Carpe Diem

Dead Poet's Society - Oh Captain My Captain

I watched Robin Williams inspire a classroom of young men, standing on the desks and acting like a fool for his students.  They were puzzled, curious, and most importantly engaged like they hadn't been before.  He challenged them to think, do and experience learning.  He got them out of their comfort zone and stretched their thinking.  He was a character in a movie that made me want to learn more and do more.  He was very different from my Latin Teacher who showed us the film.  He was different from most of the teachers I had in school.  He challenged authority, created powerful learning experiences, and made me think about teaching.  One of the most powerful lines in the movie and it was likely the reason we were able to watch it in Latin Class was Carpe Diem, - Seize the Day!  

What does that mean to you?  
How are you seizing the day in the classroom, in your personal life?
I must admit that I do not live by this mantra.  I do not take advantage of opportunities in my daily life to be more physically fit, learn to do more things, build relationships to be as fruitful and positive as I could or should.  I have a long way to go to truly Seize the Day.  

I need help - reminders to do things in my life to truly live up to Carpe Diem.  So I am hoping that this week you will help me and others figure out how to Seize the Day.  I hope that together we can make our lives easier so we can be rockstars for our students, colleagues and especially our families.  

I don't want to set this up as if you don't  think you make the most of everyday, every second that you don't have valuable insights.   We are all successful at some things and need help in others.  I am hoping that some of you have great ideas on how to cultivate relationships, while others may have great ideas for setting your attitude or finding your passion that helps guide your ship daily.  

This week, #sstlap is about how we set sail- how do we point our compass in the direction necessary to achieve greatness in our personal and professional lives.  I am hoping that you will share some of your tips to help both veteran and rookie staff to manage the stresses of life and bring your A game to everything you do.  

Bueller Bueller Bueller-- and the Questions are...

Q1 How are you seizing the day in the classroom, in your personal life? #sstlap
Q2 What are you/can you do to create Oh Captain My Captain moments in your classroom? #sstlap
Q3 Matt Miller says #ditchbook Ditch that Textbook- they shred the text in the movie- how can you help students discover what really matters in your subject? #sstlap
Q4a What are your personal strengths, success stories? Don't be shy we all have something we hang our hat on- personal or professional  #sstlap
Q4b What advice would you give others aka "secrets" to your awesomeness in whatever area you are good at to help us all Seize the Day? #sstlap 
Q5 What do you do that is successful to make connections with others and maintain relationships? #sstlap 
Q6 What is your passion in life?  How did you learn about it?  What lessons have you learned along the way?  How can you help others develop similar passions? #sstlap
Q7 We are sailing into rough waters - challenges and stress looming - How do you deal with stress and the negative energies both personal and professional? #sstlap






Q8 Will you set a goal to improve your average of days you live up to Carpe Diem this year?  If so toss out your goal- how many days per week, month, year and make it happen! We are all here to help, and no one will hold you to it except yourself.  - Make it lofty but achievable #sstlap