Feb. 6-10
In chapter 2 we learned that talents aren't necessarily abilities, nor are they strengths. They are an aspect of one's psychology and personality. Strengths are based on our talents, but also involve skill and knowledge. "It's only when talent, knowledge, and skill are combined that they become a strength" (p. 56).
What is a strength you feel you possess, and how is that strength underscored by your talent, knowledge, and skills?
What did you find most intriguing about chapter 2?
I would like to preface this answer with the fact that I hate this question! It always sounds like bragging:)
ReplyDeleteMoving on...
I would have to say a strength of mine is organization. I am definitely a "type A" personality and anyone can see that just by walking into my classroom. I like order!
I feel as though this strength helps me use my knowledge, skills, and talents in a more thought-out way. I feel the need to present information to my class in a structured way and I use the same mentality in my personal life. This strength helps me continually check things off my "list" so to speak, not only in my teaching but also in completing daily responsibilities.
I think the most intriguing thing about this chapter is understanding the concept that your talents are innate and can be developed; however, you will never be able to obtain more. As I was reading, I kept thinking about those poor souls that try out for American Idol that sang in a choir once in High School and feel as though they have this amazing talent and yet they are not musically talented. It makes me feel better about myself knowing that there will always be somethings that I will never be good at but I can, instead, focus my attention on the talents I do possess to make them better.
I think that when you are able to articulate your strengths, even when it feels like bragging at first, they become more real and you begin to successfully articulate how you "tick.” I think this is a great way for us to get to know ourselves better than ever! This book is such a NEAT read!
DeleteMy strength is most definitely organization. Since I can remember I have always been an organized neat person. Even when I used to play school in my garage to an invisible classroom I had order! I have never functioned well in an unorganized cluttered environment whether in the classroom or at home. I feel that this strength enables my students to learn effectively because I teach in an orderly manner. They are aware of my expectations and have developed a routine within my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter provoked me to think hard about my strengths. Having a type A personality sometimes makes me strive for perfection in everything I do, but this chapter helped me recognize that there are some things that I will never be able to master or perfect because they are just not my strengths.
My number one strength would also have to be organization. I get made fun of for some of the things that I put on my daily "To-Do" List. I will put the most obvious things on there just to get the satisfaction of crossing it off when I do it! Nerd...I know! Every aspect of my life is extremely organized...my husband says that it is too organized some times. I feel that this strength leads to other strengths, at least in the classroom. I feel I am more efficent, more on-time, and just generally more on top of things because I am so anal about getting it all done and getting it done correctly. I do feel that my students benefit from the organization and my anal attitude. They definitely are in a structured classroom that expects them to be somewhat as organized as I am. Which is a skill that they need a dose of as they move up in grade levels.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter intrigued me and forced me to think about things that are not particularly my stengths, and the differences between what I view as a strength vs. what might actually be a talent.
*I second Heather's comment about feeling like I'm bragging buuuut....
ReplyDeleteI think one of my strengths is my work ethic. My dad has always been a hard worker and really instilled that in me as I grew up. As I started doing manual labor mission trips in middle school, I learned alot about myself. When other people gain something from my work and effort, I'm willing to go an extra mile. That has definitely been useful when it comes to teaching. When you see your kids growing as a learner and making awesome new memories, its worth the few extra hours of work.
-Miranda
I feel that my flexibility is one of my strengths. I have to be ready to work with any situation at a moments notice and with various people, ranging from students of all grade levels, teachers, parents, the multidisciplinary team for academics and behavior. Balancing all the vast demands requires flexibility in order to be successful. ~ Megan
ReplyDeleteAfter re-reading this post, am not sure if this is technically a strength or talent. Dr. Clifton? Well, anyway...
ReplyDeleteI consider my desire to keep growing a strength. In my professional life, this means I am not content to "do what I have always done". I want to know what I can do to improve my teaching and better serve children. When I know what can improve my teaching, I want to put it to use.
This strength probably stems, in part, from my perfectionist/Type A tendencies. But, I also consider myself incredibly lucky to have work that is both deeply interesting--children are fascinating and inspiring--and also deeply meaningful. There is no doubt that the impact we have as educators is significant and lasting. That combo (interesting and meaningful) keeps me motivated to learn more and keep growing. In fact, the day I feel differently about my work being interesting and meaningful will be the day I know it is time to find new work.
As for intriguing parts of chapter two...
I found the idea that we have innate talents that, if combined with knowledge and skill, can produce a strength interesting. It makes sense that honing your talents by seeking knowledge and skills to support them is time well spent. Also begs the question, what untapped talents do you have that need only be developed with further knowledge and skill? Martha Graham didn't take her first dance lesson until she was in her twenties. Like the idea of the possibilities that lie within untapped talents.
