I want to be honest with everyone when I say that this blog isn't my first attempt at "leveling up" my life. Whether in my career or in my personal life, I have tried multiple times to work towards achieving a certain standard.. I have found that the problem with standards is that there is always another one waiting around the corner and completing one doesn't fulfill that sense of accomplishment. It is easy to feel like you are repeatedly restarting again at the bottom. Then I started to think about Donkey Kong. (Nintendo's 1980's arcade version) Yup, the one in the picture above! Basically, a hulk-like gorilla named Donkey Kong stole your woman and you want her back. In order to do so you, (jumpman, not Mario believe it or not) have to traverse a series of obstacles in order to reach the top of the screen and claim your prize. Let's talk about these obstacles for a minute. So, muscles up there does everything in his power in order to keep your princess: everything from throwing barrel after barrel to unleashing these little flame guys from a trash can that chase you up the course. Now, these barrels may look like an easy obstacle to overcome, just jump over them right! Wrong! Donkey Kong not only throws these barrels at you at different intervals, but he also tosses random barrels that skip the track entirely and fly right at you. They have a knack for being unpredictable. So, what happens when you finally reach the top and are ready to save your beloved? Donkey Kong, that sneaky ape, grabs her and takes her away! Jumpman is left to start level two down at the bottom of the screen again.
So what does this have to do with teaching? How can Donkey Kong help level up my life or your life? For me it all comes down to overcoming obstacles and striving to reach the top no matter what is thrown your way; barrel, fire, or something more realistic. As a teacher I am constantly dealing with new and unpredictable obstacles. That's the nature of education and teaching children. You never quite know what the day will bring and you have to be ready for rogue barrels at all times. Teachers that don't embrace the climb to the top, up ladders and around fire aren't leveling up their lives or their students' lives. Beyond that, we have to be prepared to start at the bottom again. The best lesson in the world might be followed up with pure chaos. It is okay! As long we continue to climb, continue to try and save the princess it doesn't matter how many obstacles we face or how many times we have to start a new level. The true "leveling up" happens we when fail and then sail. So be like jumpman! Climb ladders, dodge fire, and smash barrels in order to reach your goals, but don't be afraid to start over again. Cheat Codes: FAIL-First Attempt in Learning SAIL-Second Attempt in Learning LUIAATC-Leveling Up Is All About The Climb (Not a Miley Cyrus Reference!) BLJ-Be Like Jumpman DLTDKOFWSY-Don't Let The Donkey Kongs Of The World Stop You Keep climbing! Taylor
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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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