I am really learning all about the word perseverance. This week I worked on a digital story. I had to select an object that meant something to me and write about its significance. It was a very difficult task. I first had to write the script, then create a storyboard of pictures, record the story, find the perfect background music, and finally find the tool to create it. It took me all week. I did not think it would be so difficult however it was! This has taught me a valuable lesson, perseverance. It made me think of Theodore Roosevelt's famous quote, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”
After I complete any task, I am very reflective. I reflected on how I have very high expectations on my students. I give them a task and expect it to be completed to perfection just as I would complete it. I realized that not everyone has the same skill set. It is a challenge to complete a simple task if you do not know how to use the tools necessary to the task. I need to be mindful of the challenges my students may face.
Another reflection was of how this assignment was so personal to me. I had a very difficult time following a rubric of how long or short it should be. I realize that this is part of the writing process but I also do not want to be one of those teachers who are counting slides and hampering creativity.
As I wrote my story, I enjoyed the process and even smiled as I thought about the memories. When I put my own voice to the words, that was quite a different experience. I could to stop crying. When I heard my own voice describing something very personal I could not control the flood gates. It took me over ten tries to record my narrative without crying, I was partly successful. I made it all the way to the end and then as I read the last paragraph I had tears rolling off my face trying to keep my voice steady. This was a very cathartic experience. In searching for the photos, I discovered another issue that I will certainly change. My grandmother and mother never liked to be photographed. They hated what they look like in pictures. I do not have many pictures of us together. This is a huge regret. I am the same way with taking pictures. I am the one always behind the lens. I now will actively participate in my children's life and be part of the picture, not for me but for the memories I will leave them.
After I complete any task, I am very reflective. I reflected on how I have very high expectations on my students. I give them a task and expect it to be completed to perfection just as I would complete it. I realized that not everyone has the same skill set. It is a challenge to complete a simple task if you do not know how to use the tools necessary to the task. I need to be mindful of the challenges my students may face.
Another reflection was of how this assignment was so personal to me. I had a very difficult time following a rubric of how long or short it should be. I realize that this is part of the writing process but I also do not want to be one of those teachers who are counting slides and hampering creativity.
As I wrote my story, I enjoyed the process and even smiled as I thought about the memories. When I put my own voice to the words, that was quite a different experience. I could to stop crying. When I heard my own voice describing something very personal I could not control the flood gates. It took me over ten tries to record my narrative without crying, I was partly successful. I made it all the way to the end and then as I read the last paragraph I had tears rolling off my face trying to keep my voice steady. This was a very cathartic experience. In searching for the photos, I discovered another issue that I will certainly change. My grandmother and mother never liked to be photographed. They hated what they look like in pictures. I do not have many pictures of us together. This is a huge regret. I am the same way with taking pictures. I am the one always behind the lens. I now will actively participate in my children's life and be part of the picture, not for me but for the memories I will leave them.