text: September 2014 – iblessings
  In my post last week I discussed the quotes that were important to us to grow personally. It was suggested that we support each other in trying to live out our mantras for the school year so we posted them in the teachers' room. What a great example of being collaborative and support each other as we learn and grow.
  Collaboration is important in schools because as stated in an article in Education World: "The days of closing the classroom door and creating a self-contained world are over. The autonomous classroom simply doesn't exist — and for good reason. Our students need more than just one person to guide their education. They need the added power of several brains working together for their good."
  1. a willingness to work with others and the ability to recognize that you can't do it all on your own
  The one requirement I struggle with is to recognize that I can't do it all on my own. (Thus the reason my mantra this year is: I can do anything, but I can't do everything!) I sometimes forget that I can ask for help from others instead of struggling on my own.
  Feel free to respond all with your thoughts. Let's get the conversation going about collaboration!
  Stitch was a source of comfort in my classroom during a difficult time for the students. It's so great to see Stitch again, but Stitch needed a bath before going back to school.
  What a Colorful Lunch
  I love the bright colors of these flowers.
  Craziness at Brimfield
  School begins – back to routines
  What's Your Mantra this Year?
  The new school year is much like a January new year for many of us – filled with resolutions and promises. Lately I heard from a few of my peers that they have new quotes to guide them this new school year. My principal started things off when she said her quote for the year would be from Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame. "Make it work" is her quote of the year as we look at integrating reading workshop. Yesterday I met with a teacher to discuss schedule concerns. We looked over and over again at her day and discussed what was important and what needed to go. Her email to me last night stated that she had re-worked her schedule, made some necessary adjustments but had to leave out some things she loved to do but were no longer needed. She said her quote this year was "let it go!" And then, just this morning as I was reading a few emails, I came across an article about quotes for children and one quote jumped off the page and sang to me: "you can do anything, but not everything." Boy, did I need to hear those words. As I try to make adjustments to my long days and nights I promised myself to leave at a more reasonable hour each afternoon. This will not be easy for me so I challenge you all to remind me of my mantra.