Persistence

I truly believe it is important to make mistakes, keep trying, and eventually learn from our mistakes.  We have all had challenging students and often find ourselves trying a variety of approaches until finally we find something that works.  It is important to ask for help and get ideas from colleagues when faced with challenges.  When I am faced with a difficult situation, it does inspire me to “keep on, keeping on” and to not give up.  I want to meet the challenges I am faced no matter how many times I need to keep trying.

This past week, I focused on the mistakes in my classroom.  I have a few students who get upset when they make mistakes.  This week, I decided to point out all my mistakes and tell my class that when we make mistakes we are learning.  My class began pointing out others’ mistakes so we could give a cheer to that student.  They became so excited because they know it means we are learning.  It completely changed the dynamics of my room.  My students have starting embracing each other’s mistakes and are starting to see that it is okay to make mistakes.  I truly believe it is important for teachers to teach grit and persistence.  Things will not always come easy and it is important for students to know that they need to keep trying no matter how many times they fail.

https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2013/09/18/lessons-in-perseverance/?utm_source=Teaching+Channel+Newsletter&utm_campaign=89db8a843c-Newsletter_September_21_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_23c3feb22a-89db8a843c-291647637

Empathy

After completing the Glanz survey, empathy was my top virtue.  I see empathy playing out in my life because I look for the positives in every child and situation.  I also try to help my students see the importance of being different and respecting our differences.  I am a good listener and respect what others have to say.  I feel that in life it is so important to be a good person and to always do the right thing.

Empathy can be seen in association, generativity, and presence.  It is essential for teachers to create a caring classroom in which all students feel loved and cared for and know it is okay to make mistakes.  Empathy is important for the success of AGAPE because students need to respect and care about one another.

Summer Learning

What did you learn in your summer reading and writing of the ROL that EVERY teacher should know regarding the topic?

          This summer, I researched best practices in reading.  I learned so much.  I learned about how each piece of reading is important to helping a student learn to read.  For example, students need to be able to decode words in order to read fluently and students need to be able to read fluently in order to comprehend.  There is so much to know about reading.  I also read a lot about the importance of reading aloud to students.  Every teacher in every grade level should read aloud to their students.  Students may hear and learn things they might not be able to read on their own.  Students need to hear and see model reading so they know what they should look and sound like.

Why should/how is your topic (be) important to others who teach in your level/concept area?

Before third grade, the focus in reading is teaching students to learn to read.  After that, student read to learn.  If students can’t read, they will struggle in all other areas.  It is important for all teachers of all ages promote the love of reading.

How has it or will it impact or shape what you have already done and will be doing in the upcoming weeks?

          Within my research, I read about the importance of reading aloud to students.  This is something I plan on doing daily in my classroom.  I plan on reading a variety of genres and texts to my class.  I also read about the importance of independent reading.  This year, I want to make time to have my students read independently each day.  I want to help my students become fluent readers so I am focusing on fluency for my action research.  I am going to make time for daily repeated reading practice to see how it affects my students’ fluency.

What does it specifically look like in action in your teaching and/or what could other teachers do in their classrooms to honor the research?  

          In my classroom, we have a morning block of reading instruction time and an afternoon time of ability grouping for reading.  I plan on incorporating what I have learned over the summer into my reading block.  I believe the best thing other teachers can do is promote the love of reading.

Roadblocks and Successes

My school year is off to a great start.  I am looking forward to a wonderful year.

As I look at my non-negotiables, the biggest roadblock I see is finding time.  There is so much to do in a day and only so much time.  I really need to prioritize and be intentional with everything I do.  I need to make sure I am thinking about the big ideas and sticking to the necessary things.  The greatest success I anticipate is a classroom community in which all my students feel safe and cared for.  They will know that it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them.  I am excited to begin the second week of school.