My First Post- A Pirate’s Life for Me!

Yoho, Yoho, A Pirate's Life For Me

Here it is: My First Post!

     I am so excited to start this blogging journey!

     As I set up my blog, I find myself really wondering, where do I start? How will blogging impact my classes? What will I ask my students to blog about first? Will they enjoy blogging as much as I hope they do? Will anyone care what we are saying?  Will my students find their voice through blogging? I am nervous for the answers to these questions, but fear of the unknown is normal in any new adventure, and adventure is just what I am looking for this year. 

     This past May, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop at West Liberty University with Dave Burgess covering his AMAZING book, Teach Like a Pirate. I had heard excellent things about Dave and had followed along silently in a few of his Twitter chats, but was advised to read his book after attending his seminar. From the moment he began, I was captivated. I was instantly inspired. I couldn’t wait to get back to work from my maternity leave and reconnect with my students. My wheels were constantly turning and thinking of ways to meet my students’ learning goals and needs in fun ways. Yes, FUN! That can happen in an English classroom, contrary to what a bad experience may have told you.

     I finished the year strong with my students, and set off into the summer sun with high hopes of planning an “experience” for each unit I would cover in the next year. I have enjoyed my summer, but I am totally ready to get  back in the classroom and get to know my new students. I have so many amazing ideas that I know will soon form into experiences for my students. I am looking forward to revamping and upgrading my teaching style to really, deeply impact each and every one of my students. I know then, and only then, will I truly create the learning environment I am passionate about creating: A community where each student feels safe, valued, and appreciated while growing and experiencing English Language Arts in a life changing manner. 

     To my students:This brings us to the start of the year! I hope you’re ready to experience English in a way you haven’t experienced yet. My hope for each of you is to grow to appreciate literature and writing in a way that will make you lifelong learners of language. Let’s set sail on our Pirate’s journey through the 2014-2015 school year!

     To my fellow educators: I would LOVE your suggestions! Please tell me how you use blogs in your classroom! What do you say is the, “must know” info for my first year blogging? How can I TLAP while blogging?