Step 1: Discover What Excites You
Start by making a list that blends both your professional and personal interests—what sparks your passion, fuels your curiosity, and drives your work.
- Professional Interests: Think about the areas of teaching and learning that light you up or the subjects you want to dive deeper into. What new ideas or skills do you want to experiment with in your own classroom or for this project? Are there any methodologies, technologies, or concepts you’ve been eager to explore? While making this list, also consider what you’d love to teach someday, or topics you’re curious about incorporating into your future lessons.
- Personal Interests: Now, shift gears and list the things that make you feel alive in your personal life—your hobbies, passions, and what you naturally gravitate towards in your free time.
Aim for at least 10 interests total. Add a slide to your journal to capture this.
Step 2: Create a Visual Playground
Head over to Pinterest and create a board dedicated to these interests. Don’t forget to invite me as a collaborator so I can explore your board too (diana.castro@nyu.edu).
Step 3: Pin Your Inspirations
Start collecting pins that resonate with your list of interests—let your curiosity guide you. This could include anything from lesson plans, teaching tools, digital resources, or educational projects to things you simply find inspiring, like art exhibits, music, apps, or books.
Be creative with your searches! Mix your interests with education and creative resources: try searching for things like “interactive exhibit + classroom experience” or “vocal training + game design.” You can also add external resources by clicking the Plus Button at the bottom of the Pinterest page.
Step 4: Capture Your Reflections
As you pin, jot down short notes on each item—what drew you to it? How might this fit into your teaching practice or personal projects? Let your thoughts flow!
Step 5: Set a Goal of 50 Pins
Aim to have at least 50 pins on your board by next week. Let this be a creative challenge that fuels your inspiration!
Step 6: Share Your Journey
Once you’re done, take a screenshot of your pinterest board and add it to your journal. Add the image and the link to your Pinterest board on the same journal slide where you listed your interests. This will be your hub for inspiration and reference as you continue to develop your project.
Enjoy the process of exploring and uncovering new ideas!