JumpStart International Waffle Day (3/25/24)

Big Idea: Sometimes we just need to let go.  In this case, I’m not talking about something big, like your job or your relationship.  Let’s keep it smaller, like a teaching strategy or the novel or science lab you’ve been teaching for forever.
Sometimes, we get asked why we’re still doing something - something we’ve been doing for the last 20 years.  Sometimes, we wonder why we’re still doing something that’s now so much of a habit (or even part of our identity) that how do we know if quitting is the right course of action?

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you struggle with what to do next:

1. Why did I do this in the first place? vs. Why am I doing this now?  If you started diagramming sentences with your students (guilty!) because that’s what you learned in school, OK, but does this skill match up to any of the current standards?  Will students really need this skill in the future with AI checking everything?
2. Why do I feel the need to quit?  Is the answer something to do with your values or your identity or is it more along the lines of annoyance? (Pro Tip:  You’ll find annoyances everywhere)
3. What is to be gained by quitting? (or the converse, What is to be lost?) Maybe more will be gained than lost (think long term here!), and so the ROI of going through the pain of quitting will be worth it in the end.

This week, try this:  We have a tendency to hold onto things, even sentimental items.  When is it time to quit THINGS, too?  Look around your house/apartment/whatever and find the antique snowglobe Aunt Betty gave to your mother who then gave to you.  Is it worth continuing with or is it time to quit?
​
Quote:  "Intelligence is knowing how to quit.  Genius is knowing when to quit  But only the courage allows you to quit." (Sarvesh Jain)

Educator Resource:  Directions Conference - FREE Conference on June 5, 2024 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, IL.  Keynote speakers Damon West and Chanelle Walker plus breakouts by local and regional experts in SEL, mindfulness, and reading.  Get it while you can - registration is limited to the first 350, and this is probably the last year it will be free.  Sponsored this year by the Area 5 SEL Hub.

Dad Joke:  Computer:  Choose a password.  Me:  Hi-hat.  Computer:  Cannot contain symbols

Embrace the warmer weather!  Keep a stiff upper lip (and remember to stop and breathe!) as we get through this final testing business…
~Matt Weld, SEL Coach