A New Year, A New Beginning

This month's #blogamonth topic is to talk about one thing that is different than it was a year ago. Wow!  When I really think about it, I more than one thing to write about, which means this new year is going to be different, and amazing.

My beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl

Proud Mama

First off, to get a little personal, I am now the mother of a daughter who became a Bat Mitzvah.  That is definitely new.  We planned for this event for years, and while it was one of the best days of my life, now it is over.  And I look forward to a different future with my daughter, full of more amazing moments like the one we shared just last Saturday.

Professionally, things are different as well.  In a physical sense, we moved the library's makerspace to a different part of the Media Center and it has been quite successful.  Looking deeper, by moving this space, it has caused more attention, and teachers are becoming more and more interested in utilizing the space, and me!  I went to a workshop this summer that was designed to explore "Ethical Creativity" in Jewish Day Schools.  Throughout the week there I learned about design thinking, tinkering, explored my Jewish identity, and discussed how to spark creativity in our learners.  All of these experiences have changed my outlook on my position and has helped me integrate some or all of these ideas into my work at The Epstein School.

Busy morning in the Makerspace

Innovative and beautiful!

Tribes Training

Besides the new makerspace, we have implemented TRIBES throughout the entire school, which is a program that helps build community and inclusion.  I love how this program creates a common language among all the kids and teachers, and truly strives to create a respectful, inclusive environment.  Most classes, I start off with a quick community circle, which I did quite often as a classroom teacher, but never thought to do as a specialist.  It hones in the lesson, gets the kids in a good frame of mind, and we have an opportunity to learn about each other.  Win Win for everyone involved!

Seesaw!

We also started using Seesaw as a reflection and learning tool in the Media Center.  Students will learn a library skill and then record their thoughts in Seesaw.  It is an incredibly powerful tool for students to think about their learning, and then be able to share it.  I am learning how to best manage it with younger students, but so far so good!

It is so important that a new school year bring new enthusiasm and excitement (from both teachers AND students).  The best way to accomplish this is to DO NEW THINGS, or else we fall into that rut and the excitement and enthusiasm dwindle.  Teachers always ask, why should we reinvent the wheel each year, and then find themselves doing the same old each year because it's easy.  Well, I ask, why WOULDN'T you reinvent the wheel if you thought you could make one that could take you somewhere faster and possibly farther??