21st Century Teaching & Learning

Well, seeing how I have been planting and working in my garden for quite some time now, I feel comfortable saying I enjoy gardening.  I feel I am prepared for teaching and learning about gardening, yet, I know I always have more to learn.  Do you feel you are always prepared for everything that comes your way?   I am not afraid of new plants that I might try in my garden however; there are many new plants I have not yet tried. 
As a teacher, it is my job to equip my students with the necessary tools to be successful in their own garden of life.  How do I do this?  I go to work prepared each day; I strive hard to make each student a personal gift that I choose to take very good care of.  I care deeply for each of my precious gifts (students) and I take pride in what they learn and do while in my care.  I model for my students what it is to be a good gardener in life.  Each student leaves my class and moves on to their next adventure with all that I had to give them.  Do I ever worry that I should have given them more?  I do not think I would be human to not think about what else I could have done for them.  Do I feel I have not given them enough?  No, I cannot let myself think that way.  I am always learning and so are they.  I give what I give and hope I learn more each day so that I can then give that too.  I cannot worry about yesterday but live for today.
I have many challenges when it comes to teaching my students the biggest and best.  I want all of them to be prepared for tomorrow.  Not knowing what tomorrow will bring is a challenge.   I am up for challenges and I try hard not to let things get me discouraged which is a strength of mine.  I do run into weeds (challenges) such as being unfamiliar with something new, TIME, and sometimes effort.  Don't get me wrong, I said I was a hard worker but I am human.  I am a busy gardener.  In addition to being a gardener, I am a mom.  I must keep up with my gardening duties and help my own personal children and family plant, weed, and fertilize their gardens as well.  My family is very important.  I give the time I can to my learning so that I can help not only my students learn but also my family.  Life in itself is a challenge, a good challenge, but one that does not always allow me to do it all.  The 21^st century brings many new weeds (obstacles) into my teaching world.  I battle them as they come and look forward to using my strengths of courage, patience, and a willingness to learn the new tricks to help me be the best I can be.  If I am my best I will help others to be their best too.

Planting the Seeds

As I begin my journey into a new adventure in my life (My Masters Degree), I feel blogging is a creative "plant" to add in my garden.  Through this blog I hope to share my thoughts and ideas.  I want to learn from others as well.   I am just now planting the seeds so I hope you will encourage me and join me as I grow. By sharing your thoughts and ideas we can come to this common place and we can grow a beautiful garden together.  I am just starting the process so I hope to add as I go. 
In my classroom and my school I feel technology is available.  I have many things to learn so I can use technology more within my classroom.  Have you heard of ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Teachers? http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
I had not heard of (NETS T) before they were introduced in my technology class I am taking.  After reading these I feel as if I have a lot of work to do in order to be a leader in digital-age education.  Does anyone else feel as if they have more work to do as a digital-age education leader?  I do many of the things mentioned in the NETS T but I feel as if I am missing the technology piece.
As a kindergarten teacher I have many new things to teach my students.  I am fortunate to have my students all day every day.  Technology is a part of our every day routine but I know I need to learn more to take my teaching to the next level.  I suppose I could come up with a million excuses as to why I am not taking things to the next level, but I would rather not and just move forward in my process.  One of the first steps to planting my garden is planting the seeds.  I have planted some seeds, I have started watering, and now I must pull some weeds. 
How can I be sure I am doing what is best for my students when it comes to technology?  What I know, is what I teach, so now it is time for me to start finding some new seeds to plant and get moving.  I am always open to new ideas so please share.  I do like to share what I know as well.  Some people can grow certain plants in their gardens and some can't.  I like to take the approach of trying everything.  If something does not grow then I will try something else.  I am my own barrier to what grows in my garden.  I like to take what I have and work with it.  I try new things with caution as I do not like to fail.  I do understand there will be ups and downs.  Some years things will grow big and some years they won't.  I am taking this year to fertilize my garden and keep the weeds away.  I do not have any fears when it comes to trying something new however, I did say I am cautious while at the same time curious.
As I move forward in my journey I invite you to join me.  I want new plants in my garden this year.  My goals are to keep working hard in the garden as I know it takes a lot of work.  I am going to take suggestions from others because sharing gardening ideas is what helps each garden grow stronger.