Goals

In completing my master's degree in the last few years, I read some literature about goal setting. So when my students recently completed a common assessment I decided to have them write some goals for themselves. I may catch some flack for placing emphasis on assessments, but I saw an opportunity and took it.

I had them write their results and what they would like to improve upon for the next time. I then had them write what they would do to achieve these goals. As Carol Dweck has pointed out, I had them focus on hard work. I didn't tell them what to write, but gave them an example. I told them I recently took up running in an effort to be more physically fit. My goal from the beginning was to run a 5k. I told them that I had to start running and fit it into my schedule a couple times a week.

Well on Thanksgiving, I did it. I ran my first 5k. I finished. I ran the whole time and never walked. I was so proud, and very happy to see my family at the finish. As I looked at my number that identified me as a runner. I thought it would be great keepsake, but then I couldn't wait to take it and show it to my students. I cant wait to share my pride with students and to show them how hard work can lead to accomplishing your goals.

Rarely do we get the opportunity to share real world examples in realtime as they happen. It feels like at teachable moment, I just hope I can articulate this into a learning moment for the students. I want them to understand that my hard work translated into results that I am proud and I want them to do the same. If anyone actually reads this little blog and would like to give me some advice on how to give my students some inspiration, your help would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Try not to laugh too hard at my slow time at the finish line.

TMI

Too much information. We live in the information age, but sometimes it can be too much. In my school, the previous years teachers send "Notes to Next Year's Teacher" and we get them at the beginning of school. I really have a rough time with this because I know that they are just trying to help us by giving us some information. I usually try to ignore them for a few weeks until I can get a good idea of the kids that I have. This year I couldn't because many of the notes had issues that would need immediate attention, like IEPs and 504s. I was worried that it would completely jade my view of these kids. I was told to look at them, and I did.

I read them and was not surprised, that some of these kids would need a lot of help. I was afraid that I would have a preconceived notion about these kids. I really try not to judge and I am glad that I didn't. These kids are amazing. Moral of the story: Don't judge. I hate when people judge me. Do you feel the same way? How do you deal with judgement?

New Beginnings

Well after using blogger for our 5th grade class newsletter, I have decided to start using it for my personal and professional blog. I'm not sure why I used wordpress to begin with, but here are some reasons why I am making the switch.

1. I tried to set up our blog on edublogs and found it very clunky. It is owned and run by wordpress, so it makes sense that they are so similar. I was just very confused by many of the features and found blogger more user friendly.

2. I haven't really used wordpress that much lately. I use my google reader everyday and I hope that this will sync better and will lead to me using it more.

3. I love everything that google does, so I hope this won't disappoint me.

So here it is my new beginning. Kinda lame, but I have to write something for my first post.