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Reflections of 2015

Home » Reflections of 2015
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen

Reflections of 2015

I cannot believe it’s time for our annual reflections linky party!

I honestly cannot believe it’s already mid December. But I’ll take it! Yay for winter break and no alarm clock!

Kristin, Hadar and I are reflecting on our favorite things for 2015 and hope you join us! Here are a few of my favorite memories of 2015.

{{vacation}}

My husband and I went on the most fabulous vacation during the spring. Kristin and Steve recommended that we stay in Jamaica. They were SO right! It was amazing, beautiful and relaxing. This was our view morning, noon and night!

Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen

 

{{extended teacher world friends}}

The friendships made in this virtual world that extend to real life are amazing and SO fun! Hanging with these girls in 2015 was a blast. Here are a few of the memories.
Hadar got married this year! Her wedding was beyond beautiful. Absolutely perfect actually.
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
And fun! Clockwise beginning at 7:00 with Hadar, Lauren, Tara, Michelle, Christy, Aris, Me and Kristin
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
I am so fortunate to have my dear friend Annie in my life. She is amazingly sweet, supportive and humble. Here we are on the plane on our way to Vegas for TpT’s conference.
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
Helping to plan this incredible bash for teachers during the TpT conference is a lot of fun and super rewarding. A party for over 1200 people?! Amazing! It was incredible to meet (and see again) teachers from all over the world.
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
I was so fortunate to organize (with Rachelle and Erica) the seller’s gift to TpT this summer. At the conference we presented Amy, Adam and Paul with a canvas “card” from the over 120 sellers who contributed to the custom-built table for the TpT office.
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
These girls are my teaching partners from afar! I so wish I could work my Fluttering Through First Grade friends, Christy and Tammy on a daily basis! We GET each other and are often of one mind! Although we all live in So Cal – I am just too far away from them and do not get to hang out often enough. But when we do… it’s always fun!

{{a change at work}}

Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
I’ve taught 1st grade with my dear friend Denise (in red) for my entire teaching career. We were so excited when our friend Kim (blue ninja turtle) joined our team this year. Her enthusiasm is beyond fantastic. She brings laughter and smiles to our teaching world on a daily basis.

 

{{new to me quote}}

Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen

I got to see Rick Morris present again this year! He is absolutely amazing. 2016 is his last year presenting. He is officially retiring. So, if you haven’t seen him, find a way! If you have, you only have 2016 to do it again!

He shares so many amazing, teacher-life-changing tips and is such an engaging presenter. It doesn’t matter how many times you see him, you always walk away inspired.

During his presentation he shared this quote from Larry Bell. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of this, right? I typed it up for my friends and I to help us through some of those more challenging days. Click the image below to download a copy for you and your teacher friends, too.

 

Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen

{{implementing new teaching strategies}}
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen

While at Rick Morris’ presentation I was reminded of his little technique for passing out & collecting papers and materials.

I’ve learned from him in the past that the kiddos should be “running the room” and I have held true to that ever since. But I had forgotten this little tip.

After a clang of my heart music wand (he uses a bell on his front table) a representative from each of my table groups comes up to collect the papers needed for their table. No need to pass out a group of 5 or 6  sheets to each table. I know that doesn’t sound like it would be a big deal – but it really has made a significant difference. A clang of the chime also calls representatives to collect papers from their table groups as well.

I LOVE the way Rick suggests setting this up. He said to put it all and them. I was worried how this would work out, but I told the kids their job was to have a representative each and every day from their table groups. I told them what the job would entail. They could take turns in any way they wished, or not have a turn if they didn’t want one. BUT they all had to agree and THEY had to decide. I would not be telling them how to organize it nor who it would be.

I truly thought this would create absolute havoc. Each table group discussed amongst themselves. They decided quickly to give each student a day of the week or simply take turns. One kiddo said she never wanted a turn. The whole thing was settled in less than 2 minutes and not one problem has come from it – EVER.

6 and 7 year olds just handling things!  I could not love it more. And neither could they.

