Reflect, Reflect, Reflect...Hmmm...My Last Day of the Blogging Challenge! Day 31

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Well, today is the VERY...LAST...DAY of BigTime Literacy's Blogging Challenge!  The quote above says it all. ;)

Day 31: Reflect on your first month of blogging and share your goals for August and this school year.

I managed to conquer the challenge by posting every single day and even stuck to the topics on the calendar.  Let me say, it was challenging for me to come up with thoughts on some of the prompts.   When I first looked at the calendar a few days before the challenge began, I thought to myself, "Yeesh.  I don't know what I'll say about that?  Or that?  Hmmm, what about that?" Nevertheless, I knew I wanted to be part of the challenge and part of the blogging community.  

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Prior to summer starting, I spearheaded the recruitment of gals to join me on a blogging adventure.  I was excited when they decided to register for the Blogging PD, too!   Attending Michelle's PD was a leap in the right direction to accomplish some of my personal and professional goals, especially my goal of connecting with more Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches through blogging and professional development opportunities.  More of my goals are here, if you'd like to read them. 

I am SO glad I acted on my instinct to take part in the PD because meeting Michelle has opened doors to encountering wonderful people, including her.  Michelle put me in contact with knowledgeable lady named Carla from Comprehension Connection.  As a result of that connection, I've been invited to take part in a blogging group on Facebook, in addition to a literacy-related Blog Hop on August 22-24 to share ideas on literacy!  

I'm thrilled to participate and very grateful for the opportunity. The Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches in the group have amazing blogs.  I've added many of their blogs to my Blog Roll.  If you need further inspiration or fresh ideas, my Blog Roll is a great place to start.  Michelle's BigTime Literacy blog is the glue that holds the Blog Roll together! ;)

Anyway, because I wanted to spread the word of our blog being born on Tuesday, July 1st, 2014, I've created Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.  Mind you, I've never been on Social Media in the past.  Anyway, I opened all of the accounts this past month during the blogging challenge.  I can't believe the intrinsic motivation that's just cascading out of me.  I'm "Following" many great people on Twitter and have learned loads from them.  A few of those folks are even following us back.  Thanks. ;)

During the month of August, I'll be linking up with Michelle for her "Sunday Morning Letters" on August 3rd and August 17th.  From that point on, the link-up will continue every other Sunday throughout the school year, so please check back. 

I'll also be preparing my new room at school, reading recently purchased literacy texts from Amazon (I love getting books in the mail!  I told you I prefer real books over eBooks for reading!), and, of course,  browsing teacher blogs for ideas.  However, one of the most exciting things that will be happening in August is...DRUM ROLL, PLEASE,...Literacy Loving Gals' NEW BLOG DESIGN!  I've been working with Kassie over at Designs by Kassie to redesign our blog.  Yay!  

If you are looking for a recommendation, she's amazing to work with.  I learned of her from Michelle.  See?!  Meeting Michelle has made a  impact in my pond of life.  Look at those ripples flow.  THANK YOU, MICHELLE! ;)

In regards to the school year, I'm optimistic I will be accomplishing a portion of my "Someday" list.  

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Please visit often to share comments and to see what were about.  Join us on Bloglovin' if you would like to be notified of our posts.  We have learned so much from others through blogging.  The opportunity to view firsthand all of the amazing things happening in your classrooms has been magnificent.  We hope to pay it forward.  Thank you in advance for your support!