October 8, 2011 is when this little blog came to life. A year ago tomorrow, I sent my first thoughts out into cyberspace thinking that maybe, just maybe, someone might find them interesting. A few someones actually did (bless their hearts), but I seriously didn't expect very many to follow along. Over the year more and more joined up, but I often marveled at the rate at which other teacher blogs were growing. My blog took the remedial route, but 330 is about 300 more than I expected. So thank you to all 330 of you!
I've thoroughly enjoyed using this blog to share my teaching thoughts. In my personal life I'm not an extremely chatty person, but give me a teachery topic, and I can carry my own fairly well. Being able to do that on a weekly basis through my blog has been very enjoyable. Many times I've excitedly thought, "Hey, when I get home from school I get to post!" It's become a passion, so much so, that I typically have a handful of posts just ready and waiting in the wings. I must admit that the joy has been interrupted at times with moments of doubt, as I've wondered if I'm offering what people really want, like Saturday Sayings for example. I'll continue sharing reflective quotes though, because that's where becoming a better teacher really starts and that's what excites me the most.
I don't know where this blog may find itself in the future, but I have hopes for it that are much more important than how many followers it has.
My Hopes
- I never want someone to read one of my posts and think, "Well that was a waste of time." I hope there's always something helpful to take away from it.
- I hope my thoughts cause others to think about their own practices.
- I hope Saturday Sayings inspire.
- I can be rather opinionated and vocal about classroom practices, so I hope if I step on toes it doesn't hurt too badly.
- I hope that my blog continues to be a reflection of how I'm growing and learning as a teacher.
- I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I don't run out of things to say now that I've done this for a whole year.
Every time a follower comments on one of my posts this week, starting now through Saturday the 13th, I will put that person's name into a hat. (Your name could be in the hat four or five times.) On Sunday the 14th, I'll pull out a name and make that lucky person an original sign of their very own.
Comment away and know that each time you do, I'm very thankful that you are part of this little blog. I'm very thankful for those of you who don't comment too of course. Thank you for thinking that I have something worthwhile to say.
Wow, it is very kind of you to offer to make one for one of your readers. I love reading your blog, and I really do find it inspiring every time I read it. I also love hearing your opinions. Finally, I would like to thank you for commenting on every post that I write.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Meghan
Learning and Teaching for Life
Thank you Meghan. It means a lot to know that my blog inspires you. (I'm sure I've missed a few of your posts, but I'm happy to leave comments behind as often as possible.) Thank you for commenting. :)
DeleteTammy! Congrats on your milestone! I love reading your blog. I know it will always be full of inspiring thoughts and ideas!
ReplyDeleteMs. Smith
http://adventuresofmssmith.blogspot.com
Thanks Ms. Smith. I'm very happy to hear that you think my blog is full of inspiring thoughts and ideas. As I mentioned above, that's my hope. Thank you for commenting!
DeleteI am not a blogger...yet...so I must comment that I am thankful for every brave blogger/super teacher like you!
ReplyDeleteMandmyoung(at)chartermi(dot)net
Melissa, thank you for the comment. Good luck with your future blog!
DeleteCongrats!!! I can't imagine what a wonderful feeling it must be to have over 300 followers!! I absolutely love the name sign....so creative! Best wishes on another year of successful blogging!!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Super Pig and Tyrant King
Lisa, thank you for the wonderful wishes! Hopefully I won't run out of things to say in the year to come. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteHappy year one of many more to come! Nothing is as powerful as speaking from one's heart. As long as you record your thoughts, decisions, confusions, and wonderings, then your blog will be authentic. Be true to your voice - that is what your readers will keep coming back for.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary B. You said it well. I definitely do want my blog to be authentic. Thank you for commenting.
