Lots of thoughts spinning in my head... welcome to my world my husband would say haha! (he’s so happy you all have to listen to me now and not just him by the way)

Ok I was going to write about some of my spinning thoughts but then I remembered what I really wanted to write. The tests may or may not be important but what is important? When I look at my students I try to think about my own children and think “what would I want for my own children if they were in this class?” and in the end back to our leadership class what is our vision? Do we want kids who can fill in the bubble? Or do we want kids who can answer questions, solve problems and think? Yes, I sing and dance everyday in my class but it is all with a purpose and I can tie every song to a standard. I am not perfect by any means but each year I try my best to teach the kids to think, find joy in learning and answer open ended questions. This coming year I have started a file of new questions and goals I am going to work on for each book I am going to read; to try to be better at questioning and critical thinking. Maybe stop the story in the middle and not even finish it and let the kids tell me an ending they think would be best. This will take some teaching especially with little ones but it sure will be fun to see what happens. One of my favorite books to read to my kids is Hooray for Diffendoofer Day by Dr. Seuss, he started writing it when he died and a few authors like Jack Prelutsky and others finished after his death.. this is my favorite line:

"My teacher is Miss Bonkers,

She's as bouncy as a flea.

I'm not certain what she teaches,

But I'm glad she teaches me."

"All the schools for miles around

Must take a special test,

To see who's learning such and such--

To see which school's the best."

"Miss Bonkers rose. "Don't fret!" she said.

"You've learned the things you need

To pass that test and many more--

I'm certain you'll succeed.

We've taught you that the earth is round,

That red and white make pink,

And something else that matters more--

We've taught you how to think."

Yes, other countries are doing a better job educating their kids than we are. But we are doing well, in spots and we can do better. There is a will to do better among some and a misguided will that needs to be guided in a better direction - away from online and laptops and towards better teachers. And also towards better and equal funding, and professional elevation of teachers.

I agree with what Nate said in class I want it to happen now - not twenty years from now! We need a time machine! Where is Michael J. Fox and the Delorean when you need him?