacher. I’m on the hunt for new professional development opportunities that will offer effective strategies for my classroom. Let’s get this school year started!

I invite you to join us in the August reflection! If you’d like, leave a response in the comments below or write it down in a journal all your own.

~The Teacher’s Prep

Introducing: Reflection Connection

Deep breaths, everyone. A new school year is nearly upon us! Over the course of the 2017-2018 school year, I invite you to join me and fellow educators in participating in a monthly Reflection Connection. During the first week of every month, I’ll be posting a question that encourages you to reflect upon your experience as an educator – whether you’re just starting out or a veteran teacher. I’ll do the same and write my reflection in the post. In order to grow as teachers, I feel that it’s important to periodically reflect, question ourselves, celebrate our successes and identify our challenges. We’ll get to know ourselves better through the process and find encouragement and support through others that will join us in the journey of reflecting and connecting!

The first entry of Reflection Connection will be posted on Wednesday, August 2^nd.  I invite you to write your reflection in a journal or even in the comments below the post. See you then!

~The Teacher’s Prep