Every January I take some time to think to myself about how I am going to "level up" for the next year. Typically, I'll be honest, whatever these grand ideas are that I brainstorm don't last much past January. They fizzle out quickly, they lose steam, or they may never even quite get off the ground in the first place. I think one thing people don't talk about enough in January is how difficult it is to make a change. I am talking about a real game-changing experience. Anyone can dye their hair, or change their clothes, but what about the type of change that doesn't only affect you, but also those around you? This January when I took some time to reflect on 2016 and make plans for 2017, I realized that 2016 had really changed a lot about me and it didn't start at the beginning of the year, rather it started with a catalyst, an experience. That experience is still motivating me today to gain XP in multiple areas of my life, and explore new levels I wouldn't have dreamed of touching before. That doesn't mean I don't have goals for 2017. 2017 is going to be HUGE! However, before I share with you some of my favorite words for 2017, I wanted to reflect on the fact 2016 really spring-boarded this whole process, and say thanks to all the people around me who helped me to begin this journey! I am sure you all have seen the #OneWord2017 posts going around on social media. It is amazing that so many people are dedicating themselves to leveling up this year, but the more I saw these posts the more I thought to myself, "Why just one word?". Yes, one word can encompass a multitude of experiences, levels, and characters, but for me, #OneWord2017 became #WordsforChange2017...with an S. So here are my #WordsforChange and a little bit about how they are going to level up 2017 for myself and my students. You guessed it! Rogue is my first word for change in 2017. I will admit, I haven't seen this word posted anywhere on social media yet for someone else's #OneWord, because I don't think it is one often associated with teaching or learning. Being rogue has become extremely important to me over the last 6 months, and in 2017 I look forward to pushing myself off the beaten path a bit more. So what do I mean by this exactly? Rogue has many defintions, and the rogue that has spoken to me is the verb which means to defy law or norms of behavior. Why should we do school how it has always been done? Answer=we shouldn't! Go rogue! Do something different that it has been done before because it is what is best for students, and forget about what other people say. Be true to what you believe and find that glitch, that hidden path in the broken game of education to exploit. Your students will thank you! My second word for change in 2017 is create! I feel like this is a more common choice for teacher resolution, but maybe not for the same reasons you might think. Honestly, I am not a very creative person. I don't craft things, I don't build things and imagining myself as an artist is sort of scary. This is not the type of create that I mean. To create is the act of making something new, like this blog for example. This is something I created, but I want to do more. In 2017, I want to push myself to create new things that not only help me in my leveling up journey, but can inspire and guide others in their own. I don't necessarily know what that all means yet, but I know that it will involve putting myself out there, and sometimes it will be intimidating. That is the great thing about games though. If you create something that doesn't quite work or doesn't really fit, it can redefined, remade and remastered in creative mode. In the game of life it isn't any different. My creations won't be perfect, and they won't always impact in the intended manner. But when they don't, I will head back into the studio and rebuild my creation again! I realize that "just be" is two words, but hey this is my blog post, so I'lll do what I want! Anyway, I think that these 2 words for change are the most impactful, yet simple for 2017. Just Be! I have spent a lot of my life struggling with anxiety. I like things to be right and finished and good. It is really difficult for me to let things go that don't work out as I had envisioned and in turn...BAM...anxiety. This can make teaching really, REALLY difficult sometimes, as if it wasn't hard enough already. Things don't always work out as intended, every teacher knows this, but if you're like me it is a struggle to just let it be. Well in 2017, that is what I intend to do. Just be with my students in these important times in their lives. Just be with my family the very few times I get to see them. Just be on the couch and lost in a good book. Just Be. I think these 2, short words might be the hidden easter egg to reaching my highest XP this year. Just be, and the rest will work itself out.
Cheat Codes: Go Rogue Create Just Be Thanks! Happy 2017!
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AuthorGreetings Readers! My name is Taylor Arehart and I am a 6th year Educator in Excelsior Springs, MO. I have taught 3rd, 4th and gifted and talented, but now I am beginning a new adventure as an Instructional Coach. I have a huge passion for transforming education and giving students the 21st century skills they need to rock the world. I am writing about my journey of leveling up! Leveling up means to constantly look for ways to improve in teaching, learning and living. This means in the classroom with my students as well as in other areas of my life. I hope you enjoy reading about my journey (and my students' journeys) to reach our highest levels and rattle the stars! Archives
October 2017
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