Reflection as a means of getting better
Chapter 4 of The Excellent 11 discusses the importance of reflection. Confucius writes: “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is bitterest.” This quote was fitting to begin this chapter - as I read the chapter, I noted times when I have jarred awake at 3:00 a.m. to “think” about the past day’s work. What I could have done, what I could have said, how I could have reacted, …. all run through my head as I ponder learning from my experiences to work to become a better educator, a better mother, a better wife, a better person. The NCLB push toward accountability urges us toward academic excellence. We, as educators, continually strive to work to reach the bar that is set - oftentimes very high. At DME, I feel that bar is our goal, and we work to lift each other and our students to surpass this standard. However, along the way, I believe that Clark makes excellent points that school is not just about learning the academic “stuff” - we must provide children with other opportunities for extra- and co-curricular activities throughout the year. These, my friends, are oftentimes the memories that children hold most dear to their hearts as they proceed and finish school. One of our faculty writings for this upcoming year asks that we reflect and provide advice to next year’s rising fifth graders. We have so much to share. I can’t wait to read these writings which won’t be posted until the start of fourth nine weeks, but I will get a hint at them in August as the teachers turn them in from their summer assignments.
As a matter of fact, speaking of reflection, our beach leadership retreat last week with my grade level chairs was fabulous! We were very productive; not only did we revise both our math model and our RA schedule for the upcoming school year, reflect on last year’s challenges and successes, and discuss Clark’s The Excellent 11, we even had time to float down the marsh on inner tubes to the ocean twice….and we didn’t lose anyone on the tubes! That trip was a wonderful team building experience. It was so uplifting to be with my teachers to think about last year and plan for next year. Now, I am back at work this week - putting into motion our plans! Read on….Chapter 5 “Balance” is next!
