Saturday, December 29, 2012

2013 Resolution Solution Linky Party

Teaching Maddeness

Today I am linking up with fellow "Carolina Girl" blogger Amanda over at her blog Teaching Maddeness for her 2013 Resolution Solution linky party. Who doesn't love a good linky party? Right? But first I am going to give a shout out to one of my new followers Jess at I "Heart" Recess. If you are not currently following Jess (or Amanda) head on over to their wonderful blogs and start following them!!

So Amanda is hosting a link for New Years Resolution Solutions. Check out her post here.

So here are my solutions to my resolutions....

School:
1. Use technology everyday with my students. Now I use a fair amount of technology in my lessons (Promethean board flip charts, our class laptops, the class iPad. etc) but I want to use it more. In fact I want my lessons to be so chocked full of technology we short circuit the electrical system in my building (well not really, but you get my drift, right?) With not Common Core implementation for my state/grade level looming, I am really worried that my kids will be as prepared for the technology and project components as I want them to be. They are very capable and we blog together weekly, and they love using the laptops and the iPad but I am still scared....gotta ramp it up big time.

2. As an off-shoot of #1 I would love to be an integral part of the preparation for the technology/project component for Common Core. We have a 2nd computer lab in out school that is being under-utilized. I want that to become our (my 2 classes) second home, but I want to also encourage the other teachers in our building to use it too. I know the kids would love having more time in the computer lab each week (right row they get one 40 minute session per week...and they are required to use a compute program called Compass Odyssey rather than let the students explore and create).

Personal
1. As cliche as this sounds, I am making losing weight my resolution (again). I have been a serial dieter all my adult life but as I get closer to 50 (yikes, did I just write that number...and BTW I still have 2.5 years till I hit that number).  I have decided to join Weight Watchers and am also considering joining a gym. I just don;t want to set myself up for failure either. My goal is to lose 40 pounds this year although I probably need to lose at least 75. Baby steps....
2. I want to run a half-marathon. I have run/walked several 5k races int he past few years, but I would really like to train and run a 1/2.  I need some accountability partners..as well a someone who might want to train with me (even if we are on opposite sides of the US)...Any takers??

Blogging
1. I am going to "attempt" to blog at least 4 times week. I started my blog last summer when I had all the free time in the world and we all know how that goes once school starts. Even if I have to do all my writing on the weekend an schedule my blogs. I am going to try.....

2. I want to increase my followers to 300 by the end of next year. Right now I am at 191.

3. I know this is not really blog related but I would like to try my hand at opening a TpT store. I am not really creative, but I think I have a lot of ideas to offer. I just have to start brainstorming what I think it will be...maybe tying in technology?!?!?!

Well, there you have it. I have committed it to paper (okay to my blog)..and when I click "post" it will be out there for all of bloggyland to see. Now who is going to hold me accountable??

I am also linking up with Diane over at "Teaching with Moxie". Thanks again Jess for participating and posting on your blog so I could join in this fun!!!




16 comments:

  1. Hi Patti! Thanks for your comment on my blog. I had to come read all about your resolutions. Reading about how much you want to use technology in your classroom and how you have to goal to use even more gave me a little panic attack! Haha, I do admire though the passion you have for that. Your students will definitely benefit from it as well! Thanks for inspiring me to think more deeply about this as well! Good luck to you in your teaching, blogging, and personal goals! Have a great 2013!

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    1. Hey Kasey-
      Thanks for dropping by. Technology is truly my passion....I love to find new ways to use it in the classroom. I would love to find a full-time ed tech position in my district. I am hoping my Principal will find a position within our school for me so I can help the students (and teachers) become more tech-savvy. Good luck to you and Happy New Year!!

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  2. Hi! I just wanted to say I love your resolutions. I saw a lot of myself in your resolutions. I also mentioned technology and I am very impressed by your resolution to run a half-marathon. Best to you in 2013!

