Sunday, February 6, 2011

Hey, where did you get that idea?



I started my blog in July of 2010. I don’t fear it won't be read. Most will not read it. I accept that. I don’t fear that people will disagree with me at times- they will. I accept that. What I fear is that I will have nothing to write. My ideas may dry up and the blog will die. If that happens does it mean I have no more room for growth? Perhaps. Does it mean I have cut myself off from new ideas? Maybe.

I often wonder where my fellow bloggers get their ideas for a new post. Mine come from what I read, my interactions from friends in Iqaluit, my students, conversations on Twitter, just to name a few.

What inspires your ideas?

13 comments:

  1. I just "found" you on twitter- so I guess that is a good place to start. My blog ideas come from my interactions with others and better yet, my reactions to these interactions. Putting yourself out there isnt that scary if you are coming from a place of internal integrity- looking forward to getting to know you!

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  2. Hi Michelle. Thanks for the comment and the follow on Twitter. Indeed, putting yourself out there is not that scary if you believe in what you say...I am curious as to how you "found" my twitter account. I find that cool and interesting how we find each other on twitter.

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  3. I also follow you on twitter and subscribed to your blog! I really identify with your attitude aout how school shouldn't be competitive and am a big fan of Richard Lavoi! Also, the whole issue of rewards if fascinating.
    I'm also a fairly new blogger. I joined the 30 goals challenge and now find myself writing every day. I find the connection with others to be very inspiring!
    Keep writing, please!
    Naomi Epstein
    http://visualisingideas.edublogs.org/

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  4. Ok- I went back and re-traced my twitter tracks......
    I was followed by @banana29. So I creeped her twitter page, followed her and then was seeing who she followed...... interestingly lots of Educators and Librarians - which is a whole different world to me- I am mostly health and wellness. BUT- my hubby is in the library world, so it really peeked my interest.

    It seems so simple but yet, it is a fun thing to know!
    Peace out,
    M

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  5. Hi Naomi,
    It is nice to meet someone who shares similar philosophies. Thanks for your encouragement and indeed, I plan to keep writing.

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  6. Thanks Michelle. I tweet a lot about education but hopefully there may be some things you can find of use. Thanks for retracing. Hopefully it was not too much trouble. Cheers.

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  7. I am new to blogging and I have thought about many of the same things you mentioned in your post. While I'm not worried about readership or negative feedback from the few people who do read my blog, I am worried about running out of reasons to write. Most of the ideas I have (I have only written two posts) revolve around reflecting on my classroom practices and school-wide issues that come up along with PD activities that I both attend and put on for others.

    When I started thinking about blogging, I had to determine why I want to put my thoughts out for everyone to read. I came to the conclusion that writing will help me reflect on what I do and ultimately make me a better educator.

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  8. Hi JP,

    Thanks for your comment. I agree with your points. And yes, it is all about becoming a better educator.

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  9. If you run out of gas, challenge others in your school to guest blog an opinion or observation. You can also rely on the people you follow on Twitter for ideas. My blog (DrDougGreen.Com) focuses on summaries of books I read and sharing of the best tweets I get from the educators I follow. This means that I don't have to worry about a dearth of content. Keep up the good work.

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  10. Hi Douglas,
    Thanks for the great ideas. I never thought of asking another colleague to guest blog. Also, a blog about the best tweets is another idea I will avail of. Thanks. Moreover, thanks for sharing your blog.

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  11. As a new TOC, I get to travel to a new school every day, talk with kids of all ages and a bunch of new teachers each week. I am spoiled when it comes to blog ideas! I also keep my eyes and ears open though and look for "details" in the education realm - quotes my students say, habits some of the learners demonstrate. Reading other blogs (and commenting on them) is also a great way to fuel my own thoughts on the ideas du jour. I enjoy reading your posts and links - I don't think you need to be concerned yet - Brad

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  12. My ideas are gathered from following folks like you on Twitter. I glean what I feel to be the best, filter them through my experiences, and employ them in my classroom. I have spent the past couple of years beginning blogs for others then backing away as they grew comfortable. I partner on another and teach my students to do the same. It's high time I struck out on my own. Thanks for the encouragement and example.

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  13. Hi there! I've been blogging for just over two years now and I find that I would post more if I had more time to write! I write about teaching and all the thinking that I do daily around that - being a reflective practitioner has always helped me unwind my thoughts. I'm inspired by other educators that blog and tweet, too. Any coursework I do, like the current MEd, creeps into my writing too. Finally, reading - I love books and sometimes post on whatever I'm reading at the time.

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