Week 8: Growth Mindset

Marching band. Source: Pixabay

I completed the 'beyond school' challenge. This was a useful challenge because it made me think about how I can inspire others and have them effectively incorporate the growth mindset in their own lives.
I teach band every morning. Sometimes the students aren't always eager to push themselves and get better. Having the growth mindset myself makes me aware that I can always be a better teacher and work on the traits that allow this to occur.
Band itself teaches students the growth mindset. You're constantly practicing and getting better, no matter your talent level. There's always room for growth.
My favorite instructor once told me that "it's not about perfection, but the perfect approach" and I feel like that is applicable in all situations in life.

Reading Plan

Reading Plan

Weeks 9-10 Native American 
Weeks 11-12 British and Celtic 
Weeks 13-14 European

Week 9: Stories for CHILDREN (simple language): EuropeanWeek 10: Contains SHORTER stories: European
Week 11: Stories for CHILDREN (simple language): Native American
Week 12: Contains SHORTER stories: Native American
Week 13: Stories for CHILDREN (simple language): British
Week 14: Contains SHORTER stories: British

Cat reading a book. Source: Pixabay

Reflections: Looking Forward

Reflections: Looking Forward

For the second half of the semester, I would like to try completing the week's assignments on either Sunday or Monday to not get behind. This semester has been full of things popping up at the last second and if all of my classwork is done, I won't have to worry about deadlines.
I would also like to try different writing styles. I've mostly kept with the same structure the entire semester, but I think it would be interesting to explore creatively.

I am currently on track for the grade I desire. However, I would like to finish early. In order to do so,
I need to do more extra credit in the coming weeks. I've just been completing the assignments and not doing extra credit, so doing so should help me finish before the end of the semester.

Cat. Source: Wordpress

Reflections: Looking Back

Reflections: Looking Back

 I've really enjoyed this class so far. It has given me the opportunity to have a creative outlet. This class allows me to take something and make it my own. I appreciate being able to read the stories and explore the realms they exist in and then being able to take that and create something brand new.

I have been the most successful in this class when I complete my assignments on Monday. That's easiest to do, since my week gets busier as the days go on. Also, I always seem to have things pop up that I was not expecting - so doing things sooner rather than later is always a safe bet.

I've enjoyed getting to know other students through their introductions. I've found people similar and not similar to myself, and it's really interesting to get to see what parts they share of themselves on their blogs. Following reading their introductions, it's just as fun to see their creative side and how their personality and voice shines through their personal stories.

My project is going well! It has been fun to develop an idea and to see it grow week by week. The progress has been slow but steady. I like being able to expand upon one subject and to write multiple stories and develop the character of the wolf more in depth.

My favorite readings by far have been from Aesop's Fables. I LOVE the morals and that it includes them with each story. I found myself relating them back to how I can improve my own life and attitude with each story. Plus they were entertaining!

I do the work for this class in multiple locations - pretty much wherever I have my laptop and whenever I have time. This ranges from at home to on campus.

I've done a few 'famous last words' posts for extra credit. I really like doing these because it forces me to take a moment a look back at what has happened/what I've accomplished in the past week. A lot can happen in just a few days, and taking it a week at a time and really forcing myself to see my growth (even if it is small) is a good positive thing to have in my life.

 Cat. Source: Wikipedia

How this cat looks is how I have felt most of this semester. Exhausted and a little out of it.

I can't wait to finish out this semester and to learn more about this class subject, others and myself.