DeleteCongrats!! I know from this blogging journey yours has been one I have enjoyed reading. The sign is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteJessica
Apples and Papers
Jessica, thank you and for letting me know that you've enjoyed reading my blog. That means a lot. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteYour reflective quotes are my favorite part of your blog. They give inspiration to my week as I refflect on them driving to school Monday mornings. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNo princess, thank you for sharing your thoughts about the quotes I share. Knowing that those quotes go to school with you on Monday morning is very cool. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteCongrats Tammy! You always come across thoughtful, inspiring, helpful, and interesting every time I read one of your posts. I only hope I can blog as well as you someday!
ReplyDeleteKelli
Kelli, thank you for the sweet words. They blessed me a lot. :)
DeleteCongrats Tammy! I always look forward to your comments and enjoy reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteAmy
The Resource(ful) Room
Thanks Amy! I'm glad to hear you enjoy reading my blog. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteI love reading your posts! The Saturday Sayings are something I look forward to. :)
ReplyDeleteKelli, thank you much. I'm blessed to know that you look forward to Saturday Sayings. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteFirst of all, congrats on your one year of blogging! I love your posts and how you get everyone to self-reflect on their teaching practices. I look forward to another year of reading your thoughts, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, thank you for being the ultimate commenter for me the past year. I could always count on you to let me know I was on the right track even when I felt like I was out on a limb. Thanks for blessing my blog and me too!
DeleteYour posts are never a waste of time! I read every one!
ReplyDeleteJourney of a Substitute Teacher
and
Endless Pinabilities!
Miss T, that is so cool that you read every one of my posts. That's a very special thing to hear. Thank you for commenting!
DeleteYou have a blog that I look forward to reading each day! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. I am amazed at how you are able to comment on so many people's blogs as well as keep up with your own! Love Saturday Sayings.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee
Laurie, your comments are truly sweet and mean a lot to me. I'm honored that you look forward to reading my blog. Thank you for commenting!
DeleteI didn't realize you just started a year ago! Your post are so good and organized. I thought you'd been doing it for a while. It is a great blog. I love reading it and have tried to share it with my teacher friends.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Melissa, thank you for reading my blog and sharing it with teacher friends. That's pretty cool. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteTammy I feel like were kindred souls you and I so much alike in some ways, and yet different too. You have inspired me. made me laugh, and made me feel I was on the right track, all in just 1 year. Happy Anniversary. And I'm so glad I found you very early in your blogging journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Tammy
First Grade @ Storybook Cafe
dtklinger@gmail.com
oops! pretend like I remembered that apostrophe in we're! lol
DeleteTammy, I'm glad you found me too. I'm honored to think that we have much in common and that my blog inspires you. (I make you laugh? That's not one I expected to hear.) Thank you for commenting!
DeleteOh gosh, the sign is so cute! I need something new for sure in my room! Thanks for the chance to win................I just hope I remember to comment more!
ReplyDeletekellybrown28021@gmail.com
Kelly, I'm glad you like the sign. Keep commenting! :)
DeleteCongrats on one year of blogging! I, too, hope I can encourage others as well. I love the Saturday Sayings and look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts!
Andrea
Reading Toward the Stars
readerstars@gmail.com
Andrea, thank you so much. I love that you look forward to reading my Saturday Sayings. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteHappy Anninversary, Tammy!! You were one of my first followers when I started my blog in April 2012. I've been enjoying your blog since then. I always love reading your posts!! Thanks for all you do to inspire teachers.
ReplyDeleteConnie Anderson:)
www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com
Thanks Connie. I've so enjoyed your support. Thanks for being part of my journey!
DeleteYour blog is one of my favs! Your comments always make me smile, too :-).
ReplyDeleteI'm also on the remedial route, lol. I'm trying to find my niche, which is a good goal.
Happy Anniversary, Tammy!
Chrissy, thank you for such a wonderful comment. We can take the remedial route together!
DeleteI just came across your blog yesterday; so, I am a new follower. I was up well past midnight last night reading your older posts. You definitely have a gift. I appreciate you "sharing" your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteBrandi, that's really cool to hear that someone is reading my older posts into the wee hours of the night. Thank you for letting me know. That means a lot!
