In my last post I mentioned that I was waiting for some books to arrive and they have arrived!! This is the first one I am reading for my own professional development. So far, so good! I’ve only read the introduction and I am excited to keep reading. Some of you know that professional development isn’t always exciting, so for me to say that is certainly something!!
This past school year I challenged myself to change my classroom management plan and I took the book suggestion, that my fabulous media specialist gave me a few years back, called “Responsive Classroom for Music Art PE and Other Special Areas” and I read through it last Summer. I found it to be very helpful for me and for my students because it helped us develop OUR rules for the classroom and we started learning procedures which help things run more smoothly for all involved.
Now this Summer, after reflecting on how I the new management plan worked, I have decided to dive a little deeper into how I speak to my students. I need to work on asking engaging questions and speaking in ways that allow for students to make positive decisions. If you are a teacher of any size, shape, or variety; I highly recommend “The Power of Our Words”. Its only seven chapters and 144 pages long.
Summertime project!
Actually, I believe that this one was more about my own mental health. I got home from church last Sunday and decided that everything had to come out of my closet and this is what my bed looked like when I was finished (and you can’t even see the pile of shoes that no longer live in this house).
Life has been feeling a little out of control lately, so I decided to take control of one thing that has been bothering me for several months. I channeled my inner Marie Kondo and said ‘thank you and goodbye’ to all the items that no longer bring me joy!! (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, start with Marie Kondo’s show “Tidying Up” on Netflix.) One week later, I have returned what remains of my things to my closet with much better organization. Hooray!
Sarcoma battle update
The update on my husband is that we are playing the ‘waiting game’. Waiting for university doctors to look at the biopsy results, waiting to get an appointment for some course of treatment, waiting to see the palliative medicine doctor, waiting for the pain to subside.
He has begun short term disability, which means more time to focus on getting through to the people who can help rid us of this sarcoma. On his last day of work he said that he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Knowing that he has done good work and left his team in good hands for several months has helped him adjust his focus to this new journey. Everyone at his work has been so positive and encouraging, even the CEO told him that he will beat this no matter what the doctors say! You gotta love that kind of thinking.
We are continuously reminded to think positive, that this will be beaten, that there is hope and the future is bright. Thank you if you have been one of those people and thank you if you are joining me on this journey! We feel your love & support and it is priceless.
Until next time, Cheers!
We’re all rooting for him. And you! This blog is lovely. I’m glad you started it and hope it brings you some peace as you can get the thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Looking forward to following along with your journey. Much love and continued prayers.