The Liebster Award

I have been nominated for a Liebster Award by Julie from Teacher Fluff & Really Good Stuff. I actually really appreciate being a part of the online teaching community and if it wasn't for the nomination I may not have come across Julie's blog, which I bookmarked immediately...You really should too!

The Liebster Award was created to highlight blogs with smaller amount of followers, but none the less worthy of recognition. 

The rules for receiving this award are

1. In your post link back to the blogger who nominated you as a thank you and a 'shout out'.

2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer. (The questions I have answered please)

3. Nominate 11 people (Blogs with less than 200 followers) and link them in your post. 

4. Let your nominees know and provide them with a link back to your post (so they can see the rules)

5. No nominating the person who nominated you, however send them a thank you :)

These are the questions that Julie has set for me to answer...

1. Why and how long ago did you start blogging?

I started this blog back in 2006. I had graduated university in 2005 and was about to embark on a whole new adventure in Japan, teaching in a kindergarten so it became a way to document my journey. 

2. What one word sums up the heart of your blog and why?

Evolving. My blog changed direction a little, and I have actually removed some of the posts over time because they didn't represent the teacher I am now. I have also edited posts because I believe that we never stop learning as educators, so opinions and approaches have been challenged and I have adjusted. 

3. Is there something you learned late in your blogging journey you wished you knew before?
That to have a successful blog you need to become involved with the blogging world. That means visiting other educators blog, recognising other's achievements and commenting. Everyone appreciates that sharing of resources and knowledge, however I used to rarely spare the time commenting.

4. What is your favourite past time other than blogging?
I love taking photos. My camera is with me most of the time and if not, my mobile is always in my pocket. I actually have another travel blog where I upload some of my favourite photos. Passport, Tickets & a Suitcase

5. How many hours per week do you dedicate to your blog?

It varies, but approximately 3 hours. 

6. What category of blog posts do you enjoy the most?

Literacy. I have a passion for teaching EALD students and absolutely love teaching English using a Functional Grammar approach BUT who doesn't love posting about the cute crafts we make too?!

7. Where does your blog inspiration come from?

Everyone around me. My students inspire me and I like to share our learning. I also like sneaking into colleague's classrooms and checking out what they are doing. 

8. Which post that you've written are you most proud of?

Proud, I am not sure, but passionate, yes. A post called How do you know?. It is about asking students to share their thinking to promote greater self awareness while at the same time, perhaps helping another student to think about thinking.

9. Is there any post you have been planning to do, but have been postponing it for a while now?

Not a specific post but I find that I never seem to have enough time to post everything I want to.

10. What's your favourite aspect of blogging?

Writing and receiving comments. Hint hint :)

11. Which recipe, project, or idea on my blog would you be most likely to try yourself?

I love love love the post on Intentional Kindness. 

My Nominees
Kinderdi
Aileen @ Mrs Miracles Music Room

Stephanie @ Mrs D's Corner
Nina @ Nina's Arena
Stef @ Miss Galvin Learns
Mrs Ward @ Mrs Ward's Land of Little Learners
Sarah Anne @ Sarah Anne's Creative Classroom
Jennifer @ In My Music Class
Yara @ Sea of Knowledge
Sharon @ Mrs Davison's Kindergarten