 

{{relax and enjoy}}

Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
I made it a goal to just enjoy each day in 2015. For my husband and I to spend more time together just doing whatever without stress. I’ve tried to keep things in balance and find tranquility often. I think I did a pretty good job so my plan is to continue that. We’ve been so fortunate to spend a lot of quality, fun and relaxing time together.
My one little word phrase for 2016 will be live in the moment.
I want to read/see your memories! Link up or leave a comment! Use the image at the top of this post or this one in your post.
Reflections of 2015 - Engaging Teaching with Traci Clausen
Need a few ideas for 2015 memories? Here are a few favorites we had in mind:
place you visited
movie you saw
TV show you watched
song that you can’t get out of your head
food you tried
thing you purchased or received
thing you pinned
strategy or lesson you implemented
post you read or wrote
life event
change
quote
2016 goal
one little word/phrase for 2016
An InLinkz Link-up

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11 Comments

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  • Miss Kindergarten
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 1:43 AM

    Love you so much Traci! So glad I got to spend another year with you in my life!

    • [email protected]
      · Reply

      December 22, 2015 at 3:05 AM

      Back at ya!!! muah!

  • Positively Learning
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    Thanks for sharing about Rick Morris – I want to check it out (soon!)! Wonderful pics & thank you for hosting the linky! Happy Holidays 🙂 Jen

  • J.Wood-1st Grade
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    2015 has been an adventure!
    Teaching: I taught a child with severe Dyslexia and began researching new ways of teaching. I attended a conference session on visual and auditory processing disorders and it changed my perspective on struggling students. They may be checking out mentally to make a wise time-management decision.

    I also started using your Backwards Planning system this summer. I'm the one who had a tree fall on our house 3 weeks before school started. (It's been a bit of a wild year…) Because I did all that planning before hand, I was able to focus on moving until right when school started. Thanks again for sharing those planning steps!

    Family: We discovered my child has Hypoglycemia in the scariest way. We almost lost him when he had stomach virus and a fever virus at the same time. His sugar dropped very quickly and he ended up in a coma. The fantastic news is that we are 9 months out from that event and he is the most energetic sweetheart you've ever met. He sang ALL of "O, Holy Night" at church this past Sunday night. Did I mention he's 6 years old? I'm still not a perfect mom, but I am more intentional with him and make sure to cherish moments.

    Vacation: We went on a Disney Cruise in May. Best. Vacation. Ever.

    I am hoping to keep the ball rolling with being more intentional with my family time and cherishing more moments. I also want to go on another cruise… Maybe in 2017…
    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May God bless you this year and always!

  • Christina Hermer
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 4:31 PM

    I am thrilled to be linking up. You have certainly had a fun-filled year. I am a fellow first grade teacher and am coming to the conference this year, which I am beyond excited about! May you have a prosperous and happy 2016.

    Christina
    Hanging Around In Primary

  • Kristin
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    Love you, friend!!! So happy that you're healthy this year and all is well! 🙂

  • Amanda Pauley
    · Reply

    December 22, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    Isn't it the best when you have amazing teammates? I love my current team and am so thankful to have people who share my enthusiasm for teaching. Looks like you had a great 2015!
    Amanda
    Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten

  • AshJess Schrage
    · Reply

    December 31, 2015 at 5:18 AM

    Such a great idea! Your 2015 looks awesome!!

    Ashley
    http://redsistersquad.blogspot.com

  • Fluttering Through First Grade
    · Reply

    December 31, 2015 at 5:42 PM

    Love you to pieces friend! What a year it's been…Looking forward to more adventures in 2016! 🙂
    Christy & Tammy

  • DANA DAVENPORT
    · Reply

    January 22, 2016 at 10:57 PM

    I would really like to download the DOK poster that you shared. Where is it on this website?

    • [email protected]
      · Reply

      January 25, 2016 at 7:36 AM

      Hi Dana,
      That is from my Digging Deep resource. You can grab it here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Depth-of-Knowledge-and-Learning-Icons-Digging-Deep-Critical-Thinking-Skills-1448852

      You can read about it here on my website: http://www.dragonfliesinfirst.com/2014/09/engaging-learning-practices-and-higher.html

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Hi! I’m Traci and I’m super glad you’re here. I’m passionate about sharing all the *wisdom* gained over my many years of teaching. I love helping teachers find their joy, develop efficiency and ignite their own teaching strengths. I believe simplicity and fun coupled with effective strategies and engaging and focused lessons are the key to it all. Also… laughter can carry you through just about all things.

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