I'm Caitlin from California! Currently a third year at Chapman University studying elementary education! In 2018 I worked on always looking at the bright side. #NT2t
Hello everyone! Hannah here from VA, USA. Former 1st grade T, current mom and member of the #NT2t moderator team. I don't remember any of my resolutions from 2018, so I guess that means I didn't stick to them!
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana University. Also co-leader of #sschat. Resolution I stuck with was to read more. #nt2t
Haha, sure! That's definitely the more positive spin! I have still been keeping my 2012 resolution to not drink soda (except for rare occasions). :D #nt2t
Good afternoon from Germany. Ines here, teacher, teacher trainer, working at university and my resolution has to do with this job: I want to roll out a project that students could work together with young teachers to implement digital media an reflect their experience. #nt2t
A1-- I think that creating "resolutions" and actually sticking to them is super difficult. I look at the New Year as more of a chance to start fresh so most of my "resolutions" are to change my mentality rather than a drastic lifestyle change. Does that make sense?
#NT2t
A1: Making resolutions, or goals, is important to me because I am very much externally motivated and like to check boxes. Writing them down, making a plan, and committing publicly are key components to following through...things I'm trying this year to succeed! #nt2t
A1) Thinking ahead is important to me, not necessarily resolutions in themselves. How do I want this year to be different? How will I make it new, and how will I grow? They're not things to improve as much as things to add, to adjust. #nt2t
I'm glad too. Like this topic so much. I think it's important to think about resolutions, plans and intentions. To make clear what you want to teach and think about the how!
#nt2t
Some years I do, some years I don't. This year I feel like there are so many things I want to improve in, and I'm writing a book with @EdumatchBooks (and @SFecich@GibsonKL1 and @HannahJSansom), so I feel like I need resolutions and goals to actually follow through. #nt2t
In reply to
@shyj, @EdumatchBooks, @SFecich, @GibsonKL1, @HannahJSansom
BUT! I'm doing monthly goals rather than a year goal! It's much easier to commit to something for 30/31 days rather than 365! This month's goal is very simple...drink a glass of water a day. I wanted to start with something easily achieved, feeling capable! #nt2t
In reply to
@shyj, @EdumatchBooks, @SFecich, @GibsonKL1, @HannahJSansom
A1 - Not for just making one sake but as a way to truly help improve emotionally, spiritually, physically, or professionally, ABSOLUTELY! Goal setting is essential as humans! #nt2t
Thanks. I really like reflecting after a project but if you think about work and projects then you'll find that the time before starting, the time to get prepared is one of the most important parts: setting the tone, recognize some critical points, think about plan B,... #nt2t
Our Resolutions and Reflections page https://t.co/fItx2PfZsX
My Resolutions for this year
Continue to:
Help busy students, educators, parents and people
Be a constant learner
Improve on my nutrition and fitness. #nt2t
I have bifocal trainers right now - a weaker prescription on the bottom for my nearsighted regular lenses. I imagine I'll need something stronger in the near future. :) #nt2t
A2: Way back in...2012?...I resolved to give up drinking soda. Just in time for endless soda fountains in college. But with only the occasional fizzy drink between then and now, I'd say it was a resounding success! #nt2t
Like this point of you: I want this year to be different - best #attitude to start to think about habit changes - small ones can have a great impact. #nt2t
I think I'm heading in that direction. Wore glasses all the time most of my life but now I keep putting them off and on, which I've only experienced in recent years. #nt2t
Hey #nt2t crew. John from STL MO 3rd grade T checking in late. Not a resolution maker. Always seemed contrived/forced. Hope everyone's 2019 is off to a great start
I have been focusing, for the past few years, on how can I make a positive impact at work and at home. Some days are more successful than others. #NT2t
A2-- I think that I was actually pretty successful in changing my outlook last year to being more positive. I attribute most of this success to my incredible friends who are always by my side. #nt2t
A2) To be successful, resolutions should be similar to SMART goals: specific, measureable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Don't have to be made in beginning of the year. Spouse & I decided we were going to get to the gym more regularly this fall & we have been. #nt2t
I struggle with resolutions in that the first day that I don't reach my daily goal, or week I don't reach my weekly goal, etc., I feel like I need to make up for the missed goal and continue with the next. It compounds and weighs me down until I fail. :( #nt2t Any suggestions?
