image from icanread

I start every year with a massive to try list, I think most of us do, so slowly as the year unfolds I whittle it down, thing by thing, idea by idea.  Try a new reading angle, come up with a new math challenge, how about a better project approach, or incorporating more genius hour.  I knew I wanted my students to be teachers this year, I knew I wanted them to be pushed.  And I have and they are, and you would think I would be satisfied.

Sure it’s April.  Sure, summer seems like it will be here in a flash.  And yet, there is still time to try something new.  There is still time to challenge ourselves.  So I propose the one thing challenge.  Pick one thing you are not satisfied with this year, whether it is a stagnant spelling program, a reading approach that could use a little passion, or not having gotten your students connected to the world.  Perhaps you hate the way your classroom looks or the lack of umph in social studies.  Perhaps, like me, you want to reinvigorate writing somehow but haven’t quite figured out how.  Whatever it is, pick just one thing to change, one thing to make better before the end of the year is here.  Leave your one thing in the comments, and if you blog about it, please leave a link.

I know it seems like the year will be over so soon, but it is never too late to challenge yourself or your students.  So pick one thing, try to change it, and tell me all about it.  I can’t wait to hear what you want to change!

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day.  First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classroom Back to Our Students Starting Today” can be pre-bought now from Powerful Learning Press.   Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.