Equal to my dread of an end is my hope in a beginning. I love beginnings. I love the optimism in opportunity. I love the promise in possibility. I love a beginning.
Today is a beginning. New semester. New day. New hope. New opportunity. New possibility. To learn. To grow. To chase better. For me. And for my kids.
We have shed our shells (last betters) from last semester, as they no longer fit. And as we look ahead to our next leg of our journey, we will try out our new selves as we seek to outgrow our new shells (next betters). In the 180 room, it is a shared journey, teacher and student alike. We do. We reflect. And we do better. And repeat–a lot. All any of us can do. Get better.
I shared some of my “chasing better” approach on Twitter this weekend, and it resonated with many, more than I ever thought it might. My original goal with the tweet was to try to communicate that while I share a lot of the great things that happen in my room, there are plenty of things–plenty–that need to get better. In truth, I don’t want people to think–ever think–that I think I have it all figured out. I am just trying to figure it out, and I happen to be sharing my journey as I do. I want my only distinction to be, “He works hard to get better.” That is all I want for myself. That is all I want for and from my kids. Chasing better. Together. Seems there are a lot of us doing just that. And man, I can get behind that progressive approach.
And as we try out our new selves this new semester, our Essential Question seems fitting for taking stock: Who Am I?
We will begin our exploration of “Identity” today with the anticipation/discussion guide below.
Eager to hear what my young humans have to say. Eager to learn with and from them as we start the next leg of our journey. Love me a beginning. It’s a perfect chance to leave better behind in search of the next around the bend.
Today’s Trail
Along today’s trail we will experience…
…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.
…taking and supporting positions on Identity.
…providing an initial, anchor response to the question, “Who Am I?”
…reflecting in our Journey Journals.
…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.
Happy Monday, all. Excited to continue our journey together, too. Thank you for being here as I chase better. Your support matters. Thank you.
Do. Reflect. Do Better. Forever.
Monte, “She worked hard to get better” sounds like something I’d want on my tombstone. Trying to do the same outside of school. Striving to be better, we eventually do become better. Here’s to fresh starts!!
Thank you, Joy. Stay warm back there in Illinois, friend.