New year, new mindsets...

I have been reading through some specific curriculum in order to update my lessons throughout this school year. Many of the things I've been reading have to do with brain research, mindfulness and our mindsets. These things fit in well with the scope and sequence of my developmental guidance program. They reminded me of a book I read a few years ago by Carol Dweck - regarding the growth mindset. It all ties in nicely with academic achievement. As I sit an research, this video pops up: 

Not enough time in a day to write anything more insightful today, but here's to learning about the brain and how we can grow our potential!

Mourning Summer, but not our Mistakes....

I know that we say it every year, but wow, Summer sure went fast! As we enter the new school year with new dress clothes, new hair cuts and new perspective, I think it's important to remember where we have come from. Reflection about the past school year can really add to the depth of the one that we are beginning.

Learning from mistakes is, by far, one of the most important lessons we can gain from year to year. This lesson has not always been an easy one for me... which brings me to the thought, "how do we teach our students to be wrong, to fail?" How can we teach that failure is okay, as long as you learn from it? In fact, failure can sometimes be a blessing; something we learn more from than if we had just kept succeeding at everything.

Educator effectiveness is another example that has brought about this "fear of failure" to many educational systems across the state of Wisconsin. Many educators fear an evaluation that could say anything negative. In my recent past, I would have feared that evaluation as well. Now, I am eager to know what I can improve - it helps to define my year, give me a purpose, set goals.

Time to buckle down in the midst of the "BOSY" (Beginning of the School Year) chaos! Let's make it count!