lesson 1

Ok, so it's not lesson 1. I lost count sometime back when I was learning to walk. But I digress, and I haven't even started. Today was our first district workshop day of the school year, and I got the idea to start a blog as a way to interact with my students and their parents by talking about thinking and learning outside the classroom. I put it on my mental 'to do' list, and moved on. Later in the evening, I got a little push by my bestfriend's former teaching partner. "It's easy" he said. "Email me if you want and show it off." My husband blogged last year, and my bestfriend is a technology guru, so I'm no stranger to the arena. And you know what? It was easy-- the hardest part was finding an address that wasn't already taken!

So my point? Sometimes all you need is a kind word from a collegue to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Yes, it helped that I was familiar with the concept. But honestly, his "give it a try" was what I needed. Tied to it was the follow-through. Not only did he give me the push, but he also provided a community of connectedness. All learners do better when pushed-- ever so slightly-- to expand their horizons; when supported by others, said learners are even more willing to try.

I think it's going to be a good year.