Apologies...

For those who don't know me, I apologize way too much. I apologize so much my friends have resorted to pinching me every time an "I'm sorry" escapes from my lips. I cannot help it. It's a habit that I am trying to break. But like all habits, it is a challenge.

But I do apologize for not writing more on this blog. This year, one of my goals, was to be a better teacher-librarian. If you are a teacher-librarian, you know how challenging this is. We are constantly having to learn new skills, relearn old ones, adapt to the ever changing world of education, librarianship, technology, etc. All this on top of our lives. I had to revisit my goals for the year and noticed that they were geared more towards the beginning of the year and not for what I should be doing during the year. Here are some of the things that are on-going:

• class management (it is working but the set-up of the classroom is a challenge but I have to work with what I've got)
• lesson preparation (i really do need a night to prepare but with everything else i rush through this)
• incorporate reflection and point out overlapping themes in regards to research and media literacy
• be a better guide for my students (i feel as if i am a product of the education i received - a talking head - students want to participate more)
• read more books on education, 21st century learning, etc.
• participate more in the field (i feel as if i just run out of time, but the "movers and shakers" never seem to sleep. maybe I shouldn't sleep)

That's it for now folks. Maybe you can give me some tips on becoming a better teacher/librarian...or just being a better manager or being a better human being. Thanks!

Ethical Theme 2008-2009: Character

image from Simcoe County District School Board.

I have written about the ethical themes we focus on before for the coming school year. This year, our wonderful leader was inspired by Booker T. Washington's quote on "character" as something the school community will strive to instill in students for the following year.

What is "character"?

Searching Google you find a number of definitions, such as, "good repute" or (my favorite out of the list) "inherent complex of attributes that determines a person's moral and ethical actions and reactions; "education has for its object the formation of character"- Herbert Spencer."

How does an educator teach a student about "character?" What kinds of situations will arise where we have the opportunity to make it a "teaching moment"? I am not quite sure how to make the concept one that is so easily illustrated or explained. My first year, the ethical theme had to do with making the right choice as opposed to the easy one. The second year, the theme focused on understanding limits and being aware of how just because you can does not necessarily mean you should. Both themes seem easy enough to explain in my own head but how do you teach that to students, who are trying to figure out their own way no matter what?

Each year, I do find it challenging to try to make students more aware of their actions and how it affects those around them. At times, I feel a bit hypocritical but as they learn, I re-evaluate and re-learn as well.

I suppose that we just hope that years from now something will click. Something will inspire them to be their better selves.

In closing our meeting today, one of our leaders shared a story about a challenging student, who is now successful and focused and inspiring those around him. I guess, it's stories like these that will help motivate educators to continue to discuss and focus on ethics each school year.

Beginning Year Tatlo (Three)

This summer has been a whirlwind of craziness - some good some bad but all meant to happen. Today I am back on campus trying to finish up on curriculum updates and new lessons while listening to Deerhoof. Students are strolling in expecting to find Blades but it's just me. Sorry to disappoint children :)

Anyway, I am planning out my first week of school, while doing all this last minute end of summer work and I am feeling very good about the coming school year. I am trying to remember the lessons from the past two years (trust me! there are a lot of them) and I am feeling much more comfortable with our lessons and also feeling more prepared with class management skills. Things I'm doing this year (after reading I think Blue Skunk Blog)

• re-reading Fred Jones' book
• making a seating chart
• attempting to learn my students names and faces before I meet them
• thinking positive thoughts

More preparation to come...Have a good one! and Hope everyone had a wonderful summer. Let's get 'em!