I think I can, I think I can

Alrighty. After playing around with classblogs, wordpress, tumblr...I think I found what I'm looking for. I didn't have to read an instruction manual or google any terms to set this up. I could actually simply click and go. Just my speed :)

It is weird, after several years of writing for myself, to write for another audience. This must be how my students feel when we share our writing in class. So vulnerable. Will they think I'm smart? Funny? Articulate? Will anyone even care? What if I make one of those glaring mistakes like use "effect" instead of "affect." (The world might ACTUALLY end!?!) It's funny how quickly our perspective changes when we move to the front of the classroom.

In essence, I want to force myself to remain reflective. “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”(Oh yeah. I googled a quote to fit my needs. Makes me sound smarter, doesn't it?) Next year will be my 5th in the classroom...right about when teachers start to get lazy, right? Last year, I found myself cutting corners. "I've taught this unit three times already, I don't need to re-plan it." "I'll just make those copies in the morning instead." Seriously? When did I become THAT teacher?? So I want to slow down this year. Push myself to constantly reflect and, therefore, improve my practices. Blah, blah, blah. Now I have a blog. We'll see what comes of it.

On my mind this summer: revitalizing and possibly redefining my teaching beliefs, mission, and vision.  Having the discipline to set up a year that will better prepare each student I teach.