Last year, I became slightly obsessed with Colby Sharp's #BestPartOfMyDay videos. And I shared them at almost every conference and/or professional development session that allowed me to open my mouth for a few minutes. I'm super inspired by both the power of a short, unedited video reflection each instructional day AND the idea of making the best part of that day the focus of our reflection. Too often, in my estimation, we relegate reflection time (if we take it at all) to examining what didn't go well, so that we can improve next time. This is a huge part of a "data driven" culture. And don't get me wrong, that's important stuff, but a constant focus on our perceived failings can suck the life right out us, both as teachers and as learners.
(An aside: I wonder what would happen if we created opportunities for students to share the best part of their days? Would all of our students be able to think of something special or significant to share? Would we hear them list things that happened in our classrooms as the very best part of their day? Would we hear them list the things we hoped would make positive imprints on their hearts? And if not, what could we do about those things? I can't help but wonder what we'd learn about our kids and about ourselves if we gave them the chance to answer that one simple question. But... I digress)
Fast forward to this year, and I find myself at the very beginning of a year long journey with Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, WA. This year, I get to spend (approximately) one week per month visiting EPS' school libraries, working with their librarians on special projects and crafting professional development for the days when we all get to learn and share together. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, but it bears repeating now, y'all... I am seriously the luckiest librarian around. That said, this afternoon as I was walking to my car, after my last library visit of the week, reflecting on the great experience I've had, and on a particularly powerful conversation just a few minutes earlier, I decided that NOW is the time for me to copy Colby and start doing my own #BestPartOfMyDay videos. So... here goes nothing. My first offering:
To be honest, I don't know if Colby is still doing these videos daily, but I can't thank him enough for the inspiration. Evergreen Public Schools and I still have a long year together, and I'm so excited to make this a part of our journey. Finally, Colby always ended his videos by asking his audience what the best part of their day was, so I'll do the same here:
What was the best part of YOUR day?
Even if you don't comment or a leave a video response, I hope you'll think about the answer to that question and consider ways to weave reflecting on what goes right each day (or week?) into your own work with young learners.
