Song of the day: Firework by Katy Perry

Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth

Yes, that's right...my inspiration from the day was Katy Perry, but I mean the 4th of July in combination with a new week and a semi-change in attitude. It's kind of perfect. 

So I came into this week with the mindset of looking ahead. I am looking ahead to Nashville and how I can combine my teaching style with what I am learning at Institute. I am looking ahead to gaining some confidence. I am just ready to move on in general. The reality is I am "over" Institute. 

This attitude put me in a much better mood, at least for the morning, but then I realized one important thing. This mindset was not one that would allow my summer school students to move forward. So I had to change it. This is easier said than done...I had created this mindset as a way to get through Institute and now I have to break it down to a much more vulnerable, stressful place. 

And today was stressful, but three important things came out of it. (1) With the help of my CMA I was able to create a plan for blending a little bit more "me" into my lesson; (2) I picked two major focus points for this week..student engagement during lessons and combining the BMC with positive narration; and (3) I was able to admit and vent a few things that I had been internalizing and work through them.

So back to Katy Perry. The part of the song that really stuck with me is "ignite the light." To be 100% corny I need to "ignite" my students. I need to engage them and I need to make time to pull students for intervention to ensure that every student gets what he or she needs. 

Pictures are from the 4th of July party that the city of Cleveland, MS held for us. 

I LOVE the Delta hospitality. 

The PS 22 Chorus version of "Firework": The PS 22 Chorus has been brought up in a few different sessions. Tonight it was to look at the faces of the children singing and to try to bring this type of expression into reading fluency. Last week we were encouraged to think about the teacher actions that led to the students being such phenomenal performers (and so engaged in what they are doing). Food for thought.

After a hurricane comes a rainbow. Good night!