I have begun practicing some of the strategies that I will be using in my action research project.  One strategy is speaking to my students before entering my class, and making them aware that they may move to the back of the room if they feel they need to get the "wiggles" out.  It is very difficult for some of my more "active" students to sit and listen to my music lesson.  Instead of disrupting the class, and keeping learning from taking place, they may quietly move to the back and stand, but still continue to listen and participate.  Some have taken advantage of this and it has been very helpful to them, the other students, and me!

I've learned a great deal this week in regards to action research.  I have to admit that what I have learned has not come from the weekly readings or videos.  My fellow classmates have been my best source of information on this subject.  I am in awe of the many action research ideas shared through discussion board and blogs.  Some of the action research projects that I believe are very beneficial to education today are...  Improving staff moral, student attendance, the quality of seat time of  students, preparing students for a financial future, and eliminating stress for teachers and it's impact on student performance.  It is obvious that my classmates are very knowledgeable and passionate about making a positive change in education. I can't wait to see the results of these projects within the next 18 months.

I love being a teacher and I love my students! Although I am the adult, they are the ones who teach me every single day not to judge, forgive, respect, be happy, and most importantly love.  They are my teachers and inspiration.

     Educational leaders use blogs for the reason of sharing ideas that are useful in education. We are in this profession for the common goal of educating children.  Blogs are a beneficial way of sharing ideas to help educators reach their goal of success for all students.
     An educational leader may  use blogs to help share ideas and strategies that have not worked in the classroom. As an educator, I would appreciate someone informing me of a curriculum, computer program, equipment, that was not successful.
     Blogs can also be used to allow the staff to communicate with one another.  I have two wonderful friends on my campus. We are so busy throughout our day, there are times we can't even say hello. Blogs can allow us to connect in a way other than an e-mail or text. An educational leader can recommend that a school staff do the same, communicate to keep each other connected. Staying connected and sharing positive feedback could improve school moral.
     In these stressful times, it is important for us to assist one another in any way possible. Blogs are a great means of information that can be useful in so many ways.

     The topic of action research is very interesting and makes a lot of sense. I have to admit that this is a term that I was not familiar with, even though I have been teaching for fifteen years. Although it's unfamiliar , I agree with what it entails.  Action research is identifying a real problem and changing old habits to promote success for students.  The research is done in many different ways.  It involves collecting data, observations, interviews, or other methods that prove a "new idea" is working. More importantly, it's research that would benefit your classroom or school, because you are the individual who is aware of what your students truly need.
     The thought of implementing strategies to help hyper-active students in the classroom, is what I am leaning towards for my action research.  I decided on this topic because I am facing the problem of my own child having difficulty in school.  At times my son needs a "safe place" where he can move and release frustrations without disrupting the other children.  I envision creating a place in my classroom where my students can do the same. An area where they too can stretch, take deep breaths, or whatever makes them calm down and return to their desks without interrupting the lesson for the rest of the class. My research would also involve speaking to different therapists and yoga instructors on stretching and breathing techniques that have been proven to help "calm" the body and mind. After speaking with my students parents in which this might be useful, I can convince them to try these techniques at home.  Also, in this "safe place" I would like to have a computer center where they may work on a computer game, write a letter about their feelings, create a piece of art, or anything else to keep them engaged. As the school music teacher, I have a wide range of students to include in my action research. I service students from kinder to fifth grade.  It will be interesting to see what techniques and strategies will be  beneficial.
     It is unrealistic for educators to think that children can sit in a desk and listen to their teacher lecture for a long period of time. We must adapt to the children of this generation and make every effort to meet their needs.