As I watch the news and see the extreme weather facing other parts of the world, I feel especially fortunate to live where we do. The grass is turning green, the trees are budding, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. Good-bye winter: hello spring!

Be sure to find some time this week to enjoy the weather with your students. You just don’t know when it might snow…

 

 

Last week I was inspired by the old Oilers. As I watched the farewell game at Rexall Place and the subsequent ceremonies, I was reminded of the excitement, pride and cohesion of the 80s dynasty. The word ‘family’ surfaced time and again during the interviews.

Mark Messier’s words in particular stayed with me: “…the stage is big enough for everybody. You’ve got to make everybody feel that their contributions are just as important as the next guy’s, whether it’s thirty minutes a game or two minutes a game. Everybody’s got to feel they’re important.”

Yes, I know he’s talking hockey. But truly, what wise words for all areas of life, especially a school or classroom. The result of everyone feeling valued is sustained effort, dedication and strength of character. Synergy at its best!

Imagine the same in our school family: the stage IS big enough for everyone…

 

Spring Break comes to an end, the snow has melted and we have arrived in April. I’ve never been one to count down until year end but experience has taught me that we have reached the home stretch. From this point on, the school year simply seems to fly.

My goals over the next few months: be deliberate in my instructional planning, work smarter not harder, maintain balance, and most of all, enjoy the time with the kids. They are the reason we do what we do!

When I was a student in school, our desks were in rows. We sat one behind the other listening as the teacher spoke.

In our schools today, some of our students have bicycle pedals under their desks. Some sit on ball chairs. Some listen to classical music while they work. Others use fidget tools to occupy their hands.

Over the last few decades we have broadened our thinking to allow for various learning styles. We now understand that students sitting in quiet rows is not ideal for most. “Every student can learn and succeed, but not on the same day in the same way.” William G. Spady

Why do you teach your students to read and write? Is it because they are outcomes in the curriculum? Or, do you see the benefit of these skills within the classroom and beyond?

You may ask: What does it matter the reason I teach those skills as long as I teach them? Maybe. I would argue though that your approach would be different depending on your ultimate goal.

This week, challenge yourself to find an authentic reason for your students to write. Not an assignment strictly for the purpose of handing it in: a real writing experience. For instance, have you had a guest speaker recently? Ask students to write a quality thank you letter or card. Is your Demonstration of Learning approaching? Ask students to write a letter to their parents explaining what they’ve learned this term. Use these real life situations to teach appropriate format and content.

Mem Fox put it this way: “Giving unreal writing activities to our students is about as useful as giving occupational therapy for stroke victims to people who are in perfect health.” Well said.

Last week I was reminded of the importance of play. The source of the reminder may be somewhat surprising.

Early one evening, I sat on the couch and watched as four rabbits raced across three yards in what appeared to be ‘play’. They ran at full torque as if they were playing follow the leader. They engaged in what looked like a game of tag, leaping and jumping over top of one another. They would be still momentarily and then their antics began again. What was most remarkable: this lasted over 20 minutes. I have never before seen anything like it.

Moments of play add a spark to otherwise run of the mill days. How will you play this week?

I suspect that if I were to examine my blog posts after each teachers’ convention, I would discover a common theme. I find convention rejuvenating and inspiring. As much as I enjoy learning more about curriculum and pedagogy, I also enjoy hearing the passion of other educators.

The first session I saw on Thursday morning has stayed with me since: Ron Clark, an Atlanta teacher with more energy and passion than most of us combined! He bounced, gestured, ran, jumped off the stage and jumped back on the stage; he engaged the audience through story, eye contact and laughter. He challenged us to find ways to inspire our students. He challenged us to be runners and associate with other runners. He challenged us to slide instead of taking the stairs. (Sorry, you had to be there…)

In the midst of such a busy time of year, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to connect with those who understand what it means to be in the thick of this profession we call teaching. It’s difficult to explain the emotional toll of the job. As rewarding as it is, it is also demanding. A little rejuvenation goes a long way!

This week I was reminded of the importance of choosing the right path and not the path of least resistance. Although it may be tempting in the moment, the results of choosing the easy path are typically short lived. By putting in the effort, by working for long term results, the situation may be more difficult in the moment but the yields are much more positive and rewarding.

When we plant a seed, we can’t expect the plant to bloom and flower immediately. When we plant our garden, tend to the soil, stay consistent with our care, ultimately we are rewarded with growth. There may be stormy weather along the way, but the rain or wind actually create greater strength.

Winston Churchill once said, “Victory will never be found by taking the path of least resistance.” Stick to it and persist. It’s worth the effort!

It can be refreshing to be around like-minded people. Last week I had the pleasure of spending time with others who share my love of words! The reason for our connection with others is not important. It’s the connection itself that matters.

Teachers are good at nurturing connections within the classroom. We all know students who need a little more encouragement in order to find or foster friendships.

I can’t imagine how disheartening it would be to feel disconnected or unwelcome. Yet there may be those in our workplace or in our classrooms who do not look forward to being around their peers.

This week, forge a new connection. This week, be the reason someone smiles.

 

This week I was asked what I like about my job. The answer is easy: students. No matter what else is going on in life, our students add joy, humour and significance to each day.

Most of our students go home to stable, supportive families. Some though have experienced an inordinate amount of sadness, suffering or strife in their young lives.

And though our days typically have a plan in place, sometimes, a conversation or some tears steer us in an unanticipated direction. These are the moments when we are called to be more than educators. These are the moments when we are called to serve a higher purpose: to be strength and hope for those who may have lost their own.

These moments are not on our to-do list, but they prove to be the most important tasks within the day.