New School Year Resolutions

I'll be up in my classroom later today and will take pictures of some of the projects I've been working on (slooowly, it feels like!).

Until then, I saw that Clutter-Free Classroom is having a linky party about New Year Resolutions for the school year. Since I'm brand new to blogging, this is my first linky party...but it was seeing a friend's post (Hey, Messy Girl:)) for Clutter-Free Classroom's favorite author's linky party that finally made me get this blog started!

So now on to my resolutions for my second year of teaching...it will be good to put them into writing so I can remind myself as the year goes on.

1. Stay true to myself as a teacher.
I do feel like a little bit of my teaching philosophy got lost last year as I felt overwhelmed by curriculum, limited time, an emphasis on test scores, and older teachers with unwavering ideas that didn't quite match mine. This year I want to stand my ground more firmly, and stick with ideas that I firmly believe in.

2. Stay on top of grading.
I'm not sure if this will be as big of an issue in 2nd grade as it was last year in 3rd. It seemed like I could grade from school's out to bedtime and still be behind! I need to get into a routine early in the year and make sure to get all work back to students QUICKLY. Otherwise, the feedback and ensuing reflection are less meaningful.
Going along with this, I want to make sure to make time for going over work and prompting that reflection.

3. Stay inspired and connected.
Already in my first week of blogging, I've tackled and completed more projects than I would've otherwise. I'm not a crafty person by any means, and only marginally creative...so it's been great to borrow and steal ideas from the web! I only hope I'm able to contribute as well.
Also, reading other teachers' experiences and thoughts re-energizes my love for my job. Belonging to such an enthusiastic, inventive, and dedicated community is inspiring.

4. Stay focused on the students- ALWAYS!
To cope with all those factors listed in #1, all I have to do is remember my students, and I automatically feel less stressed. Their needs will guide me and their personalities will make it all worthwile. As I set my room up this summer, I keep thinking about the 21 little ones that will populate it, and I get excited all over again:)

Happy almost New School Year!