Putting the Big Rocks FIRST

It is so easy to let the little rocks in life take so much time and to push the big rocks off to the side or put them in last.  It is so easy to get caught up with the little things in life and let those little things take our precious time.  We need to learn to focus on the big rocks that are important to us such as family and friends.  The most important thing we need to try to do is to find a balance in life and make it a priority to put our big rocks first.  There is only so much time in a day and we can only fit so much in our buckets.  After watching the “Big Rocks” clip, I really began to think about my rocks and my priorities.  This past week, the rock idea has been in my mind and I have been trying to not stress over the little things, the things I usually can’t change.  Watching this video reminded me that it is important to find a balance and put the big rocks in first.

Check out the video.  How do you make your rocks fit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8705cHTKEgQ

Backwards Design

This past week, I began a process called Backwards Design to plan a unit on multiplication, division, and fractions.  This method involves starting with the goals of what the teacher hopes to have students achieve.  This process helps educators to remain focused on the big idea.  To begin this process, I listed the learning goals which I hope to achieve with my students.  Then, I listed the enduring understandings which are the big ideas that students will understand.  Next, I wrote four essential questions.  Finally, I wrote the knowledge and skills that students will know and be able to do as a result of this unit.

The Backwards Design process is a method that I have not used before.  At first, I will admit, I was feeling a little (okay…VERY) overwhelmed.  By taking small steps, I feel I am moving in the right direction of understanding the process.  After completing Stage 1 of the process, I feel that I have gained a strong understanding of what I hope students will achieve by the end of my three week unit.  I would like to begin using essential questions in my classroom and designing this unit has pushed me in that direction of writing these questions.  I know that as I begin this process, I am able to reflect on what went well and make changes for the future.  I look forward to completing the rest of the process and eventually teaching my students this unit.  Beginning the process of using Backwards Design was scary at first because it was new to me, but it has opened my eyes to a new way of planning.