Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. Ryunosuke Satoro
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| via blueskycollection.com |
However, after three years I've learned something else; it isn't about the blog at all, but instead about the learning community I've become a part of over the last three years. Honestly, it isn't writing the posts that helps me to rethink learning, but the reading of posts written by other bloggers. It isn't the time I put into posts that causes me to pause, but the thoughts of readers who take the time to comment. It is the conversation that carries across blogs that really pushes my thinking.
It's not just a blog, it's a community. A couple of days ago I was reminded of this when Tracy at Thinking Stems wrote a post reflecting on a comment I made on her blog nearly six months ago. Like Tracy, I often find that the comments made by each of you stay with me for a long time. Your thoughtful reflections bring me pause and give me energy. On this, my third blog birthday, I'm reminded of how significant it is to be able to learn with other educators from around the world. I'm reminded of how much I appreciate all of you who stop by to chat with me.
So, in celebration of 3:
3 Favorite Post from the Past Year
- Do You Reply to Comments
- My Bag Has Been Replaced with an iPad
- Six Ways to Use Evernote to Capture Learning
3 Collaborative Events I Enjoyed
- #cyberPD: Changing My Frame
- #pb10for10: 3rd Annual Picture Book Event
- Slice of Life Challenge: The Habit of Writing (Note: I participated in this event from my other blog: Merely Day by Day)
3 Resolutions for the Next Year
- Return to my goal of posting AT LEAST once a week. (Yes, I've been struggling a bit.)
- Respond to all comments as I appreciate all of you that stop by.
- Return to reading and commenting on at least 3 other blogs each day.
Happy Blog-Birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou wrote:Your thoughtful reflections bring me pause and give me energy.
So I began to think...as teachers we are going through trying times. As things do in education, things change and just when we think we have a "handle on it", there is a call to be more flexible, more diligent, and more purposeful than what we are already doing. Blogging/Comments ...from teacher to teacher...no matter how small...can lift our passions, bring a smile, and hit things head on with gusto. Yay for energy! :)
Yay for our learning community!
DeleteHappy Happy Blog-Birthday! Thank you for your posts so many times I read something and switch it up just a little and make it work for my 5th graders. This year your posts have been valuable to me because of my new ELL student. Thank you for being a part of my learning community.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maria. I'm glad you find the posts helpful. I'm glad we can keep up across our blogs.
DeleteHappy 3rd Year Blog Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHopefully by the time this posts, I'll still be the third comment! :)
It's so great how you are being introspective on this anniversary...
Thank you for sharing your 3 favorite posts, 3 favorite collaborations and 3resolutions...you always give me more to think about!
Clever --- you're the third!
DeleteDear Cathy,
ReplyDeleteHappy 3rd Blog Birthday! I wrote this once and it disappeared!
Hopefully I will still be third- ;)
Thanks for always encouraging me to think more...you are so good at reflecting!
Cathy~
ReplyDeleteThird time is a charm and the rule of three plays true in fairy tales, fashion and personal learning!
I have spent much time thinking about how my professional life has changed. As I read your post I was reminded again of all I have gained in being a member of the blogging community, teaching along side great people and my @deb_frazier persona!
I have you to thank for introducing me to this enlightening world where great minds piddle and share creating amazing opportunities and LOTS OF ENGERY!
THANK you and HaPpY BiRtHdAy Reflect and Refine, you are truly living up to your name in building learning communities!
Wait, three is important in fashion? You're going to have to tell me more about this. No wonder I'm having such great difficulties with my closet. Like you, I love learning with this dynamic professional community. I enjoy the different perspectives and new ideas. I'm glad to have you across the hall to continue the conversations in person.
DeleteHappy blog birthday, Cathy! I discovered your blog last summer. So many of your posts have inspired me to try something new or to just pause and think, which leads to forward motion. I do hope you meet your goal of posting once a week.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
DeleteI hope I get back into the habit of once a week. I appreciate that you stop by to ponder with me. Looking forward to continuing the learning conversation.
Cathy
Happy Birthday! I love how you focused on the community aspect blogging creates. It's this energy and thinking that guides us in a field that is challenging and never ending. I look forward to your goals for the next year and reading your wise words. I'm sure there are adventures ahead, yet to be discovered.
ReplyDeleteOh, Mandy, you know I have some adventures planned for you. **wink wink**
DeleteLoved this: "It's this energy and thinking that guides us in a field that is challenging and never ending." <--- I agree!
Happy blog birthday! The connections with others really is a huge part of why we blog and participate in our social networks, isn't it? I am so blessed to have you as a colleague and friend!! (By the way, may have to steal/borrow some of your resolutions)
ReplyDeleteKaren,
DeleteYou know in the blogging world the plan is always to grow the idea with others. Feel free to jump right along with me in these upcoming goals. I may need a little motivation at times, and will be happy to have you there with me. Thanks so much for keeping the conversations going across social networks and in realtime meet-ups.
Cathy
Congratulations on three years, Cathy & thank you for all the interesting posts in the time you've been writing. I think I've especially enjoyed what you've done with tech, & remember that IPad post. It is amazing what ideas we find when we read from teachers all over the world, & you've written that part well today: "On this, my third blog birthday, I'm reminded of how significant it is to be able to learn with other educators from around the world." Thanks for the words.
ReplyDeleteLinda, my amazing blogging friend, you are going to have to share your secrets for keeping up with (and commenting on) so many blogs. I know your life is busy, but somehow you manage to read, write, comment, and post. I hope you'll share your secrets. Thanks for stopping by and ALWAYS giving me more to think about.
DeleteCathy
I agree Cathy, I have gained so much professionally from reading blogs. I find myself thinking, reflecting, and growing as a teacher so much through this blogging learning community. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts about what is happening in your classroom!
ReplyDeleteAmy, the connections and conversations that grow across the community are invaluable in our professional lives. I feel so fortunate to have connected with smart educators like you who collaboratively continue the conversations that help us to learn and grow. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhen TWT was in its first couple of years, I, too, thought it was about the blog. I came to realize it's about the community that springs up around you. It's a wonderful thing. Congratulations Cathy!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of your biggest fans. I tell teachers all the time that your book changed the course of my teaching forever. So I for one am very glad you've been around. I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteKimberley
First in Maine
Ah, three years already? I'm not sure when I stumbled upon your blog, but it sure seems like a lot longer! (I do mean that in a positive way!!) Your thinking and ideas push me forward as an educator, providing me the opportunity to question, wonder, and think about my own teaching and classroom. I thank you for that! I have especially enjoyed the picture book events and #cyberPD. Surrounding myself with educators, like you, makes my "job" easier and harder at the same time -- and this is a good thing too! The continuous learning opportunities keep our community thriving! Write on!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Birthday!
ReplyDelete