Thursday, April 17, 2014

Finding my Focus

I started my blog in in October 2012. I had a family blog.  I enjoyed reading teacher blogs. I figured that I would post ideas from my classroom.

I’d previously tutored to supplement my income. After my second child was born, I just didn’t have time. I discovered TpT at about this time. I found that there were some wonderful resources that I could make myself, but that with two small children at home it was worth paying $3 for an afternoon with my family. I decided in place of tutoring to start a TpT store. I could spend time working on things for my classroom anyway to sell.

My store now almost makes enough to support my clip art habit. I enjoy having just enough tucked away to buy clip art for each project I start. I haven’t posted new products in a while. I’ve lost the desire to be the next millionaire. It would be nice, but it isn’t worth the time and effort. I’m okay with that.

This year has been full of changes. I have always liked my job, but I truly love teaching in the STEAM Lab. I have had the freedom to create an ideal space. I have been able to explore and expose my students to digital citizenship, gaming in the classroom, week of code, GAFE, augmented reality, and more.

My blog has changed, too.  It is still there, but I am not worried about my TpT store.  I want to share ideas and interact with like-minded educators. I love the community of educators I’ve found online. The cardboard arcade we spent a month working on in the STEAM Lab all started with a blog post I read. Thanks to a technology newsletter in my inbox, several of my students have extended the ‘Week of Code’ and are currently working taking online courses in coding outside of school. A Pinterest post about the ColAR app has me addicted to using augmented reality. I love the way things are developing.

I hope you will join me through this process as I find my new focus! I cannot wait for my blog redesign in May. I found the perfect clip art and an amazing blog designer. I can’t wait for a new look to go along with my new focus.

4 comments:

  1. I love reading about your experiences in the STEAM lab - it is totally different from my classroom but so inspiring. I love reading blogs to get new ideas and when I was recently at my Train the Trainers workshop for GAFE I shared your post on digital citizenship with my group - everyone loved it!!

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  2. Jenny, what a wonderful post! I love how you've centered yourself again! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see your new blog :)

    Slainte,
    Molly
    Lucky to Be in First

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  3. I think it is awesome that you were able to sit down and reflect on what direction you are taking. I find I often have to do the same with every aspect of my life or I become so overwhelmed. I definitely enjoy reading about everything you are doing in the STEAM lab too! You've got some fabulous ideas!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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  4. Jenny~
    I love hearing about what you are doing in STEM. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!
    Michele

    Coffee Cups and Lesson Plans

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