Monday, June 18, 2012

Why I decided to blog.

"When you want something, the whole universe conspires to give it to you" -Paulo Coelho

During the last week of school, I came across this blog post by author Kate Messner introducing a virtual teacher writing camp called "Teachers Write!"  When I was in middle school and high school, I enjoyed writing short stories and poetry.  Back then, my head was full of fantastic stories and imagery that I had to get down on paper.

As an adult, I find myself reflecting often on experiences I have at work & home.  I compose in my head what happened, why it happened and what I learned.  The problem is that I never take time to capture those thoughts on paper.  As started to follow the virtual writing camp posts, I decided it was time I commit to capturing those reflections.

Another reason for starting this blog is to share with others.  The other night I read this post on "Venspired" where the author succinctly explains why educators should blog.  I've learned about new technologies, books and projects from blogs written by fellow educators.  As I write this, I recall this post written by Daring Librarian Gwyneth Jones. It's time for me to give back.   (It's all coming together!! )

The last push came last week when during a session about the Common Core standards our facilitator said we must encourage our students to write reflectively.  I want to encourage my students to write.  I want to be able to tell them that I write, not because I have to, but because I want to.  I want to be able to tell them that writing helps us all become better learners.


In my school, whenever teachers and students are on the hunt for an odd item, piece of technology or book, they start their search in the library.  We are the "go to" spot in our school for books and everything else. (I love that!)  So, what follows is a short list of my "go to" blogs for when I need to get inspired, learn about a new tech tool or catch up on what is going on in the library world:

The Adventures of Library Girl
The Daring Librarian
Eliterate Librarian
Free Technology for Teachers
Informania

Please share your "go to" blogs!



11 comments:

  1. This is why I blog too. It helps me evaluate myself, learn and improve. I'm looking forward to reading more of your adventures. My go to blogs (besides your list) are Mighty Little Librarian, Mrs. Yingling Reads and Mrs. Readerpantz.

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    1. I'm going to check out those blogs. Thank you for sharing!

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  2. WOW! I'm honored to be mentioned with this esteemed line-up and I'm so proud that you're blogging! YAY!
    Keep positive and keep being a shameless sharer!
    ~Gwyneth Jones

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    1. Will do :) I've been taking small steps, so I look forward to getting comfortable out here.

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  3. We only get better when we reflect on our experiences! I'm so glad you have decided to add your voice to the blogosphere. You proved yourself to be creative and thoughtful as part of the SCASL Advocacy Committee, so I look forward to my trips to your little corner of the world.

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    1. Thanks, Fran! Tamara and you have always been really helpful whenever I've reached out to you with questions & ideas. I'm grateful to have you all in my PLN :)

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  4. Wow, Lorena... I'm so inspired by you. I've been blogging on my school webpage, but you really can't call it much of a blog, as it's part of eChalk & pretty buried within our school webpage. I think I need to step it up to the next level. Maybe I'll take the plunge in the next few weeks, thanks to you.

    There are several blogs I follow, many of which you listed above. I also follow Donalyn Miller (Book Whisperer), Watch.Connect.Read/Mr. Schu Reads, and Travis Jonkers (100 Scope Notes). I'll be watching you too now! Keep "capturing those reflections!"

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    1. Do it, Betsy!! I started out by writing a little on the library website, but it was just really quick stuff. The true test will be keeping this up when school is in session :) Thank you for reading & sharing and I look forward to when you start blogging, too!!

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  5. Because of you, Lorena, I have stopped contemplating on blogging and just do it. I need to look at formats because I have many focuses. We will talk!

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    1. Rian, I am so happy to hear that!! You definitely need to share your writing on line. Please keep me updated!

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  6. I've nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Come over to my blog to pick it up. Thanks for being an inspiration!

    Lynn
    Inside this Book

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