My birthday is in the middle of June, so I find myself in the goals mindset at that time, mid-year. And my age tends to feel more important to me than a particular year! #nt2t
A2: example is my new job position. Had the heart to apply and finally have now the chance to work on changing some important things in teacher training. Sometime you need courage and self-confidence. #nt2t
I think Matt Miller was talking about this with one of his #DitchSummit guests. They said you need to think about what happens when you break your streak. Focus on starting a new one, as all will come to an end at some point for whatever reasons. #nt2t
A3: No specific resolutions come to mind, but in general I know that in the past I will often have vague goals without a clear plan on how to achieve them. Without a road map, I most certainly lose my way. #nt2t
Thanks Chris! Can you explain this further? The breaking a streak is what discourages me. What do you mean 'think about what happens'? I do like the idea of starting again thinking of it as a new streak...trying to set a new high score! #nt2t
A3: at my old school I couldn't start a development towards new digital media and concepts. Old structures sometimes could be very strong. I've learned that you have to ponder of it's worth to put all your strength in an unwinnable fight. #nt2t
I think the key is to not put so much pressure on yourself that you're easily discouraged. We don't have to be in a constant state of getting better, just appreciating when it does happen. #nt2t
All streaks (staying on target) come to an end. Need to be prepared for that so, instead of feeling like, "Well, I can't do this. Might as well stop tryin," you instead have mindset where you can examine what happened and then use that as you start a new streak. #nt2t
Q4 – Who has helped guide you in your personal or professional growth? This may include people you know personally, authors you have met, etc. If they’re on Twitter, feel free to tag them. #nt2t
Great way to say it! When breaking the streak or not meeting the goal, instead reflect back on what did change and what growth you did make. Thanks! #nt2t
And realizing you can't always get "better" because, like with test scores, you will max out. Change is filled with ebbs and flows...embrace both because it means you are learning. #NT2t
Q4 – Who has helped guide you in your personal or professional growth? This may include people you know personally, authors you have met, etc. If they’re on Twitter, feel free to tag them. #nt2t
A4-- @MrDtimes3 has been a huge inspiration for my professional goals lately. He's really inspired me to focus on learning all that I can while finishing up my undergrad so that I can be the best teacher for my future students. I love his positivity and excitement! #nt2t
A4: I have to say, and it's going to sound cliche, that I get so much strength and guidance from all of you here. At first it was professional growth, but through the years it has grown to personal growth and support as well. So THANK YOU everyone! #NT2t
Yes! This speaks to how we define "success." Learning, and working toward a goal, is a goal in itself. You may be more "successful" thank you think. #nt2t
And realizing you can't always get "better" because, like with test scores, you will max out. Change is filled with ebbs and flows...embrace both because it means you are learning. #NT2t
A4 - There always seems to be one or two that really help shape/guide me on my professional journey at every position I hold. I would be so much less without there mentorship. #NT2t
A4: I found and find the best guides for work, collaboration and inspiration here on Twitter. It's the best place for learning and growing. So I recommend to attend chats like #nt2t. I found friends here on #twitter & we even founded a platform: https://t.co/GMv4JKXRgr#Edupnx
A4: Everyone here in the #NT2t team has encouraged and inspired me this year to keep growing and learning, even outside of the classroom. Y'all are the best bunch, no matter what stage of life I am in.
Q4 – Who has helped guide you in your personal or professional growth? This may include people you know personally, authors you have met, etc. If they’re on Twitter, feel free to tag them. #nt2t
That's what Twitter does best. The more we engage/interact, the more powerful the impact. Personal growth and professional growth go hand in hand. It's been really nice getting to know you better through twitter, Jullie. #NT2t
A4: I have also been encouraged, pushed, and inspired by @SFecich and my good friend Svenja. They help to point out my strengths and encourage me to try new things. Both are wonderful people in my non-virtual life! #nt2t
A5 I like to remind them that the school librarian and library should be part of their goal setting. Planning how they are going to use the resources and expertise to support their own teaching. Together is better! #NT2T
A5: First step, is talk to the new teachers in your building and become the friend you would have liked to have when you first started. Have open discussions about what they think their strengths/weaknesses are and offer help. #NT2t
And Twitter specifically does that. Lillian, I'm now connected with you on other platforms, but I wouldn't know you at all if it weren't for Twitter! #LoveTwitter#nt2t
A5) I think it would be helpful to encourage them to reflect on what they are doing well & what they would like to improve. Help them develop SMART goals for one or two improvement areas. #nt2t
I need to head out now to attend to family business, but it was amazing to start of 2019 with such a fabulous group of people as yourselves. Here's to many more chats to inspire growth in each other in the year to come! #Nt2t
A5: first of all be an example, communicate your goals and resolutions. Show that you're working on improvement and that's a positive attitude. Don't forget to show that failure is possible but nothing is worse than never trying. #nt2t
On #SatChat this morning, the benefits of libraries as a refuge for students came up. They can be a refuge for everyone in the school! @MsJWhiting#nt2t
