We presented about Reading Workshop, specific to grades 3-5. Obviously, I know about reading workshop, but I haven't read all of the new curriculum by Lucy Calkins. Felicia has, and taught it, and coached on it, and watched all the videos, etc, etc. So, there were definitely stretches of time during our presentation where I asked her to speak on the content, just because I knew she could serve it up on a silver platter!
As I was sitting and listening about the parts of the mini-lesson, my ego started freaking out a little bit. If I'm being totally honest here, the little people in my head (LPIMH) started jumping up and down waving their arms at me and shouting things like, "The participants are going to think you don't know anything if you don't jump in!" and "Great job clicking the presentation slides for the *real* presenter!"
It's so easy to let our egos take over our thoughts. It's so easy to start wondering about what others think of us. I could have sat there, feeling sorry for myself, but then I got to thinking some more about the fact that what I *should be doing* is writing down some of this great info so I can share it with someone else sometime in the near future.
It was in that moment I realized that there's always going to be someone who knows something more or something different than I do and I might as well take advantage of the situation! So that's just what I did. I got up. Got my notebook and pen, and wrote some things down.
Here's the thing: no matter what is going on in my head, I have no idea what others are thinking about me or anyone else for that matter. And you know what? Me worrying about someone else's hypothetical opinions isn't doing anything productive for me, so what's the point?
As a coach, I think it's really important to know that I'm always going to be a learner first and foremost. Do I have lots to share with others that can improve instruction and increase student achievement? For sure. But, can I learn right along with my peers (and even from my students?) Oh, fo'sho! :-)
Side note: Thanks for all the tips on the photo editing apps! I downloaded A Beautiful Mess and it's totes amazeballs!
Write your post.
Link up with BigTime Literacy!
Remember the Rule of 3!
I feel that way all the time. The LPIMH are my own worst enemy. But, like you, I embrace learning something knew at all times, even while presenting. And Felicia does know it all. No joke. It just flows out of her like a river of reading. I can't keep up sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteTell those LPIMH to calm down. You were AMAZING! The 3-5 Reading Workshop overview was a joint presentation from beginning (your beautiful and thoughtful format) to CO-PRESENTATION of content to the end with your reflective and insightful closing comments. We all have specific knowledge measured by the length time we have spent in and out of the classroom realized by our passion for effective literacy instruction and relevant and timely goals for self-improvement. We are all S.M.A.R.T. Michelle, your artifacts of a past student's Reading Notebook and your Status-of-the-Class conferring records were, for me, the highlight of our presentation. Your delivery of the content was knowledgeable, fluent and engaging. Remember, you got the first compliment of the day from Marilyn on your beautiful digital wallpaper. I am proud to be a part of our team. We are all lifelong learners and anyone from students, parents, administrators and colleagues can be our teachers. Michelle, I noticed and made note of some wonderful ideas you shared with us too! Feeling the love-Back at cha.
Seriously love our position and that we have one another to work with! Thanks for the love! :-)
DeleteWhat a great perspective. I love learning, have a notebook with me all the time. That saying is speaking to me. I may need to make one into a piece of art for my classroom. Wishing you a fantastic day.
ReplyDeleteAlyce
Thank you so much for hosting this! It's been a great way to get me back on track with my blogging, and it's fun to reflect on these topics!
ReplyDeleteDanielle
Carolina Teacher
The learning never stops, thankfully! By the way, after reading the comment above by Anonymous, it sounds as if you did another amazing job as a PD presenter! Thanks again for the Blogging PD, too. I learned and am still learning loads from you! ;)
ReplyDeleteDon't listen to those LPIMHs! (Too funny.) You are right that you should always be a learner, even in your position. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKristin
My Carolina Classroom
If Showgirls taught us anything, it's that there's always someone younger and hungrier out there ;)
ReplyDelete(for the record, the LPIMH's looooved Showgirls)
Ventaneando: A Window Into First Grade Bilingüe