Continuing at the Begining

Whoa, it's been awhile...I almost forgot how much I like blogging!  About this time every year I eagerly look forward to catching up on all the great art ed blogs I follow.  I really love reading about how all the wonderful, creative art teachers out there setup their classrooms and see all the new tweaks and changes they are making to their rooms and their teaching. It's inspiring (and insightful) when we get to delve into each others practices and learn from others new and different ways to do things.  Sometimes something as simple as a saying or signal can give us insight into a more effective way to change our own practices.

For the past 3 weeks I've been listening to the 'Everyday Art Room' podcast from the Art of Ed.  The always inspiring Cassie Stephens authors and narrates the podcasts and its REALLY impressive.  Very clear, concise, and organized, the first 3 episodes have focused on routines, rules, and consequences and I highly recommend checking it out, even if your a veteran teacher. This is my 10th year teaching and I still found her information relevant and thought-provoking.

Listening to her podcast made me re-think my own practices and, as I do every year, I am trying a few little changes in my setup and approach, forever striving to find what works most successfully for me and my students.

This year I'm all about mindfulness. After having a tough last year, I'm going to try my best to stay organized, positive, and really focus on making my classroom as much of a community as I can. 

Good luck to everyone starting soon and to all of you who have already gone back!