Remembering to Play

I have a problem sometimes making my job harder than it really is. I think too hard about an idea or try to plan the perfect lesson that bombs because I tried to model and teach too much (thinking I can meet more needs in my classroom when really I know small group and individual conversations are my most efficient way of differentiating). I look at a standard and make it bigger and harder to teach than it really is. I forget to slow down, re-teach and ask the kids what we need to do to when management in the classroom breaks down.

This spring break I have thought about what I need to do bring back a sense of play throughout the day in my classroom for my students and for me. Taking time to read, think and create has given me some downtime. Amy Krouse Rosenthal, A Place for Wonder and the video clip (below) that I found after linking to presentation zen where I read about how great work requires great play (thanks to Mr.Bass) have all helped me feel ready to go back to school. I will start tomorrow with a few insights (and I guess goals)  I am thinking will help me.

Thanks to an old friend's advice, I will be chipping away each day instead of stressing about finishing something really big.

Thanks to Amy K Rosenthal (Ted Talk : 7 Notes on Life), I will be ok with my self figuring things out as I go.

Thanks to the post at presentation zen, I will remember that a feeling of play will keep me in the moment,
help me from taking myself too seriously and keep me connected.  









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