"4th Quarter's Our Quarter!"

2016 Bartlett Raiders JV Gold

Is anyone else feeling the excitement with 4th quarter approaching?  I have to explain why I love 4th quarter!

My son has played with the same football coach for a few years now.  The coach has trained the boys that no matter what has happened in the game, winning or losing, 4th quarter is their quarter.  As soon as the siren marks the end of 3rd, the boys immediately throw their 4 fingers high in the air, and start jumping up and down shouting, "4th quarter's our quarter!"  It's really an exciting moment seeing them come to life, as any sports parent can understand.  They realize every minute counts, and it's time to give it 100%.

I feel the same excitement about 4th quarter for our students.  The clock is ticking, and our time to help them learn and grow is coming to close.  It's the last quarter to try those "someday" ideas.  It's time to reflect on what practices we'd like to keep and what we'd like to change for next year.  It's time to hold on tight and give it your all, knowing the much-earned summer break is quickly approaching. (Hooray!)

With time running out, where can we start?  Let's reflect on the following characteristics of today's classroom, as shared in this infographic by innovative-thinker George Couros.

Before your kids move on to the next school year, are there areas they need to work on developing?  Do they need to grow in their ability to self-assess, voice their opinions, or reflect? Are they sharing their work with authentic audiences and connecting with others outside the classroom walls?  What is something you were hoping to try this year?   Blogging? Passion projects? Or something with classroom management techniques like bell-ringers and exit tickets?

I would love to help the impossible become possible and give you the support you need, starting with planning and then implementing the plan together.   So raise those four fingers high in the air...4th Quarter's our Quarter! (Or just email me to join a plan period!)