High Expectations

Now that I have moved passed the deer-in-headlights look, I feel like I can push students to build on what they learned and accomplished last year. With the climate and support at Sandy River Middle School, great things should be expected. Now that the students and I have a few months under our belt, excitement is in the air!
I am learning how to maneuver through flash and game concepts in an encouraging manner. I feel much more confident with guiding students in their game designs. Having witnessed the accomplishments and work invested in the final game presentations, I am encouraged to think about the obstacles and abilities of upcoming students.
However, I have a desire to continue my growth. I have a much better understanding of how little I really know about flash and game designs. Therefore, I have a committment to invest more time and effort to keep the expectations high. I feel very privileged to be surrounded with the support and encouragement needed to keep moving forward. Although I still have regular feelings and thoughts of being overwhelmed, I truly feel optimistic about the upcoming year. Great things are in the making!

Growth

It has been a tremendous privilege to witness the growth and maturation of many students. I have had the opportunity to watch them overcome many obstacles that seem to influence a great deal of learning. While many aspects of middle schooltend to push students toward becoming adults, their globaloria experience has encouraged maturation in several different ways.
Many of the students gained some needed abilities in communication this year. Students were required to work with a partner to meet deadlines, finish adequate assignments, and complete their games together. Many of my students learned how to be better listeners and develop abilties to compromise with the opinions and interests of others. In many instances, the students became much more expressive.
Fortunately, a few students gained the needed confidence to be more outgoing and optimistic about their own futures. I was able to see some of the students overcome a fear of public speaking, which transferred to many other aspects of their lives. Their confidence became evident with their demeanor and social actions.
It is very encouraging to see the progress the students have made in so many areas of their lives outside of the globaloria assignments. However, I firmly believe that these assignments had a tremendous influence on gaining these maturation skills. It is always an added positiveto witness the application of these needed skills and abilities. The students seem very prepared forthe next stages of their lives.

Game Presentations

I have been very proud of the student work presented throughout their game presentations. They have really made great progress with their games. They have really taught me a great deal about making adjustments and overcoming obstacles. I am really encouraged to have witnessed such an expression of dedication and perseverence. I was very proud of a couple of students who had to overcome their fear of public speaking in order to present their games. I feel that the experience they have received in globaloria will encourage and prepare them for various obstacles and fears they may face thoughout their lives.

Keep the Focus

Losing focus is not limited to the students. Many educators and staff have busy schedules and activities that require a great deal of attention and energy. It seems very easy to be distracted with so many things moving in at once. Fortunately, there has been enough rain and cold weaher to modify the outdoor activities.
The students are making great progress toward finishing and completing their games. They seem very focussed on working and balancing their activities.

Spring Pacing

It seems like the wintertime woes continue to hang around in many ways. It has been difficult to keep focus and pace for an entire, five day week! Students and staff have not only lost a great deal of time, we have broken many good habits and disciplines that carry us through the fast paces and lengthy schedules of Spring. Apparently, we need to get back into shape. Some exercising is required.
The unwanted "wait" must be shed. The cancellations and delays are behind us. Therefore, the exercising of taking care of what needs to be done today, should be evident in our lives. There has been enough postponing and rearranging for several years! Teaching and modeling the importance of meeting deadlines and making adequate progress is needed. Students must witness the flexibility and determination that is needed to complete tasks on time.
Obviously, this requires a great deal of energy and work. We must prioritize our schedules and committ to complete the tasks that are before us. Some things in our plans and schedules will have to be sacrificed. Students will recognize the way things are kept in the appropriate balance. We must exercise the ability to multi-task, while making the necessary adjustments. Hopefully, the sunshine will motivate and encourage students and staff to move a little faster, work a little harder, and exercise the dedication needed to complete tasks. May we spring toward good habits and pacing.

Holiday Thoughts

This has always been one of my favorite times of the year. This season brings with it a celebration of miracles and an opportunity for evaluation. As I set goals and make plans for the new year, I am reminded of the past. I have learned enough to realize that I have a long way to go. Like a beginning psychology student, I now know enough to be dangerous! I am a work in progress. The teacher is learning through the students.
The students are miracles. They have adjusted to the snow days and plans with little effort. In fact, I hope that we can complete our game demonstrations soon. I am proud of the work and energy they have put into their games. I look forward to the feedback and suggestions the students will receive through their presentations.
My partner and I seem to be making progress with our game. Patience seems to be an important virtue for all of my endeavors, and will be an additional goal in 2011. It is extremely important when working in flash! Regardless, I am still very optimistic about the upcoming year and our game. May God bless us! I wish everyone a wonderful and happy New Year!

Back to school

Now that school is back after a week of break, things seem to be going good. The students are working hard and making amazing progress on their games and blogs and etc. I feel so blessed to have such hard working students. The only problem seems to be keeping them on task. They are so talented at maneuvering the computers to so many tasks at the same time, sometimes they seem to get a little lost.
Otis and I are struggling through our game designs. I think we are making progress, even though we are still overwhelmed. I look forward to hearing from him. We lost our initial design, and learned a valuable lesson about the importance of saving often! We have much to learn! Thanksgiving was great, but still looking forward to a possible snow day soon.