Dear Diary,

I have always had a secret desire to keep a journal, and feel twinges of jealousy when I hear about others who are so faithful to one. Several times in my life, I have begun to write one, but have never stuck with it for more than a week or two. Last semester, we had to write some journal entries, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. The blog, however, is a whole new ballgame, and it is satisfying in a way that is a little frightening--I must admit it, Diary! The formatting and addition of pictures is one reason for that, but the other aspect that really engages me is the fact that it is out there for others to see. A private journal allows a person to say anything at all; a public blog requires restraint and reflective consideration. I believe that there is a place for each in my life.

In terms of this course, the blog has given me the opportunity to reflect on different elements of social studies and its place in the grand scheme of school. Even more than writing, I have enjoyed reading my peers' blogs, and finding new ways of thinking about issues that I thought were already settled. I think that the blog provides a place for creative, constructive thinking and discourse, and I am hooked. For the record, Diary, nothing about the blog has hindered my learning experience in this course.

History has always been one of my favorite subjects, both in-school and out. The idea of 'what has gone before' is endlessly fascinating, and I am looking forward to teaching it to what ever grade I end up with. To be honest, Dear Diary, the other aspects of social studies were not as appealing to me, but after conducting the History Through a Child's Eyes interviews, I am chomping at the bit to explore economics and geography with elementary students! In addition, developing the annual plan and unit have made me feel much more comfortable with the idea of teaching all of those NCSCOS objectives in one year.

Other highlights:

• All of the work on Essential Questions and Enduring Understandings has created a monster! I am so enthralled with the idea of essential questions and how they will guide my preparation.
• The emphasis on integration has reignited my passion for relevant teaching. I want students to understand why they have to learn social studies, and see how it fits with math, science, language arts, and everything else. And how everything else fits with each other!
• The importance of encouraging social activism in the students in authentic, meaningful ways.
  

So, Diary, I am leaving this class with the same level of enthusiasm for teaching social studies and the arts, but I now feel armed to do it in a way that will matter.

xoxoxoxoxo,
Christa