I am "Enough." As 2016 ends and 2017 begins, that is the word I want to remind myself not just for the next 365 days but until the end of this life and beyond. I spent too much wasted time this past year doubting myself and placing my identity in how well I could perform in all areas of my life. It seemed that when things were going well, I was doing okay. But when there were challenges, I doubted myself and belittled my self-worth more and more. As it rooted and grew, the more I put myself completely last in all areas, job, family, church, etc. because I believed I wasn't worthy enough to take care of my needs and if I were to do that, I was selfish. I would feel guilty to take any time for myself or do anything for myself if there were other things to get done or other people that needed to be cared for or served.

I could sit and reflect on why and what caused me to spend the majority of the year in this position, but it's time to close that book forever and begin this new story. The Lord sees me as "enough." He sees me as a treasure that deserves to taken care of and loved by myself like he loves me. He loved me so much and saw me worthy enough He sent His son to die for me and my sins. He sees me as his creation, what shouldn't be put down by my own self doubt. I no longer want to put myself last on the list. I no longer want to doubt, to put myself down if my character or person is challenged. I will see myself as my Heavenly daddy sees me. I will treat myself with the dignity and respect that He treats me with. I am his daughter. I am his creation. I am "Enough."

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you many proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." -1 Peter 2:9

We are know the feeling...


This sums it quite nicely.  Why yes, I am a fan of Leslie Knope and yes, this is what I feel during those final weeks when you tend to look at the calendar a little more than usual.  Standardized state tests, end of year grades, end of year testing, ARDs, 504 meetings, RTI meetings, and let's not forget, TEACHING!  It's so easy to get bogged down by the rigamoro of all the meetings and testing but lets not forget why we are still here.  Its to scrape the kids off the ceiling celebrate all the hard work that you and your students accomplished over the last ten months. As you are winding down those last few days or weeks of school, reflect on all the progress you have all made.

I personally didn't realize the impact of my management decisions and how incorporating Conscious Discipline was one of the best things I could have done with the class I had this year.  I didn't get the book until about a month ago but I focused on the simple and first focus which was "Composure" and applying this to myself and my students.  At the beginning of the year I had some students who threw themselves to the floor crying, refusing to listen or even verbally refusing to follow directions.  After many blood, sweat, and tears lots of practice, my students were telling me how they could compose and self-manage.  It wasn't until these past few weeks did I realize the growth that over half my class made with their behaviors, just with the simple act of Composure.

So whatever you may be reflecting on this year, try to find at least one thing where all you can say is "Wow!"  I am so thankful for all the growth that happened this year.  It was very painful but it was overall a rewarding and enlightening experience this year.  I hope you all enjoy your last few weeks before summer!  Get some much need rest!  You all deserve it! :)

Okay...I'm going to be touching into an area that some teachers reaction looks a little like this...

We spent a lot of time last week working on author's purpose.  It's amazing on how much understanding the author's purpose and craft of writing can significantly impact the knowledge you have of reading.  I needed a good anchor chart to use for our introductory lesson and like any great, masterful teacher would do...I went to Pinterest! :)  I searched and searched and searched and I couldn't find the exact right one to use for our lessons.  In 3rd grade we are now transferring from just identifying the author's purpose but to locating the stated author's purpose and using supporting details/facts to support our understanding through text evidence.  So I took a couple of ideas and combined them all together into this...