Over the last several days, life has begun to spring up from the ground.  As I walked around my yard recently, I noticed lilies coming to life and thriving.  All around are images of beginnings.

Although we are nearing the end of the school year, we have just enough time for a last kick — our own chances for life to spring forth.  A chance for our darlings to thrive.

What exciting learning opportunities do you have planned for the last few months?  What pushes will you make in the last few months?  Which students still need to make large gains before moving on to the next grade?

Although it may feel as though we are nearing the home stretch, we need to view these months as new opportunities for growth.   For many students, the change in weather and looming visions of summer will be just what they need for a fresh start.  I plan on building on these invigorating feelings and pulling in my students to hone and build skills…a perfect time for growth!

Enjoy the weather!

Famous words.  Ones I hope each morning to not hear from the mouths of my darlings.  First, because my name is not miss, just as theirs is not kid.  A lesson well learned by new students after my former students pass them in the hall and correct them.  And second, as you may have noticed during my posts, because my goal as an educator is to help students understand themselves as learners…not just as pencil pushers.

As I was planning for next week and putting together the activities, I reflected on my goals for students next week:

* Foster their metacognition (confirm the importance of this by reading this post)

* Help them understand that their effort matters

* Invoke compassion for themselves and others

* Realize that writing for others is exciting! [even if they are writing persuasive essays on public policy issues]

What are the goals you have for your students next week?

Happy Weekend!