    Covered in Glitter and Glue 

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    1. Hey there- Thanks for dropping by my blog. I just checked yours out and I am your newest follower. I am with you...love my ProBoard. I would like to use it more interactively with my students too...we should swap ideas. Thanks again for dropping by, good luck with your resolutions and Happy New Year!!!

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  3. Thanks for joining my Linky Party! I'm so glad you did because it helped me to find you! I am your newest follower. I'm also trying to lose weight. I read this book called "Wheat Belly" and it was very eye-opening No wheat and only single ingredient foods. I don't know if I can do it, but I'm going to try! I also want to open a TPT store. I just found a tutorial on Lady Bug Teacher Files on how to make documents on Power Point. I'm going to need a lot of practice first. Best of luck in 2013!

    Diane
    Teaching With Moxie

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    1. Diane-
      Thanks for dropping by my blog, and thanks for hosting this Linky! I love me a good linky and this one has brought a good bit of traffic to my blog. I will have to check out the book you mentioned. I have been giving serious consideration to cutting out wheat and sugar. Best of luck to you in 2013!!!

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  4. Thanks for linking up, Patti!! It makes my heart sad at how many of our teachers also JUST use Compass Odyssey on the computers. There are sooooo many other ways that those kiddos should be using technology!! I'm getting back into running as well, and hope to be able to run the half-marathon distance by this summer {YIKES!} I'm not sure if I'll get there because I HATE every second of running. ;( Maybe we can check in on each other! :)

    Amanda
    Teaching Maddeness

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    1. Hey Amanda-
      Hope you are enjoying your break....can't believe how fast it is flying by!!! I'm loving all the traffic i got from the Linky....thank so much. And I'll keep you posted on my campaign to replace Compass with authentic technology time....Stick with the resolutions...I am going to try...I'll keep you posted on that!!! Happy New Year!!

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  5. We are followers #195! We are looking for more followers too! Check out our blog if you get a chance! :O)

    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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    1. Hey Ladies-
      Thanks for dropping by my blog. I just became your 98th follower!! So excited to find your blog!! Can't wait to go back through all your posts and read all about the great things you are sharing. I live the resolutions too...Amanda I am definitely down with the whole Time Management thing...need it bad, and Stacia- I feel your pain on the Organization thing. I need you both to help me out with that once you got it in check!!! Happy New Year and thanks for finding me!!!

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  6. I am in awe of anyone who runs. My sister ran a 1/2 marathon using the couch to 5k program. My body just is not built for running, walking yes, running no! Lol

    Good luck,
    Wendy
    4th-5thgradehappiness.blogspot.com

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    1. Hey Wendy- Thanks for dropping by. I just headed over to your blog to check it out and I am your newest follower!! I am with you on the whole running thing. It has been a labor of hate 100% of the way....I don't think I will ever love it but it is something I am determined to conquer. Happy New Year!!

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  7. Just found your blog through the linky party (I have yet to link up as I keep blog stalking instead :) I love your resolutions. I would like to get in better shape myself but hate working out...especially running. I've walked a few 10K but would like to run one...maybe one of those obstacle course ones like the Mud Run. So thanks...you just help me set one of my resolutions! Maybe we can keep track of each other or something. I need someone to keep me honest or I don't know if I'll stick with it. Take care and I'm glad I found your blog...I'm your newest follower (#197).

    Stephanie Ann
    Sparkling in Third Grade

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    1. Hey Stephanie Ann- Thanks for dropping by. I just checked out your blog and am your newest follower. I love the Valentine's stuff!!! So cute!! I am with you on working out...hate it...trying to get back into it. I just find that after teaching all day I am worn out. Some of my friends go to the gym in the morning before work and I may have to start doing that!!! I would love to have someone to keep me honest....if you are serious about being accountability partners, I am in!! Just let me know. Happy New Year!!

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  9. Found your blog through the linky party. I love your goals--especially the blogging one and starting a TPT store. I'd love to open a TPT store but don't feel creative enough. Hope you have a wonderful 2013!

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