DeleteI just came across your blog yesterday; so, I am a new follower. I was up well past midnight last night reading your older posts. You definitely have a gift. I appreciate you "sharing" your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my favourites, hands-down, Tammy. You are ALWAYS inspiring:))
ReplyDelete❀Barbara❀
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Thank you Barbara. I'm more than honored to be one of your favorites, and I always look forward to your comments. You're so good at letting me know I'm doing okay. Thanks for that!
DeleteTammy, Congrats on your ONE YEAR anniversary! We are so lucky to have you in the land of BLOG! I look forward to your Saturday Sayings and I appreciate how sweetly you commented on my last post! Thank you for always making those connections! Your giveaway is not necessary! I LOVE following you without expecting anything in return other than great teaching advice! Thanks for being an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Ms. Marciniak's First Grade Critter Cafe
Julie, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. It really blessed me. I'm very glad you came by today. :)
DeleteCongratulations on your anniversary. You have touched many a teacher with your blog. Thank you for all that you share and do. Amy
ReplyDeleteqbeepatte@hotmail.com
Amy, thank you so much for your kind words. I do hope my blog touches people.
DeleteCongrats! I always wanted to start a blog but never find the time. You are inspiring me to make the time.
ReplyDeletea.ingalls@sau33.com
Ann, you should definitely start a bog if it's something that nagging at you. Let me know if you do!
DeleteI love reading your blog. One year passes in a flash! Your signs are so pretty...
ReplyDeleteI also love that you read and comment on mine. It means a lot knowing that someone out there is interested...
:)
Keri, thanks for reading my blog. I enjoy reading yours too. :)
DeleteTammy, congrats on your one year anniversary. I always love reading your blog. I have never thought of you as opinionated...maybe we share the same opinions. ;P It's good to read your blog and be reminded from time to time why we chose to be teachers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKelly @ I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Kelly, we definitely must share opinions if you don't think I'm opinionated. :) Thanks so much for reading my blog and commenting.
DeleteWow...what beautiful thoughts Tammy! I have to say, I've shared some of those same thoughts about my blog and blogging too (I'm a newbie and so nervous about my posts). Thanks for being a constant source of inspiration! :o)
ReplyDeleteKaryn
A is for Apple B is for Blog
Kideducator@comcast.net
Karyn, thanks for letting me know that my blog is inspiring. Feedback does wonders for the doubting soul. :)
DeleteI'm thankful that your blogs and their ideas stretch all the way to fifth grade. Especially love your Saturday sayings!
ReplyDeleteLori, I'm glad to hear my blog stretches all the way to you. Do you have plans to make a human alphabet book too? :) Thank you so much for reading!
DeleteIU love your blog, but really I can't wait to make your Human Alphabet Book!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSusan
sphillips74@triad.rr.com
Susan, thank you much. Have fun making the book!
DeleteThis is awesome. I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Nelson. That means a lot!
DeleteHard to believe it's been a year! Thank you for all you do for the kiddos at Indian Creek. They are so lucky to have you. We really miss you!!!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Thanks Lisa! I hope things are going well over on the other side of the planet. Tell Garrett hello for me!
DeleteWow! Tammy, these are really awesome! You are so talented! I love reading your blog, and you are always so kind to leave sweet comments on my blog. Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I reached mine last month, too! Here's to another fantastic year of blogging!
ReplyDeletexo
Rebecca
Teaching First
Rebecca, thank you for coming by and leaving a sweet comment. Happy anniversary to you as well!
DeleteTammy,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is absolutely fantastic and you have so many insightful and creative ideas to share! Happy Blogiversary to you! The sign is just beautiful! I've never won a giveaway yet and so my fingers are really crossed for this one! :)
Jeannine
Creative Lesson Cafe
Thank you Jeannine for coming by and leaving a thoughtful comment. Good luck!
Delete