One of my favorite things about school is the opportunity to finish and begin again. Friday marked the end of first quarter and on Wednesday, we begin second quarter. It's a fresh start. We will set new goals and begin new projects and our journey as learners will continue.
I've never thought about how a school year is organized and the importance of quarters before today. The delineation of a clear beginning and ending makes any long journey more manageable. It gives everyone a chance to stop and notice. As I pause in this journey, I reflect on what went well and what I can do better as a teacher. Guiding my middle-school students through that process is powerful and will help them set goals for themselves as learners.
These teacher work days provide opportunity to reflect on where we've been and set goals for where we will go next. While these work days are a gift, I miss working with my students. I miss our silly attendance questions and trips to the library and sharing from our notebooks. The quiet is good. It will end tomorrow when the students return, ready for quarter two and more of our journey together as readers and writers.
Next week, my journey takes me to NCTE in St. Louis. I hope to see many of my blogging friends face to face as we continue our journey as learners and educators.
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
I too love the beginnings and endings we have in our profession. Many of friends in other professions comment on the opportunities I have to reflect, set goals and celebrate. It is powerful. We will be at NCTE as well -- hope to see you there!
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Thanks for writing this . I was telling the kids Congrats - you are 1/12 through MS today!! And Wed I have a goal setting lesson planned. Your thoughts push me to plan that lesson well!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you reflect carefully on these endings and new beginnings. When I wrote on our Morning Meeting Message Board recently that we were 1/4 finished grade three it caused all kinds of confusion.
ReplyDeleteI once heard Neshama Carlebach say that you can always choose to begin again. We needn't wait for a special day (like the New Year) to help us start over. It's hard to get into this mindset, but it is possible. For kids who can't, having those new quarters -- to make a fresh start -- help.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflection. We need stopping points on our trail. To reflect on where we've been, tfigure out the next stretch, to take a breath! Excited for NCTE. See you there!
ReplyDeleteBeginnings and endings -- such is the cycle of life, right? Looking forward to seeing you next week, friend!
ReplyDeleteYou put to words here what I think many of us can relate to... the chance to start fresh- and the fact that those opportunities exist in school. Hope your next quarter gets off to a great start. Enjoy NCTE.
ReplyDeleteBeginnings and endings are nice. I'm jealous you get days inbetween to get the work done to make beginnings and endings happen. I hope we cross paths at NCTE, I"d love to see you.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a break between quarters. I didn't feel this end/ beginning as much. I love the beginnings better than the endings. Can't wait for next week!
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