#REALyouSnaps

By Tara M Martin

Feb 22

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in an incredible global #TagTeamReadAloud collaboration with Brandi Miller and Roman Nowak. Honestly, I had no idea how it would all turn out, but with an EDU-Dream-Team like these guys and sweet little first graders, what could go wrong? Right?

It all started with a few little tweets…

Then, BAM! We were in.

When Roman asked me what I wanted to read, I had an idea of the perfect book but wanted him to check it out.Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld– this is a book I often read as a reminder to be me–even when the world tries to mold me into something else.  

Roman read it and loved it. Then, he asked me if I had an activity I’d like to share with the students. It took me less than sixty seconds to think of one! Yes, #REALyouSnaps! It will be like #BookSnaps but with selfies–a digital, visual representation of each student’s individual passions, strengths, hobbies, and unique awesomeness!

Side note: Brandi is an incredible innovator. In fact, if you don’t follow her, do so now by clicking here. She loved the idea of #REALyouSnaps and had already had the students creating #BookSnaps with Seesaw. See the how-to video here. So, we cannonballed in!

The results are astounding! 

Take a peek at these little people embracing their individuality. I encouraged them to find their voice–just like the exclamation mark in our book, and stay true to who they are.

I, also, reminded the kiddos that not everyone will like or appreciate the REAL YOU, but those aren’t you’re people. I think it is important for children to realize that you will likely need to stand up for yourself and what makes you…YOU. However, I spent the majority of the time encouraging them to Be REAL! It’s the one thing artificial intelligence will NEVER replace. We were all made unique on purpose for a purpose.

Be the REAL YOU and foster that in everyone you serve.

Here’s your daily smile. Warning…you might melt into puddles! Can’t say I didn’t warn you. 

Presenting the debut of #REALyouSnaps…

How might you incorporate #REALyouSnaps with your students, staff, or school community? 

How might one little snap help you better serve those you lead?

Maybe we share this activity during a staff development to help teachers utilize the strategy in their classroom, and take the results from the session to better meet the needs of the educators we serve. 

Let’s make time to learn more about those around us.

We are made better by sharing our REALness.

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About the Author

I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others. Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.

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