Flowers of Another Kind

The other day in BlogLand, I came across a beautiful post over at my friend, Barbara's blog: The Corner On Character.  You can read it {here}, but to summarize she was talking about some beautiful amaryllis flowers being worth the wait to bloom.  Please go and read it because she explains {more eloquently than I ever could} how our students are like those blooms.  They are worth the wait.  They may grow and bloom at their own rate, but they will bloom in their own time. 

It reminds me of a little book that I always read when I taught younger students.  Maybe I should bring it out again.  Even my older ones could be reminded from time to time, that we all bloom in our own time.

Here's the book, Leo the Late Bloomer
Have you read it?  Leo does bloom...but in his own time.

My comment on Barbara's blog was simply,

"Beautifully said (as always), Barbara. I think I will bring some flowers to school this week to visually remind me of this as we are cramming in the last little bit before testing. It will remind me that with the right care, they will all bloom in their own ways."  ~Elizabeth

I forgot those flowers today.  I remembered them in spirit, though, and it got me through a pretty chaotic day.

I haven't shared with you yet, but I am in the running for our district Teacher of the Year.  I eluded to it when I spoke of all of the observations that I will be experiencing during the next few weeks. 

I'm truly honored to just be in the running.  And, I owe that to all of you.  I referenced blogging in my "on camera" interview today.  {Yes, I broke out in hives....not lying!}  I explained that blogging has truly made me a better teacher.  I referenced {this post} and shared that I look at what I DO in the classroom and decide BEFORE I do it if it is "blog worthy".  If it isn't, then what can I do that will be?

Another way that I've grown and "bloomed" this year is through my connection with Really Good Stuff.  Last summer, I was lucky enough to win a blog award from the company.  With that win, I became a monthly columnist for their blog.  {You can read about that win here.}  Writing for another blog is different than writing for yourself.  It makes you more self-reflective. Meaning, I was given a prompt or theme for each month.  I had to explore my own philosophy and feelings about that topic before I could sit down and WRITE about that topic.  It really helped me reflect upon my own thoughts and feelings about teaching and the direction on education in general.

I am grateful for that connection, too.

Which leads me to the connection between all of this and the blooming story above.

Look at what Brandi from Really Good Stuff sent me (and was at home waiting for me at the end of my chaotic day):
 
So, there are my flowers.  Ready to remind me to wait patiently while my students bloom.

Thank you, Brandi.  Thank you Really Good Stuff.  Thank you, blog friends.

28 comments

  1. Well, we have another connection ... Brandi is a friend of mine, too, and sent flowers in January after my horrible collision. She's a doll and such a wonderful cheerleader who clearly has the gift of encouragement, just like you! Congrats on your TOY honor ... undoubtedly well-deserved ... and thanks for the shout out and the reference. I love that you use blogging as a filter - genius!

    Sending springtime smiles,

    Barbara

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    1. Thank you for the springtime smiles. Thank you for the encouragement and for being such a great friend :)

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  2. You are amazing, Elizabeth! I have loved reading about your teaching ways, both on your blog and with RGS- you have such a gift and I am so thankful you are blogging and able to share it with us all :) I know you'll rock the TOY nomination and know you have all of our support and cheers behind you!!

    ~Stephanie
    3rd Grade Thoughts

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    1. Thank you so much, Stephanie! I feel the same way about you :)

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  3. I love Leo the Late Bloomer! I am hosting a liny. It's all about the dollar. Share anything you bought, found, sell, or love that is only a dollar. I would love to have you drop by!

    www.ateacherwithoutaclass.com

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  4. That is so terrific! Congrats and good luck! You deserve it!
    Jivey
    ideas by jivey

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  5. This is a beautiful post! I am sure you did amazingly on all of your observations. Hopefully you get the recognition you so well deserve!

    Amy
    Eclectic Educating

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    1. Thank you so much, Amy :) I'm just happy getting this far! It's really an honor.

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  6. How wonderful! Good luck with all the observations! I bet you'll be great.

    Jane
    Learning in the Little Apple

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  7. This was so beautiful Elizabeth!! You are just incredible...as an educator, a blogger, and a friend. I am so excited for you and I know you are going to be amazing this week because, well, you always are :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Kristen. I feel the exact same way about you! Thanks for always being such a great friend and a wonderful listener!

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  8. Congratulations! That's great!! I'll have my fingers and toes crossed for you! :)

    Leslie
    Miss R's Room

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  9. What a fabulous post, Elizabeth. You are TOY for sure...you ooze it. :)

    Stephanie
    Teaching in Room 6

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    1. Aw, Stephanie! Thank you so much...so do you :)

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  10. So glad they arrived there safely and so happy they made you happy. :) Thank you for all that you do and for being the wonderful, inspirational person that you are. You're already the TOY for your students and I can't wait for everyone else to know how awesome you are!

    ~Brandi

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    1. Yes, Brandi! They are beautiful!!! Thank you again for such generosity and support :)

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  11. Replies
    1. What a wonderful reminder that each of our kiddos will bloom when he or she is ready. I'm going to stop and get my own flowers on my way to school tomorrow as a reminder. Thanks so much! (And best of luck with TOY!)

      Jennifer
      Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  12. Awww, what a sweet post. It goes to show that everything happens for a reason and what is meant to be, will be! Those flowers are definitely a symbol!!

    You are going to do awesome on all of your observations!! Congratulations! You are a wonderful teacher, which show through on your blog and through the person you are! You should be very proud of yourself!! (I'm proud to "know" you!)

    Have a good rest of your week!!
    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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  14. What an inspirational post! Good luck on all of your observations, etc. You will do GREAT!

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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  15. Well, my friend, it's officially Friday, and I'm positive you've met this week with grace, and joy, and inspired everyone who crossed your path. You are already TOY in my eyes.

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  16. Love this post! Good luck on your upcoming observations!

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