These are the things that matter to me.
I tried to narrow it down, but I couldn’t do it!
I love learning. And I want my kids to love learning. I want to foster that curiosity they naturally have and introduce them to new things to be curious about.
I know that learning doesn’t happen without me knowing my kids and building relationships with them. I know that learning doesn’t happen without me making school fun and meaningful, and motivating my students to grow as people and push themselves. Learning doesn’t happen without my kids knowing that I value growth and effort over A+’s. Learning isn’t always staying on the lesson plan, and it’s definitely not keeping the same plans from year to year- because it’s ultimately about the kids.
And learning doesn’t keep happen for my kids unless I keep learning, too!
This summer I got a chance to go to a Picture-Perfect Science Workshop, an Indiana eLearning Technology conference, and a Scholastic Reading Summit. I chatted with teacher colleagues at the TeachersPayTeachers conference and hosted a Cincinnati teacher blogger meet-up. I blog to reflect on my learning, and creating for TpT pushes me to craft even better materials for my students. I participated in a Daily 5 book study, read Reading in the Wild, finally delved into the amazing world of professional development on Twitter, and bought lots of books to share with my kids, too!
{Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links!}
I hope you have done something this summer to keep learning too! And I'd like to encourage you to write down your educational beliefs somewhere- because it really does refocus you!
If you’re looking for a little more back-to-school inspiration, check out more education beliefs from Michelle at From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. B!
(I really love her third one!)
Thanks for stopping by Luckeyfrog Learning!
HI Jenny!! I love, LOVE, your beliefs and can relate to each of them!! I really love what you said about how we are never done learning. So true! And those teachable moments may not be on the lesson plans but it is best to just go with it!! Thanks for sharing your beliefs. ;)
ReplyDeleteMonica
Mrs. MeGown’s 2nd Grade Safari
Really enjoyed reading yours, too! I kind of want to make a big poster in my room that says "YOU CAN LEARN. I CANNOT and WILL NOT ever give up on you!"
DeleteJenny
I love your beliefs!! I especially like how you said we need to keep learning as teachers! That's so important to keep on the latest and to get new ideas and inspiration from others :)
ReplyDeleteCaitlin
Cait's Cool School
I really enjoyed reading your beliefs. I love how you also think relationships are so important with the children to be able to teach them effectively! Relationships with the kids are one of the most important things in my books and definitely helps to push them that little bit more and to enjoy being with you in your class!
ReplyDeleteTeaching Autism
Jenny, the kids in your classroom are so lucky to have you as a teacher. I love your comment about valuing growth and effort more than A's. That's something I try to instill in my students, too. It sounds like you had a very productive summer. Have a great year as you head back to school!
ReplyDelete