I’ve always wanted to keep a reflective journal about my teaching but in the hustle and bustle of a busy school day, that seemed to be the first thing to go from list of “to-do’s.” I’m hopeful that having a place to reflect right in my plan book will encourage me to take time to write down my thoughts and ideas each week. The 2017-2018 Intentional Educator Planner will be just the place!
Sometimes we learn a lot by asking students what makes the difference in their lives as learners.
Thinking back over the year, what do you hope to continue or change before students return in the fall?
At first, pride filled my heart, but as I continued to watch, I realized the work ethics I was watching at that moment hadn’t been as clear nor intentional throughout the year. The day’s show of teamwork could have been the culmination of a year’s work, but I knew it was something more.
When this post goes live, there will be just 13 teaching days left in my school year. The end is coming quickly and more than ever, every minute counts. I’m thinking about how… Continue reading
Asking my students to set their own goals creates one more opportunity for each of them to be in charge of their learning and reflect on their growth as a writer.
Three important reflections inspired by teaching poetry to fifth-grade writers
As the end of this particular school year draws near, you might think about the qualities of your favorite stories to help you plan an ending that is meaningful for your students.
Kids learn more when they are given time to reflect on their learning, self-assess, and check in on goals they are working toward. That’s what the end of workshop share and reflection time is for, and too often it gets cut short, or left out completely.
What are the books that have shaped you as a teacher of writing? Reflecting today, in thanks, for the authors and books that have influenced my life as a teacher.
Before you plan to ask your students to reflect on the kinds of writers they are (for their end-of-year self-assessments), be sure you ask yourself “What kind of writer am I?”
This time of year can be overwhelming, for teachers and students alike. Writing about gratitude is one way to stay present and positive.
What goals will you set for your practice this year? Here are a few suggestions.
One thing I love so much about being an educator is the cyclical nature of the school year. The beginning of the year brings promise, renewed energy, and a certain mania. The middle… Continue reading
Have you ever found yourself in this place? A place where you begin to see something missing and immediately want to change? Be better? I hope so!
Beth Moore offers a collection of ten publishing party ideas you can use to celebrate your students’ writing.
Dana Murphy shares some thoughts about the expectations we place on students when we ask them to reflect on their writing.
Today Deb Gaby and I finished leading the third day of a three-day Foundations of Writing Workshop training. At the end, we asked for reflections. Teacher after teacher commented on the impact of… Continue reading
Peruse our past posts about reflective practice and self-assessments students can use at the end of the school year.
I have an irrational fear of mice. It is bad news. My husband has established a preemptive strike in our basement and garage. He engages in an impossible battle to keep our home,… Continue reading
