November 2011 Goals
Accomplishments this Month
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
Starting it is the easy part. Continuing and trying to figure out assessment and having it flow has been a struggle. This month I finally found a flow that is working. I put all assignments on this particular site and students turn in assignments and I can comment directly each day. When we meet in class I can spend time with each student and focus on individual learning.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
Goodness - I have a couple of loud classes and I do struggle with modeling clam and quiet. Some seem not to listen - but we are getting there. I have tried to remain calm and I can see improvement in some students. It is like a chain reaction. One models me and then one models them and so on . . . . .
Becoming a better listener
I am trying to take this to a deeper level. I have to listen, but I also need to follow my students cues - I had a student that was acting out and I was trying to get him to be quiet. Once I really stopped and saw him (not only listen) I realized he was lost. He could not understand what I was taking for granted that he knew and magic (duh) not only was I able to help him, but the behavior went away because he was not frustrated and I could help him. We have since made a pact and he asks how my day is going and I know that he needs help with and he doesn’t have to be embarrassed to ask for help.
Spending more time with family and myself
Since we have Thanksgiving this will be a simple task. The trick is to have quality time with everyone and not be stressed preparing for the time together. I have tried to spend a set amount of time each day for school work and other tasks. I am one to save big things for last. I am switching it up. Instead of entering grades every Friday - I am now doing them on Wednesdays. Surely two days cannot make that big of a difference but it does. I have also set 15 minutes of each day - exactly 3:45 to reflect on the day and to write my reflection. It is so calming. I turn the lights out and have quiet time. Of course this does not always work - sometimes I have students or meetings.
Creating student centered lessons and/or classroom
Starting it is the easy part. Continuing and trying to figure out assessment and having it flow has been a struggle. This month I finally found a flow that is working. I put all assignments on this particular site and students turn in assignments and I can comment directly each day. When we meet in class I can spend time with each student and focus on individual learning.
Growing as a quiet reflector and as a role model for my students and fellow educators
Goodness - I have a couple of loud classes and I do struggle with modeling clam and quiet. Some seem not to listen - but we are getting there. I have tried to remain calm and I can see improvement in some students. It is like a chain reaction. One models me and then one models them and so on . . . . .
Becoming a better listener
I am trying to take this to a deeper level. I have to listen, but I also need to follow my students cues - I had a student that was acting out and I was trying to get him to be quiet. Once I really stopped and saw him (not only listen) I realized he was lost. He could not understand what I was taking for granted that he knew and magic (duh) not only was I able to help him, but the behavior went away because he was not frustrated and I could help him. We have since made a pact and he asks how my day is going and I know that he needs help with and he doesn’t have to be embarrassed to ask for help.
Spending more time with family and myself
Since we have Thanksgiving this will be a simple task. The trick is to have quality time with everyone and not be stressed preparing for the time together. I have tried to spend a set amount of time each day for school work and other tasks. I am one to save big things for last. I am switching it up. Instead of entering grades every Friday - I am now doing them on Wednesdays. Surely two days cannot make that big of a difference but it does. I have also set 15 minutes of each day - exactly 3:45 to reflect on the day and to write my reflection. It is so calming. I turn the lights out and have quiet time. Of course this does not always work - sometimes I have students or meetings.