~Shana Sewalt
I think one of my strengths is doing what I say I will do. I may not always do something to the same level of proficiency as the next person, but it will be my best effort to do what I said I would do.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter spoke to me about the importance of having different strengths on a team. Also, for me there was a connection as to why I've used the term "mediocre" more than once to describe how I've felt in the past few years. I am not good at doing what we are expected to do now in education, in part. Thus, the feeling. At least, I know these feelings are recognized as legitimate ones.
I am enjoying the bedtime reading. =-)
GenaC
First of all, I would like to point out the irony that the first three people to post may also possess strength in organization. Bravo for you, being so organized, and beating the rest of us to this post!!
ReplyDelete– P.S. Please share some of your “magic organization dust.” Haha
I would say that I possess strength in adaptability.
I find it fairly easy to adapt to change and work well when under pressure. Now this does not mean I do not get stressed out (haha!), but I do what I need to do to stay prepared and on top of things. I too am a “list keeper.” I start at the top and cross each thing off one at a time in order of importance. I take things as they come and deal with each situation individually.
Life presents opportunities for change and every time it is scary at first, but in the end they always work out for the best. I try to stay positive no matter what and see through the tough times. My brother has always said that it is “like angels are always following Nora everywhere she goes.”
I find that even in social situations there are very few things that will make me feel uncomfortable within reason of course. I am definitely the “go with the flow” type of girl, which in turn leads me to be rather indecisive at times. Do not ask me where you want to go for lunch because I will always say “anywhere is fine.” I think that as I have gotten older and realized this is a strength I possess I can see that not everyone feels the way I do about change. As a result, I have become a “pleaser.” I want others around me to have the opportunity to be comfortable because I honestly know I will be fine no matter the situation.
As an educator, I find adapting to change valuable because there are and always will be new teaching styles or resources to implement, different ways to reach each learner, and varying other challenges. At the same time, being so open, positive, and laidback can be a bad thing. I sometimes feel misunderstood and as though others believe I am being insincere.
As I read through this chapter I really found myself reflecting on the person I am today and why I have become that person. I also considered the students in my class and their personal strengths even as kindergarteners. I found it really interesting to read about the development of the synapses and connections in our brain. It just goes to show that early childhood development is crucial and has a major impact on our lives and our student’s lives. As elementary education teachers we really play a major role in their brain development and like the chapter said we impact the students in our class years after we have taught them.
~Nora
I would have to say that organization is my strength as well. I have a weekly "to do" list that I even organize into school "to-do's" and home "to-do's". I also have a container and labels for everything. It all seems silly but I feel like I save time because I know exactly what needs to be done each day and I know exactly where to find what I need.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting thing in this chapter for me was that it focused so much on developing your strengths and talents instead of working on your weaknesses. It seems like everyone is so focused on "fixing" themselves by improving upon what they are weak at, and we never stop to think about working with our strengths and partnering with someone who has opposite strenghts and weaknesses.
I know I am a nerd, but I am pretty excited to take the quiz next week to find out what it says are my strengths. :)
Rebecca Snodgrass
I think I would have to say that my strength is adaptability. I typically have a "take what comes" attitude and can pretty quickly make everything "mesh." Lists are important to me as well; not only for the purpose of prioritizing, but the satisfaction of crossing things off as a motivator.
ReplyDeleteWhile change is not my favorite thing, I think I usually handle it pretty well. When asked what my preferences are when making social plans, I can honestly say, "I don't care, you choose," because I am truly happier when I knows those around me are happy.
In the classroom, I see my adaptability when I'm teaching. The ability to "think on my feet" and shift to another tactic quickly as needs arise is a great advantage to having adaptability as a strength.
Hmmm... I agree with Heather that is hard to write about myself and my strengths but here I go.... I think that being organized is one of my strengths but being patient is showing itself lately. This year I have really learned that every student is different and needs to be handled in their own unique way. This is where my patience has to come in... it is so hard when my usual 'tricks' don't work and I have to keep trying and tweeking and then trying again. But then you have that day where it is all worth it... that child you have been working with for weeks has an 'aha' moment or makes the right decision without your constant reminders.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the part of the chapter talking about working with other peoples strengths. I am learning to embrace others strengths and realize that they don't have to be what my strengths are! --JP
For me, my strength is planning. I'm a planner in all aspects of life. When my plan doesn't go accordingly, I get a little panicky. I plan to be organized and usually I am. So when I'm not, I feel like everything is chaotic. I like to have lesson plans done well in advance so I can wrap my brain around it and feel like I'm prepared. I can "wing it" but REALLY don't like to.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the part in the book that talked about focusing on your strengths and not your weaknesses. I recently made that my New Year's Resolution. I'm focusing more now on what I HAVE accomplished instead of what I HAVEN'T accomplished. Changing my mindset really has made me realize that celebrating those small joys really makes me feel like I'm not as big of a slacker as I sometimes feel.