Reflections/Decisions

As I begin this post, we will be saying goodbye to 2018 and hello to 2019 in about 8 hours. This is a time to reflect on the past 365 days and decide how to write the next 365 days.

Reflection – 2018 was a wonderful year for room 119. I decided to throw convention to the wind and step even more outside the box (my husband says I don’t even have a box). I attended Get Your Teach On twice, once in Jan. and then again in Oct. and visited the Ron Clark Academy for the first time. These experiences helped me to grow as a teacher and confirm truths I hold dear when it comes to educating young minds. I dove into The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller and Game Changer by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp. I can not say enough wonderful words about these two educators. These two are my go to experts in the field of ditch levels or color coding of books and free reading for all. I have probably quoted from these two more than I should to teachers around me…forgive me. Also, I tried every day to bring learning to life for my students. I cried while reading The One and Only Ivan for the third time. I cried explaining how wonderful The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is to a sweet little student. I laughed while making voices for each animal in Creature Features especially when a student answered a question on the test that he learned his teacher speaks blobfish. I hope my students saw in 2018 how much I love them and my passion for learning which will hopefully enable them to fulfill every dream they have for life.

Decisions – 2019 has yet to be written and with that comes decisions on how to fill the 365 pages that await. I have already made a few decisions on how to write a chapter or two or three. Chapter One, will be confronting inequality in the classroom especially for students of poverty. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 21% of children live below the federal poverty threshold which is approximately 15 million children. This percentage does not include the combination of poverty/low income families. I will dive into research and thoughts concerning students of poverty/low income in a later post. Chapter Two, I want to become a culturally responsive teacher. I have failed in this area over the years…no more excuses. I must open my own eyes to see and embrace the wonderful diversity that is represented in room 119 and educate myself first and foremost. Chapter Three, I will not settle for mediocrity and accept excuses. I am weary of listening to excuses of why this, we can’t do that, these kids, and so on and so on. No more….room 119 is a no excuse zone! Lastly, I strive to continue to bring back the wonder of learning. Childhood should be a time of amazement and excitement. Is there a better place for this amazement and excitement than in the context of learning? I have become discouraged with the test, test, test scenario of education that has zapped the joy of learning and it is a disservice to children (I’ll also cover that in a later post). May my decisions for 2019 in room 119 impact you to make some decisions about the chapters you choose to write in this new year. Happy New Year! Until again…Dandelion Dreams