REFLECTION TEMPLATE

Successes: What have been your greatest successes so far in your role as literacy link
teacher? What factors contributed to your success?

GREATEST CHALLENGES: List what you have found most challenging?

 The Circle of Concern versus the Circle of Influence

“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” Where does the idea come from?
By
Stephen Covey The circles represent the two areas where you
can focus your time and energy. Many people
spend time worrying about things in their circle of
concern. These represent things in life that we
cannot change or things over which we do not have
any control.

Covey argues that highly effective people think

and act primarily within their Circle of Influence.
They forget about the things over which they
have no control, preferring to focus their time
and energy on issues where they can actually make
a difference. By doing this, they gradually expand
their Circle of Influence as they earn more power
and respect.

How is this relevant to me as a literacy link teacher?

As a link teacher, you might sometimes feel like there are insurmountable
obstacles in your path and this can be very frustrating. Today you have had the
chance to reflect on your successes as well as challenges. In schools, you will
find that there are many things that are outside of your circle of influence. It
is important that you understand and acknowledge this and that you do not
allow these things to dictate what you do. It is also very important to
acknowledge that these will be different in every school context.

There will also be things that are within your circle of influence- how you react
to situations and the work you engage in in your own classroom are just some
examples.

In light of the work that you have done today on challenges and successes,
consider now the things that you can influence as literacy link teacher.

In terms of things that you cannot influence, consider if the PDST can support
you in this. If you really feel there is nothing that can be done, focus on what is
within your circle of influence for now.
Note: The circle of influence activity might be a useful activity to consider with your core team
 REFLECTION TEMPLATE

Consider the challenges you identified

earlier.

Identify which fall in to your circle of

concern and which fall in to your circle of
influence.

Consider what actions you might take when you return to school:

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