Teacher Journal

When I began teaching this year, I decided to keep a journal.  Every day when I get home, I spill out my day on the pages: both the good and the bad.  The simple act of writing my thoughts to paper helps me vent, and be done with the day!  Of course, I also write joys of the day.  Yesterday:  One of my 4th grade students said, ".....best lesson ever."  My heart warmed.  On the days when I feel I can't go on another day, a smile from a student, a little side hug, or a comment like above really helps me realize I am teaching for the joy of doing so, and my job is to teach the students about art. At the end of the day I mostly feel I succeeded.
So, teachers, grab a pen, write down what's happening in your teaching life. By the way, I have only gone back through my journal one time: I was looking for something specific on one day. But other than that, I probably won't read it until the end of the year. And then, I hope to say, I was successful and I will be ready for another year next year. 
Better get writing....

MAT Cards I made. Inspiration for many!