My 7 1/2 Habits

I like the 7 1/2 habits and have considered that they are things I want to work on as the class progresses. I would like to grow and improve as a teacher librarian.

Begin with the end in mind... I know that I use this in lesson planning. I also used it as I got on the path of getting a license and endorsement a year and a half ago. I am excited to complete the program and finish the practicums.

Accept Responsibility for your own learning... I think that I have done this since I started. I went into apply to get a license and a week later I was in school. It has been a real financial strain for us but I received 4 scholarships that have paid for the equivalent for my endorsement and I feel really blessed that I received them.

View problems as challenges... I don't usually adhere to this one. I usually view problems as overwhelming and challenging. I sometimes feel punished when I have challenges. I had a challenge as I started my licensure. I ended up taking an extra class that has really motivated my creativity and through that class, I received my scholarships. Sometimes detours are nice and I need to be more grateful and remember that.

Have Confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner ---this is another line related to problems as challenges. When I came back to school after a 15 year absence, I didn't have any confidence and the program honestly didn't instill any either. I had a great mentor that showed me that I can do it and a really supportive husband. I can do it. I am grateful for both of them.

Create a learning toolbox-- this is an interesting directive and for it I spent the weekend working on my two portfolios. One for the library and one for my teaching, though I see myself as a teacher in both.

Use Technology to your advantage--this is one I am learning and should improve over the course of this class. I took a similar class recently and learned to use whiteboards and go webquesting which I like very much.

Teach and mentor others-- well this one is my whole world. I am really grateful there is such great literature and I love working with children. I love the kids in my schools, the kids I am working with in my practicum and my own four, who are awesome. We have a bright future with such smart, motivated people.

Play-- I would rather play than anything else. I love to do so many things and the library is where I go to learn them, sharpen, improve and inquire about them. I recently learned to quilt. I love photography and am learning a little French and drawing.