Thursday, March 1, 2012

Be Happy

Today begins the Slice of Life Challenge!  I have finally been in the mood for setting realistic goals that will help me get back into writing and Slice of Life is one of these goals.  I've been surprised by how much stress can influence how I feel about myself as a writer and a reader. I decided in January that I needed an attitude change.  I  have gradually started to take care of myself again by rereading books that remind me why I decided to be an educator (like Educating for Human Greatness). I've started to write  articles and most recently spent the day at the Dublin Literacy Conference. I even have a date set to meet a writing partner! These little steps are re-energizing me and reminding me how much I love to read, write and learn.

To help me embrace my own teaching this month, I quite simply introduced my students to blogging.  I had reservations all year about jumping in with my group, but I shouldn't have.  The outlet of blogging has helped the writers who already love to write, write more! It has also allowed me to see kids (who I was worried about) build stamina and explode with ideas as well as comments on the blog. Blogging has created more happiness in the classroom and I think each day kids need something to think about, read about or write about that makes them happy.   So I've been asking them throughout the day, what book put a smile on your face today?  What are you writing about that makes you happy?  I think tomorrow I am going to ask what would they be happy learning about (since I had a student ask me on our way in from recess, "When are we going to perform another experiment?")?  Their answers will help me with integrating science, find non-fiction titles and prepare baskets of books as we study non-fiction writing.

 I realized I need to get back to bringing a slice of happiness back to the classroom each day.  This month I look forward to sharing some of the slices of happiness that occur in my life and classroom.  Here's to catching happy moments!

10 comments:

LeeAnn said...

I love this! What a wonderful way to frame your day with kiddos. :)

Michelle said...

I love slices of happiness! Sounds like a perfect treat and look forward to hearing about it! Glad you challenged yourself this month. Happy writing Katie!

b said...

I absolutely love the question of "What book put a smile on your face today?" Awesome. I think I'll ask around at school tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration :).

mary b. said...

I love the way you phrased your questions, and can't wait to get back to class and start asking my first graders these wonderfully worded questions! I'm glad you are back - with a smile. :-)

Jen said...

Wow - blogging with first graders! Obviously a real audience makes them happy. Kudos! You have so much to offer too, glad to hear you're feeling inspired again. Good books and good dialogue are the best recipe for good writing!

Ruth Ayres said...

Katie,
I'm so glad to find you in the Slice challenge. I can't wait to read your slices of happiness...I'm sure they'll reach far & bring smiles to many.
Happy writing,
Ruth

Julie said...

Hi Katie, Love your post, as always. I imagine that you bring smiles to your students every day! Happy writing and happy slicing! Julie

Cathy said...

Katie,
I'm glad you have started blogging with your class. I know you have wanted to do that. You make me realize I need to reenergize my young bloggers. Welcome to SOLSC. I'm hoping it helps us both to find some balance.

Cathy

Anonymous said...

So excited that so many great teachers are slicing- know I am going to learn lots by reading their posts. You made me want to blog, and try some of your questions, with my students!

josie said...

Hooray for you as a writer, teacher, and friend! I am looking forward to the dedicated time to write. I can hear the joy in your writing voice!