Saturday, April 27, 2013

Saturday Sayings: Allow Yourself the Right


This post meshes well with last week's Saturday Saying about  teachers and change.  (Look here.)  I want to be the kind of teacher who doesn't wait for change to knock down my door.  Instead I want a say in the changes that occur in my classroom by seeking out the ones I know will be best for my kids.  Having said all that, Richard Allington's quote below adds another important dimension to this whole discussion.


When making a change, like teaching something new from the CCSS for example, I believe it's important to allow myself the right not to get it correct on my first attempts.  Before even launching into the unknown, I adopt the mindset that it's okay if there are bumps along the way.  I expect them in fact and refuse to kick myself about when they present themselves.  Like the quote says, change is anxiety-provoking as it is.  My attitude concerning inadequacies with new material shouldn't add fuel to the fire.  It takes time to make changes that will last.  It's okay if it takes three to five years of teaching a new unit or concept before I feel like I'm great at it.  I'm going to allow myself the right to not get it all right.  

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22 comments:

  1. Richard Allington is a smart guy! I like that he says take it slow. Slow change sometimes makes for deeper changes over time with a goal in mind. :)
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, you can't go wrong with a Richard Allington quote. Taking time to make change does make for better, deeper change.

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  2. Great post Tammy,
    I was just trained in CCSS and I expect to have several bumps along the way next year. Thanks for the reminder. Have a great Saturday!
    Vicky
    Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After

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    1. Vicky, the CCSS will definitely bring some bumps along with it. Expecting them seems to reduce some of the stress, right? Good luck!

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  3. What a great attitude! I wish everyone would feel like you do! We start with baby steps and over time we can become more accomplished. We have to have the freedom to try and fail and try again!!
    LiteracyMinute

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    1. Sandi, I definitely need the freedom you're talking about. I know I'll fail, and it's liberating when I allow myself the right to do that.

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  4. Great thoughts, Tammy! I'm going to need toremember this as I move to a different grade, different curriculum, etc. :-)

    Crystal
    Teaching Little Miracles

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    1. Crystal, you'll for sure need to allow yourself the right to not get it all right from the get go. What an adventure!

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  5. Love these Saturday quotes. Makes me feel very inspired! Keep them coming.

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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    1. Tara, that means a lot to me. These Saturday Sayings are near and dear to my heart and to hear that others enjoy them is a special thing.

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  6. As always, spot on, Tammy It's the hardest thing we do isn't it...give ourselves "a break." Thanks for the reminder.
    Tammy
    First Grade @ Storybook Cafe
    dtklinger@gmail.com

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    1. Tammy, I so agree. It's not an easy thing to do with all the pressures that we face in our classrooms, buildings, districts, etc.

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  7. We also have some major changes going on in our district and school with the wider use of technology in the classroom. I thought about this as I read your post and the quote. Thank you for the food for thought.

    Mona
    First Grade Schoolhouse

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    1. Mona, my district is experiencing the same technological push. It's great, but it takes time to become comfortable with all of it. Baby steps, I tell myself.

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  8. I learned last year that as anxiety goes up, intellect goes down, making it even more important to allow for that time and keep that growth mindset that you've talked about!

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    1. Barbara, I like the way you put that. That fits so perfectly with this post. It fits with our kids too. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts.

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  9. I enjoyed your post and all the comments, too. Thanks, Tammy!

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers Blog Designs

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    1. Barb, I like all the comments too. They make these posts better!

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  10. Even on a Sunday, this is a great saying! If I had given up at every bump along the way I wouldn't be doing much teaching. A key to being an effective teacher is knowing how to continue to learn yourself...practice, practice, practice!
    Jenny
    Owl Things First

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    1. Jenny, thank you for adding your thoughts. You're very right. The learning and practicing never stop. :)

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  11. You've got it right. I presented at two different CCSS conferences this weekend, and my hope is that anyone who is worried about not 'doing' it until they get it right should really just get started, find their comfort level, and be amazed at the results!

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    1. Jennifer, yes you're message is perfectly stated! Fear is stifling for sure.

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