Ruth Ayres invites us the celebrate each week. Click over to her site Discover. Play. Build. to read more celebrations.
Today I am combining posts, Celebration Saturday and DigiLit Sunday. This was a weird week because my students sporadically attended class due to all the end-of-the year stuff. This was my last official week with my students. This next week with be half days, splash days, awards days. I’ll spend time packing my room to move to another classroom. Such a bittersweet time of year, saying goodbye and taking inventory.
What I want to celebrate is connections.
Connections to the Community: Our 6th grade gifted students created a display at our local museum showing the wonders of Iberia Parish in art and poetry.
Connections to the World: On Monday, the local newspaper featured the 6th grade project and invited everyone to view the YouTube video.
Connections to parents: Some teachers hesitate to use Facebook to connect with parents. I am not friends with all of my parents, but the ones I am connected to appreciate and celebrate our connection. I’ve never had a parent abuse this venue.
Connections with other educators: I am not on Twitter much. I find it a bit overwhelming. But I have a small community of educators who tweet with each other. When someone tags my name, I feel delighted. The notification comes in on my phone. Like a text between friends.
Connections through blogging: Some days I don’t feel like writing. But knowing there is an audience waiting, I push myself to sit in the chair and “Just Do It.” Someone is always there to read, comment, and connect.
Cathy Mere and Julie Johnson led a Digital Makers Playground. The classes are over, but the connections continue. I’ve borrowed Carolyn Carr’s graphic she made about all the ways she connects digitally.
Connect with others about Digital Literacy:
I smiled when you wrote “When someone tags my name, I feel delighted. The notification comes in on my phone. Like a text between friends.” I feel just the same way. This is the connectedness that feels like we have a secret handshake that gets us into a treehouse. But what I love about it most is that people just have to want to belong and we welcome them all.
You are so right. This is an open community. The only requirement is motivation to be present. Then your presence is missed when you are not there.
I too love when the phone lights up with a tweet especially from you on a Sunday morning. So sorry not to contribute this week. I’m the midst of sorting through school stuff, and I don’t think I’ll clear mind space for a digilit post today.
By the way, I’m coming to New Orleans in the middle of June, my daughter wants to look at Tulane. How far away are you? Would love to visit New Iberia!
I too smiled when I read about the “tagging high”,,,,that is just what is seems like to me, too. I still remember the first comment on my blog….sigh…it was like Christmas morning!
Thanks for hosting us again. There are so many ways to connect, but you are right that we have to keep in balance with all of the other parts of our lives. We were so glad you joined the Digital Playground. Your voice contributed greatly to the learning in this community.
I’m wondering where you are moving in the coming year. Good luck in these final days. My favorite line from a picture book comes from “The Hello Goodbye Window” — “you can be happy and sad at the same time.” I think this speaks to the end of the school year perfectly. We have to smile at all students have accomplished, but it is a little sad to say goodbye to a community we’ve come to love.
Cathy
Cathy,
Thanks for your support. I am not moving schools just my room location. Love the hello goodbye quote.
I’ve used that Hello Goodbye book with my students before, but had forgotten it. Thanks Cathy! Margaret, I hope you like your move. Sometimes it’s exciting to explore & design a new space. I love that you all did that project for the community-the best projects are the authentic ones. I have twelve days & tons of events, so busy at this time of year. Have fun!