I love the fact that I've had this blog for a few years now, and 90% of my posts have been written in the months of June, July, and August! What does that tell you about how busy we are as teachers?! Summer break is surely a well-deserved gift that bestows upon us the 3 Rs: relaxation, refreshment, and reflection. (I disregarded "rest" because I have a 2 year old son, and like many other teacher-moms, that "R" has been
R-emoved from my life for now and the foreseeable future!) Anyway, as I spend some time reflecting this summer, it becomes clearer and clearer to me how ALL children, regardless of their home/family life, could benefit from more personal guidance and character education. Sometimes I have to think back to myself as a fourth grader to truly remember just how impressionable, yet insightful, they are at that age. They also thrive so much on structure and appreciate little classroom traditions that their teacher has in place just for them. I thought a sweet way to address both needs would be to post a different "Quote of the Week" in the same spot in my classroom this year. As I change it out each Monday morning, I want the words of someone else other than just me to motivate them. I want my students to do some reflecting of their own by simply looking in the same spot each Monday for a new, positive, thought-provoking message and be able to chew on it throughout the week and (hopefully) beyond. As I assembled my collection of quotes, I was sure to work in the ones that have always resonated with me, like my favorite teaching mantra:
...as well as a few words of wisdom that were quoted by current, recognizable-to-anyone role models. I even worked in Taylor Swift! Michael Jordan, Maya Angelou, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Abraham Lincoln are just a few of the greats that are included. Of course, I also had to throw in a quote that inspires the art of WRITING!
So, whether it's a "Quote of the Week," a set of writing nudges, decor for a peaceful classroom environment, or just a pick-me-up for you to keep at your own desk, I hope that you can use these posters, too, to sprinkle some inspiration into your classroom in the upcoming school year. Just be sure to get in your 3 Rs (or if you're lucky, all 4) first!
If you've made it all the way to the end of this post, please build on the inspiration by leaving a comment with YOUR favorite quote! Spread joy!
