Simply, if you want to write, you just have to get started. Once you do, it's easier, and you're in the game! (Read his book to find out the other 9 principles!) This is the principle I'm using to write this blog post! Thank you, Jeff Anderson.
With the beginning of the year, there's so much to think about.
Will I have a classroom theme? How will I rearrange the furniture? What will I use for desktags? Will I post rules, or will I have the students write them with me? Should all the borders on my bulletin boards match? I've been asking myself these questions, but I'm beginning to wonder if the answers are important.
I've been starting 4th grade for more than a few years now. Every year is different, and every year I'm different, too. I'm smarter, and I've had another year of experience. (The students from my previous class helped with that.) It's not the most comfortable of feelings--this not-knowing. But it's good for me to be there because it makes me reflect. Do I really need some things I've been holding on to for years now? I think about that cute bulletin board I took so long to create: did it actually help my students learn or help ME connect with my students?
If I'm using an activity, practice, or procedure simply because I've always used it or because it's really cutesy, I need to toss it out or change it. It's okay if my room doesn't look perfect. It's not okay if I'm not engaging my students or being purposeful about my instruction and classroom environment.
Going back to Jeff Anderson's advice, the principle of "motion" in writing works. I've written a post that's brought about some reflection and will benefit my students.
Now, it's back to the book.