What a great week I had…
It was wonderful to have an entire week off at one time. As promised, I didn’t check my email, which felt a bit strange but refreshing. I had a chance to catch up on projects at home, make art, sit on the deck and read the newspaper from one end to the other, paddle my kayak, spend time with friends and family, and go to the beach. Ahhhhh, yes, it was great!
As I sat at the beach watching the tide roll in, listening to kids laughter, feeling the sand between my toes, smelling the salt air and suntan lotion, I had the chance to reflect on my roles and responsibilities at the Department. I thought about my routine and about how my time is spent each day and during a week and over each month. I know the importance of communication to arts teachers. My goal with the list-serv and blog is to provide a connection to each of you, informing you of what is happening at the Department, but also with colleagues and education on a variety of issues and levels, in and out of state. I think communication is “key” as education evolves to meet the needs of our 21st century learners.
One of the books I am reading is “The Global Achievement Gap” by Tony Wagner. Mr. Wagner’s list of seven survival skills for teens today includes what many of us know and incorporate into our teaching as arts educators. The book takes Daniel Pink’s ideas to the next level of how to provide an education for today’s world. Wagner reminds me of the importance of always being mindful of what and why we teach the material and how we are teaching it. We are at an important, rapidly changing time in education and it is crucial to continuously ask the difficult questions to meet of 21st century learners.
A fun day out with my family!
My favorite part of vacation was spending a day with my husband and two sons. It has been a busy summer with all of us coming and going in different directions so we haven’t had much time together. We went on the boat on one of the rainy days and explored a part of a local lake that has a trail along one section with a really amazing rock! On another part of the lake we saw 2 doe and their 2 fawn and got a good glimpse of an eagle. We made plenty of time to talk, laugh and catch up. I realize that even on a personal level life changes rapidly and unless we take time to really communicate we will lose the connections that are most important to us. It was a perfect day!
I hope all of you had some quality time this summer doing what you love to do! I am grateful for my time.
me arts ed 