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This is a post about blogging rather than specifically about teaching and learning from preschoolers. Just so you know going in . . . 

I like to think that readers come to this blog to learn about what our little school is up to, to pick up some ideas, to connect with another advocate for progressive, play-based education, maybe to enjoy an occasional yuck or a clever turn of phrase, and perhaps even to squint at what's being said in this corner of the internet about things like the state of education in America. And while blogging is almost by definition all about "me," I'm under no illusion that I'd keep an audience for long if I spent too much time on my own wonderfulness, so I instead try to keep my nose to the grindstone and crank out a post, for better or worse, every day.

I don't put a lot of effort into "marketing" the blog, reaching out, making connections, trading links and awards and whatnot. I know I should and I'm sure more than a few of my fellow bloggers have given me up over the years because of it. I have a limited amount of time to put into this endeavor. I've made the decision that I'm going to focus as much of it as possible on the writing because that's where I have a certain ability (I worked professionally as a writer for 15 years), and let the chips fall where they may. I've always been a poor correspondent and much of what great internet marketing requires is the talent of staying in touch, one I covet, but simply don't possess. The necessity to respond, reply, be witty, and so on weighs on me, making me feel tired, so I stick with what I know and hope people don't feel like I'm too much of a jerk.

That doesn't mean that I'm not knee-quakingly flattered when others single me out for recognition, compliment me, present me awards or nominate the blog for this or that. And I'm not above saying "look at me" when I find myself in a limelight as evidenced by the Edublog and Raising Playful Tots badges I've stuck over there in the right hand column, which is what I'm doing today.

Yesterday, I learned I was a finalist in Red Tricycle's Totally Awesome Awards in the category of Local Blog. I know that my readership isn't restricted to Seattle (although it is my top readership city), but you know, it's fun to get a little recognition at home and I'd sure love to win that award. I'd consider it a real feather in my cap given the great competition in the category. I will be forever grateful if you clicked over and gave Teacher Tom's Blog a little love.

Okay, commercial is over. Tomorrow we return to our regularly scheduled programming . . . Thank you for reading!

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