Not unlike many, I'm trying to put some order in this order-less time. Order, for me, spells survival. Utilizing the strategy of looking out in order to plan for now works best for me. So what's out there on the horizon; what am I planning for as I look ahead. Generally, it is more of the same--a warm, welcoming home, support and good times with my family members, and meaningful living for myself and others. What has become apparent to me these days at home is that when it comes to how I like to spend time, I definitely enjoy creating, making, learning, exploring, and experiencing--that's how I love to live. I'm more of a creator than a responder. I like to synthesize ideas, objects, and concepts together to create something wonderful, useful, positive. That's who I am.
With that knowledge at hand, what does that mean for the long run.
Professionally
I want my learning/teaching environment, whether it be in school or online, to be welcoming, responsive, helpful, and engaging. In today's world there are countless ways to learn, and many, many perspectives when it comes to choosing the best paths. As I continue to teach, I want to continue to engage in conversations and efforts that relate to meaningful, positive, forward moving education--the kind of education that results in powerful lives for ourselves, others, and the planet. Our grade-level team has created a virtual classroom experience for students to use as they study at home. It is a platform that will lend itself well to a return to school when that happens. In the meantime, we are supporting our learners and their families online in open, positive, and helpful ways. This is good.
Professional Learning
I'm using this time to learn more about making educational videos to support my students and organizing my professional records and materials into useful, timely online websites and resources. In the long run, this will save time for the important time-on-task coaching and teaching we do with and for students.
Home
I have a long, long list of home projects to do. I admit, those projects are not first when it comes to what I like to do, but I'll likely get quite a few done in the weeks ahead.
Health and Happiness
We're following the shelter-in-place rules as we don't want to get sick and we don't want others to get sick. We're preparing healthy meals and getting some exercise by walking and other outdoor activities.
Fun and Entertainment
The Internet offers countless films, music productions, virtual travel and more to entertain us. We also have many board games to play, books to read, and nature to explore. Right now, we're not craving other activities for fun and entertainment.
Long Term
I've thought a lot about my retirement in two years as I stay at home and I've realized that my next job will be a less intense job that focuses on helping children, teens, or families with skills that I have and skills that I enjoy coaching such as writing, math, science, tech, innovation, and creativity. I'll likely find myself in a part-time job at a museum, social agency, or hospital supporting people in need as that is what I like to do. I also love doing the research, but I don't enjoy the leadership of adults as much--that's not my favorite area and that's why when I have a good leader, I am always inspired by their skills and abilities. In the long term, I hope for some time to explore the world in real time too as I love to learn, see new places, and meet new people. For me, that makes life meaningful and wonderful.
I suspect we're all learning a lot about ourselves during these days at home. We're probably all doing some self-reflection about who we are, what is important to us, and what we want out of life. This self-reflection is important, and in some ways a bright light in the challenging times we face right now. Onward.
With that knowledge at hand, what does that mean for the long run.
Professionally
I want my learning/teaching environment, whether it be in school or online, to be welcoming, responsive, helpful, and engaging. In today's world there are countless ways to learn, and many, many perspectives when it comes to choosing the best paths. As I continue to teach, I want to continue to engage in conversations and efforts that relate to meaningful, positive, forward moving education--the kind of education that results in powerful lives for ourselves, others, and the planet. Our grade-level team has created a virtual classroom experience for students to use as they study at home. It is a platform that will lend itself well to a return to school when that happens. In the meantime, we are supporting our learners and their families online in open, positive, and helpful ways. This is good.
Professional Learning
I'm using this time to learn more about making educational videos to support my students and organizing my professional records and materials into useful, timely online websites and resources. In the long run, this will save time for the important time-on-task coaching and teaching we do with and for students.
Home
I have a long, long list of home projects to do. I admit, those projects are not first when it comes to what I like to do, but I'll likely get quite a few done in the weeks ahead.
Health and Happiness
We're following the shelter-in-place rules as we don't want to get sick and we don't want others to get sick. We're preparing healthy meals and getting some exercise by walking and other outdoor activities.
Fun and Entertainment
The Internet offers countless films, music productions, virtual travel and more to entertain us. We also have many board games to play, books to read, and nature to explore. Right now, we're not craving other activities for fun and entertainment.
Long Term
I've thought a lot about my retirement in two years as I stay at home and I've realized that my next job will be a less intense job that focuses on helping children, teens, or families with skills that I have and skills that I enjoy coaching such as writing, math, science, tech, innovation, and creativity. I'll likely find myself in a part-time job at a museum, social agency, or hospital supporting people in need as that is what I like to do. I also love doing the research, but I don't enjoy the leadership of adults as much--that's not my favorite area and that's why when I have a good leader, I am always inspired by their skills and abilities. In the long term, I hope for some time to explore the world in real time too as I love to learn, see new places, and meet new people. For me, that makes life meaningful and wonderful.
I suspect we're all learning a lot about ourselves during these days at home. We're probably all doing some self-reflection about who we are, what is important to us, and what we want out of life. This self-reflection is important, and in some ways a bright light in the challenging times we face right now. Onward.