I wasn't planning on putting out another blog post this summer. Yet, just three weeks into summer vacation, and I find myself needing to do just that. Twitter has been a great source of much learning and reflection these last few weeks. (Being out of the classroom means I have more time to devote to this new obsession!) I find myself answering various chat questions with the same answer... don't be afraid to fail. Take that risk. The last time I typed it was in response to what would you put on your classroom walls for your students to see everyday. When I took my kids to see Finding Dory (a fabulous movie) this morning, there was a Pixar short called, "Piper". The whole time I was watching, I was thinking about how I could apply it in my classroom. (Spoiler alert) Watching the baby bird go through failure after failure, only to be rewarded even bigger than expected was exactly what I wanted my students to understand. After the movie, as I was scrolling through my feed, an opportunity came up that would stretch me once again. Part of it is something I have done a few times, but with a new, and much bigger, audience. (Not going into the details just in case I am not accepted. It's the process that's the point.) Just reading the opportunity made me nervous. The more I investigated, the more nervous I got. Could I really be thinking about it? What could happen if I was rejected? The answer to the last question is nothing. No one I know would even know that I tried. (Ok, 2 people would as I asked their opinion for part of it, but they are supportive.) Then again, if I don't try, nothing will happen either. I guess the biggest reason I decided to try was my students. I want to be able to share that I had the chance to try something new, whether I was accepted or not. I want them to see that there is nothing wrong with taking a risk if you are not afraid to fail. Students want to know that you know what you are talking about. They want to see that you "get it". It's time for me to walk the talk. I may not know for months if my risk paid off, but taking the chance itself is a huge step. If I get accepted, I am sure there will be another blog later in the year. If not, maybe there will be an even better blog. Either way, I am not going to be afraid to fail.
3 Comments
Cori
6/21/2016 07:14:06 pm
First off, you know I LOVE your title! I am so proud of all of the risk taking and growing you are doing. It makes me so happy to witness the journey. Keep it going and keep sharing. Our stories have power! Kudos!!!
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Jenny Goldman
6/21/2016 08:07:54 pm
It is immensely rewarding to be a witness to your metamorphosis- incredible journey
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Carolyn Lantos
6/28/2016 12:47:15 pm
I love, love, love your Piper connection. I saw Piper, but among the seating and popcorn and family, I didn't relate to it the way you did. So wishing I could show it to my classes.
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Author20+ year teacher, mother of 2 kids and 2 dogs, wife, lover of all things M&M, interested in tech in the classroom, and changing up my teaching Archives
March 2020
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