S'more from the AP
August 29, 2014
Living In The Moment!
I think sometimes we have to be okay with slowing down and just enjoying the moment. With trying to do our very best but being okay if we fall short or forget to do something. It's okay because the one thing that is most important to those around us is that we are there--that we are fully present in the moment. We know how difficult this can be during hectic times. Even at home sometimes, I catch myself half-listening or responding with "uh huh" to what someone is saying as I try to multi-task. And in those moments, I try to remind myself that it is okay to just slow down and be fully present. More than okay, it's necessary. It's important. It's how I make sure that I stop and make time for the good stuff - like my son telling me about the newest amount of weight he lifted at the gym today, or my daughter laughing as she tries to get through another one of her jokes that usually will fall flat - and laughing along with her anyway.
This week was full of moments for me. Taking time to join a class in the library as we watched a video together, even for just a brief time, was a great moment for me. Watching two students in the hall as they began to strike up a conversation and go through those awkward moments that happen in the early stages of "let's be friends" was another one. Watching students in the cafeteria, and seeing the big, bright smile that engulfed the face of that 3rd grade girl as she opened her lunch bag and discovered a note from mom. And the pure joy I feel as I watch all of you in those incredible first moments that begin building the relationships that will make up your classrooms - and our school - this year.
Those are the moments that I want to be fully present for, because those moments make up my life. During the busy past week, have you been able to be fully present for those "good stuff" moments? What moments have you been able to just stop and enjoy? What moments will you "live in" next week? Below is a scene from a movie with Eddie Murphy (called Imagine That) and it demonstrates perfectly the pure joy that comes with being fully present and living in one, tiny moment. The scene below is only two minutes; watch it to the end for the best part!
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If you want, I'd love to hear from you on some of your own "good stuff" moments this coming week! You can leave comments to the bottom of this S'more to share your moments with us all!
Worth Reading
Worth Watching
This Week's Tweet Worth Sharing
Tech Corner
A ThingLink could be used in class as a way for students to demonstrate their learning by collaboratively adding information to a picture you have posted there. Students could add information they find that is relevant to the topic at hand--like maybe the topic of #Respect! They can add text comments, or videos that relate to it, or web links, etc. You could also use it as part of a lesson, by projecting an image and then clicking on the "tags" you have already added to it for more specific information about the topic you are teaching. Something a little different than notes or a prezi!
Below is a link to a ThingLink I recently created. It was about the topic of developing an entrepreneurial spirit in students, a blog post I wrote a while back, and I just chose an image that was already available in ThingLink. I invited other educators reading my blog to add their thoughts to my picture. The little icons you see on the picture contain text, videos, and other info submitted by other teachers. Just hover over the little icons to see what they submitted.
Wouldn't it be cool if your class and another class - or you and another teacher - collaborated this way onto an image? If you want to try creating one, play around with the website (it s pretty user friendly) and as always, you can come see me for a little quick show and tell if you want!
Stars On Twitter (Permanent Section)
I have been using #OSEstars this week as a way to share out my learning and some celebrations. I will use our hashtag throughout the year to tell our story and share all the wonderful things you guys are doing for kids every day! Are you on Twitter? If so, I would love to be able to tag you in tweets I share at #OSEstars related to your personal awesomeness! I know some of you have a Twitter handle, and some of you have a classroom Twitter (or both!) I have put together a quick Google doc, so if you have a Twitter account, class Twitter account, or both, please click the link below to fill out the doc. You can find my Twitter handle at the end of this flyer!