Dear Participants,
I'm re-posting the August directions because I know some of you had a little trouble. In fact, the blog was blocked a while because Google flagged it as under attack by Spammers--probably due to the sudden increase in activity--and possibly from a few people trying multiple log-ins. Let's try to keep these directions at the top of the blog page by simply adding your comments instead of creating a "New Post" --do this by clicking on "comments" underneath this post and responding there. That should make it easier for others to know what to do if they are coming on later.
For your August posting, please consider the following:
1. Be sure that your Display Name is your first name and last initial. You can change this in your "Edit Profile" pane if necessary.
2. Post a comment to my original conversation string. Do this by clicking on the posting title or on "comments." Please avoid starting a "New Post." Use the "comment" feature instead.
3. August Topic: Post a brief comment which addresses one thing from the 7 Habits Workshop that you have been able to apply over the summer or that you are in the process of applying now as you get school back up and going. Have a great School Opening!
I think one of the biggest things that I have been able to apply is "Begin with the end in mind." As I have been setting up our schedule for the year, the focus has been more on making sure the schedule supports the total picture of what we are trying to accomplish instead of just making sure every student has a place to land each period.
ReplyDeleteI think all seven habits are things we should strive to live by. For myself, I am going to try and incorporate Habit 3 into my work schedule. Specifically, I want to eliminate the unimportant things from my work day and live in the important but not urgent arena. That would make me more productive and let me have more time to help all the schools in the county.
ReplyDeleteI have adapted a win-win (Habit 4) attitude towards strategic teaching. Interaction with the administrative team, colleagues, and our literacy coach has allowed me to recognize my strengths and weaknesses. The win-win approach will help me to become a better classroom teacher. This will enable my students to receive a stronger education.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am finding that I really need to focus more on Habit 1, Be Proactive. Trying to get everything ready for back to school has been a little overwhelming, I am so afraid that I will overlook or forget something that is vital to administrators and teachers for a successful year. I will strive to be more proactive and have resources better organized for the next school year.
ReplyDeleteAs I begin the school year, I really want to focus on the win/win concept. It will not be about getting what I think is best, but getting what is best for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteI have been working on Habit 1: Be Proactive:Principals of Personal choice. I am planning on introducing some thoughts and ideas about this in our first faculty meeting.
ReplyDelete"Begin with the end in mind" is the habit I am focusing on as I begin the new school year.
ReplyDeleteThis idea has helped me this year to organize my goals and achievements in the subjects that I teach. As a BBSST committee member, I will also keep this thought in mind as I try to encourage teachers during BBSST meethings about students who are falling below grade levels. "Begin with the end in mind" is just a good way to approach most anything in life.
This summer I worked on Habit 5, Seeking first to understand, then to be understood. Working with staff members that have their own needs and wants, making sure that I understand what they are looking to accomplish and how I can help them reach their goals.
ReplyDeleteThe beginning of school is such a busy time. Therefore, I am concentrating on Habit 3: Put First Things First. Doing this in each of my areas of concentration has helped me successfully manage more tasks and not be so overwhelmed. Incorporating this habit while planning and working in the areas of School Improvement, AMSTI and Alternative School transitional services and record keeping has been extremely beneficial to me.
ReplyDeleteI spent most of my summer helping plan for the new First Choice option and how I can better implement Habit 2. By listing student priorities and "Beginning with the end in mind" I was able to assist in developing a schedule that would give more flexibility in choices for each of our students.
ReplyDeleteI referred back to some of the 7 Habits big ideas as I facilitated a session for Hartselle City aspiring administrators this summer. I also took a look at some of the videoclips again and shared some of them with my husband.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am continuing to face a challenging situation so the quotation from Viktor Frankl "When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves" spoke to me.
Habit 5, Seeking first to understand, then to be understood. During the months of June and July, I concentrated on effective communication skills to aid in collaborative efforts with the faculty and staff. The opening of school has enabled me to share daily the process of effective communication with faculty, staff, parents, and students.
ReplyDeleteHabit 1: I have tried to be more proactive this new school year. I am hoping to utilize this habit to help relieve some of those "first of the year" gotchas.
ReplyDeleteI think Seek first to understand, then to be understood is one of the most enduring lessons I can apply on a daily basis. After the training, I have focused on listening more actively rather than trying to get people to see my point of view.
ReplyDelete