I decided to begin posting again on this blog after participating in Twitter chats for the #Teachwrite community. I committed to writing daily over the summer break, with no restrictions on how much or how little I needed to complete each day. In the process, I learned that part of the reason I don't write year-round is that it takes me too long. When school is in session, at least in prior years, I don't have the amount of free time I found myself needing to write a post of any length. I could, I suppose, write in short bursts, but that would make me feel like a slave to the page rather than learning from the process. I also am beginning to understand that I cannot simultaneously focus on a daily writing practice AND daily exercise and change of eating habits. I do need to walk more and eat less of what are my "red light foods," especially when I am tired and/or stressed. I have done a terrible job feeding my body this week. I have been feeding my anxiety about being the best teacher I can be.
I'm always trying to improve as an educator, and this year is no different. I am focused on whether I am being truly equitable in all situations, as well as learning how to better serve students who need more support with executive functioning. These are big bites to chew. (Sorry, couldn't help the pun.) In doing so, I've put a heavy expectation on myself. It is a lot to digest and implement. I tend to forget that the school year is a marathon, and that I don't have to do everything right away. Learning to take it a little more slowly so that I can be kinder in my self-evaluation is a lesson that is challenging for me.
So the bottom line is that I won't be able to write every day. That's okay! I WILL be doing a great deal of self-reflection on how I'm doing with implementing my chosen PD (professional development), but it might not be as a blog post. I don't know yet if writing does something more for me than thinking and talking through my growth. It seems odd to just write these posts and have no idea what the reader is thinking. But that's what happens. I see that the page is getting views, but I have no idea of the effect. I hope that you are taking away something of value for your own life. If you have the time, write. But if not, don't feel guilty! I share my forgiveness with you.
I'm always trying to improve as an educator, and this year is no different. I am focused on whether I am being truly equitable in all situations, as well as learning how to better serve students who need more support with executive functioning. These are big bites to chew. (Sorry, couldn't help the pun.) In doing so, I've put a heavy expectation on myself. It is a lot to digest and implement. I tend to forget that the school year is a marathon, and that I don't have to do everything right away. Learning to take it a little more slowly so that I can be kinder in my self-evaluation is a lesson that is challenging for me.
So the bottom line is that I won't be able to write every day. That's okay! I WILL be doing a great deal of self-reflection on how I'm doing with implementing my chosen PD (professional development), but it might not be as a blog post. I don't know yet if writing does something more for me than thinking and talking through my growth. It seems odd to just write these posts and have no idea what the reader is thinking. But that's what happens. I see that the page is getting views, but I have no idea of the effect. I hope that you are taking away something of value for your own life. If you have the time, write. But if not, don't feel guilty! I share my forgiveness with you.