R is for Renew
Though I could spend all summer reading novels just for fun, I've learned it's in everybody's best interest if we use moderation. Yes, I will definitely find plenty of time to renew my spirit and soul by spending lots of time with my family and my good friends. We will spend one week this summer in a cabin with family and many a sunny day on our boat. But, I will also make time to renew my mind. So far I've accomplished this by taking the CVCS Summer Institute class where I learned about numerous apps that I can use in my classroom next year. There are some very cool things I can't wait to do with my students! I have also been completing challenges for the Summer Learning Series. One of my favorite challenges was reading the book Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess. It is also motivating to connect with other educators on Twitter.
E is for Engage
Speaking of cool apps I learned about at the Summer Institute, I want to incorporate many of them to increase student engagement in my classroom. I know if students are having fun, they will want to come to class and will be motivated to engage in learning. I am looking forward to using these apps and websites: Kahoot!, iBooks Author, Twitter, Prezi, ShowMe videos, Remind, Tellagami, QR Codes, and Aurasma (love this one!) to name a few.
F is for Favorites
What lessons did I teach this year that went really well? When did I see a high level of engagement from the students in my classroom? What lessons would my students consider to be their favorites? Some of the best lessons came from collaborating with my team; those times when we created interdisciplinary units around a specific theme. For instance, our students take their standardized tests in the fall. It can be stressful to spend a couple of hours each day testing in silence. We use the rest of class time doing a hockey unit. Students are assigned to a hockey team and given their position on the team. They travel in teams to complete tasks - creating their team chant, a flag, and use their iPads to take a team picture. All week long they learn everything there is to know about hockey - how to check box scores, the calls a referee makes, statistics about mass and volume, geography about different teams. Each day we gather together to get the official ESPN-like update on stats and find out team matchups for the day. At the end of the unit, a couple of hockey players from the Waterloo Blackhawks visit to talk and answer questions. Everyone loves the hockey unit! We also do an amazing Iditarod unit in February and March.
L is for Lean Forward
I need to remind myself from time to time to lean forward, to make progress. What steps can I take now to help me reach my bigger goals? I would love to write a book, but I get stuck in a cycle thinking about the things I don't know how to do, so I never get started. But, if I never get started, how will I ever get published? Which leads me to the next one...
E is for Execute Changes
Don't be a bystander. Take action!
C is for Challenges
Looking at some of the challenges I faced this past year, I try looking at them as opportunities to grow. Working with challenging people, whether they are students, parents, other teachers, anyone really...these are opportunities for me to be a better teacher. These are times when I need to pause and reflect before I take action. Think before responding. Be considerate of the opinions of others and never crush anyone's spirit.
T is for Technology
I am so lucky to teach at a brand new school in a 1:1 environment. I need to continue to make improvements each year and use the technology we have. Be fearless. Working towards thriving, not merely surviving!