You as well Lillian, and like Jeremy said, none of this would have occurred without Twitter (or a similar platform). Social media gets a bad rep, but there are so many positives as well. #NT2t
A5 I like to remind them that the school librarian and library should be part of their goal setting. Planning how they are going to use the resources and expertise to support their own teaching. Together is better! #NT2T
A5: First step, is talk to the new teachers in your building and become the friend you would have liked to have when you first started. Have open discussions about what they think their strengths/weaknesses are and offer help. #NT2t
A4 At my age the list is so long. Some have been negatives that resulted in my fighting back - everyone has an impact in some manner. One Eng Prof comes to mind. He encouraged my "there is no box" thinking. It has made all the difference. #nt2t
This is why I absolutely love seeing undergrads here! They get to find mentors from around the world who they can turn to for help at any time. How powerful is that? My hope is that they continue here even after their required Twitter chat. #NT2t
I was just thinking...when I first started I though of a PLN as a "professional" learning community, but it has morphed into a "Personal" learning community! #NT2t
So true. And for all of that connection, I am grateful! You stretch my thinking, cause me to question. I see that you encourage and stand for humanity. #nt2t
And Twitter specifically does that. Lillian, I'm now connected with you on other platforms, but I wouldn't know you at all if it weren't for Twitter! #LoveTwitter#nt2t
This is why I absolutely love seeing undergrads here! They get to find mentors from around the world who they can turn to for help at any time. How powerful is that? My hope is that they continue here even after their required Twitter chat. #NT2t
A5: First step, is talk to the new teachers in your building and become the friend you would have liked to have when you first started. Have open discussions about what they think their strengths/weaknesses are and offer help. #NT2t
A6 Lead by example. Talk about our own goals and ask them what they would like to achieve. Be there to support them whether they achieve or fail. Trying is the learning. #nt2t
A6: When I was teaching in the classroom, instead of posting the "A" or "100%" papers, I had the kids put up work they were proud of. For the stupid times math facts tests we had to do, the challenge was to get 1 more answer right - learn 1 fact a week. #NT2t
A6: best way is to ask them about their goals and resolutions. So you get them thinking about it. Discuss their experience with good and bad things and what they have learned from these experiences. Could be a starting point for students! #nt2t
A6 Lead by example. Talk about our own goals and ask them what they would like to achieve. Be there to support them whether they achieve or fail. Trying is the learning. #nt2t
I was just thinking...when I first started I though of a PLN as a "professional" learning community, but it has morphed into a "Personal" learning community! #NT2t
Ups and downs are part of the learning, try and focus on what was learnt by the downs. What could they do differently next time? Does the goal need to change? We need the downs to be able to go back up. #NT2T
A6) Help them focus on the things they have control over; that fosters agency. (For a counterexample: Our 9-year-old keeps using "get a puppy" as a goal.) #nt2t
I agree Elizabeth! My hope is that I can continue making a difference for educators around the world, especially for the those just starting out. #NT2t
Good points. Organization (forgetting work, forgetting to turn it in) seems to be an issue. He was using a GDoc chart to keep track of work but that clearly wasn't working. We looked at a lot of paper planners and he seems excited to try that this semester. #nt2t
One thing about SM is when we take the opportunity, we pause & think about our response, then proceed. Face 2 face makes many other things happen w/ facial expressions, time constraints, etc. The msg is sometimes not what we wish. TY for the positive fdbk. It's appreciated #nt2t
A6: best way is to ask them about their goals and resolutions. So you get them thinking about it. Discuss their experience with good and bad things and what they have learned from these experiences. Could be a starting point for students! #nt2t
I think what helps is to break things down into small, achievable actions. Too many times we have to go from A to Z and forget there are 24 letters in between. #NT2t
Nice insight, Lillian. Even with tech, we do have to make sure we're not responding rashly -- a skill to foster in our kids. I think we do a pretty good job even in a fast-paced chat! #DigCit#nt2t
One thing about SM is when we take the opportunity, we pause & think about our response, then proceed. Face 2 face makes many other things happen w/ facial expressions, time constraints, etc. The msg is sometimes not what we wish. TY for the positive fdbk. It's appreciated #nt2t
A6 Tougher than it seems it should be. My approach is to ask - how can I help you? What do you need? Repeat. I always suggest writing - even 1 word helps. It's a stake in the ground we can come back to. #nt2t
Sounds like you are on the right track! Is there something you know he is interested in? Can you link that to organisation and find out how he manages that? Is there another student he could be paired with to support each others strengths... #nt2t
The problem is they all sound like being "done" to, instead of active "doing" ourselves. I edit descriptions of professional learning opportunities (which works pretty well as a noun), but struggle with those verbs. We'll keep working on it! #nt2t
Agree, which is a negative of using SM. However, it does provide an opportunity to build relationships (I think of it like writing lots of short letters to someone) so when you get to meet f2f, it's like you've been friends for years. #NT2t
Great ideas. He is really into music but it comes really easily to him where algebra and organization do not. 😁 He does have a good friend in some honors classes so maybe I can encourage him to lick his friend's brain. #nt2t