Skip to main content

Reviewing Second Quarter Goals

     I'm a little scared to write this post because I know I haven't exactly reached all of my goals for this quarter. However, I am in the process of asking my students to reflect on their goals for the quarter, so it's important I reflect on mine as well. One of my big, BIG goals for this quarter was positivity. Therefore, I will not be upset I didn't reach all of my goals, I won't mope about. Nope! Instead, I'll revisit the goals I created. Are they achievable goals or should I change them? If I didn't reach a specific goal, why not? What could I do differently next time to reach my goal.
Here were my goals for second quarter:
  • Have "book talks":
For second quarter, I wanted students to have time to discuss their books with the whole class, encouraging others to read the book. I still think having book talks would be amazing for the students. I just can't seem to find the time to include it. I do think this goal is achievable, but I have to remind myself and the students of it more frequently. This is something that needs to be introduced slowly and consistently. This will be a continued goal for third quarter.
  • Use Reflection Surveys:
Stealing this idea from another teacher, I was so excited to try with my students. Finally, some one on one feedback from the kiddos! Just what I need! The idea of using reflection surveys is an amazing one. I did do it... for two weeks. The problem is, this is another activity that takes time away from the lesson and some days we just don't have that time to allocate. However, this is something that should be mandatory in classrooms and it is something I need to make mandatory. This survey allows me to conference with all my students at once and find out where they're really struggling. It is so unbelievably important for future lessons and expectations. 

  • Blogger:
Ah yes, the blogging. I want to start off right away by saying, I knew this goal was going to be my undoing. I said it right there when creating the goal. "Please, be patient and understanding if I don't meet this goal right away. I can't promise it will happen, only that I will try to ensure it happens." I created these goals the first week of December and since then I have blogged ONCE. Not promising. I have come up with some solutions for this problem though. First, do the blogs at work. At work, I have a work mindset and I get things accomplished. Choose one day a week and come early or go home late. It's that simple. Second, don't put it off if I have an idea for a blog. So many days I'm driving to/from work, watching TV, reading a book, etc and think "I should blog about this!" Then, the moment passes and I lose the excitement. By the end of the day, I don't even remember the genius idea I had. If I took five minutes and jotted down the idea right then and there, I'm more likely to go back and blog about it. For third quarter, I'm going to designate one day a week to stay after school and blog.

  • Reading:
Reading is the one goal I almost never have any problems reaching. I love to read. I love to talk about reading. For second quarter, I told myself on top of the two books I already ask myself to read, I want to incorporate one educational book as well. The problem I'm coming to realize is educational books are dense. There is a lot of information in them. Information I want to soak up and use later, not just skim over quickly to finish the book. I think instead of making it a monthly goal to read an educational book, I'm going to make it a quarterly goal. I still want to be including these types of books in my everyday life, I just need to make sure I'm taking the time to read them meaningfully.

So I didn't meet all of my goals for second quarter. Being positive, that's not a bad thing. There is just so much I want to be able to do with my students that I don't have the time for. Reflecting on unreached goals like this is helping me grow as a teacher and as a professional.

                                                                                                           Have a great weekend!
                                                                                                                              💜Ms. Haury

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2nd Quarter Goals

     I've been meeting with all of my students to discuss goals for the second quarter and what we should be working toward the rest of the school year. Let me tell you, some of my students are so impressive! So impressive in fact, that I've been pushing myself to create some second quarter goals of my own. I've noticed some things that went really well first quarter and then some things that I would like to work on improving. So...Here goes! Have "book talks": I would love to give my students time to discuss the books they are reading with other students or the whole class. So many times, students come to me wanting to just sit and talk about what they're reading or reread certain lines with me because they were funny or interesting. I would love for them to have time to share things like that with the whole class. Encouraging students to share their books with others promotes a positive reading environment. It gives students ideas for new books to read ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Second Quarter-Let's Focus on Being Positive

     This time of year is always hard. It's officially November. It's getting colder, darker, and the school year is getting tougher. Students have now been in school long enough that it's no longer a new and fun experience for them. They're beginning to realize the workload is increasing as well as expectations. Students that slacked off at the beginning of the year are now feeling overwhelmed and overworked. At this point, they're received their first quarter grades and are beginning to understand the seriousness of the time and effort they put into their work. Our first quarter grades went out last week and already I'm seeing some behavior shifts. There are the students who persevere and see their grades as a chance to improve and push themselves to be better. There are students who have decided they are not where they expected to be and are giving up. Not only are kids dealing with school stress, the seasons are changing. When kids wake up in the morning, it...
Post a Comment
Read more

SOL11...Starbucks

Starbucks      I opened the outside door and was immediately hit with a rush of warmth air. The air outside was warm, so I wasn't expecting it. I opened the second door, letting me into the building, and was overwhelmed by the smell of coffee in the air. I rarely drank coffee, but for some reason the smell was still enticing to me. It made me feel welcome and relaxed. I held the door open for Jr. to follow in behind me, and as he went to find us seats, I got in line. I could hear orders being yelled out, beans being crushed, mixers spinning. Bob Dylan was playing in the background. I smiled, feeling at rest.       I've never been the type that's able to get work done at home. I just feel way too distracted there. Since high school, I've either hid out in the library or a coffee shop of some sort. It was the only way I was able to get anything accomplished. Coming through these doors, the doors I've entered a million times, it felt like coming ho...
2 comments
Read more