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Make it real!

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.

The Power of Play

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?

Forge ahead!

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!

It’s worth the effort!

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!

Be the reason someone smiles…

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.

 

We Are Called

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.

Dear Teacher,

I’m convinced the job of ‘teacher’ is one of the most difficult. To be effective we have to know our curriculum inside and out. We have to understand the development of children and the various theories of learning. Most importantly, we have to connect with 20 or 25 individuals, sometimes up to 30.

Each of our students bring with them different learning styles, past experiences, diverse levels of ability and varying levels of confidence. Each of our students deserves our best but it certainly isn’t easy to balance the needs of all.

This video, Dear Teacher, is a good reminder of what our students need (told from a kid perspective)! Enjoy.

Leadership For All

Last week I heard a group of assistant principals referred to as ‘future leaders’. I fundamentally disagree with this statement. Not only to I find it somewhat offensive, I think it is the wrong mindset with which to approach life.

What about the grade six student who turned to another student and said, “Ryan, we haven’t heard from you. What do you think?” Is she not a leader?

And what about the kindergarten boy who saw another student still looking for a spot to sit and said, “There’s one more chair over here. Come here.”

What about the teacher who sees a new student reluctant to fit in and works her magic to ensure this student is included?

At our school we believe in Leadership For All. This is not a statement for advertising purposes, this is not a pipe dream, it is what we strive for every day. Leadership is not a title or a position, it is an attitude. We are not raising future leaders: we are raising leaders for today.

A teary hug

This week I was reminded of why we do what we do. Though I wasn’t especially looking forward to some of the tasks that go along with ‘back to work’ (packing lunches, early mornings and paperwork), I was certainly looking forward to seeing the students. And they didn’t disappoint.

One moment this week was especially heartwarming. A student who had been assessed by an SLP and visibly exhausted, came to me just before recess. When I bent down to chat with him, he had tears in his eyes. He leaned in for an extended hug and rested his head on my shoulder. In that moment, he was too tired and overwhelmed for words but his body language said it all.

Why do we do what we do? “Children are our most valuable resource.” That’s why.

So many cliches!

A new year: new beginnings, a fresh start, a clean slate, a blank page, a new chapter… so many cliches! And yet, I love this time of year.

There’s something about the dawn of a new year that feels like an opportunity. The opportunity to forget bad habits and begin better ones. The opportunity to reevaluate and set goals. The opportunity to forgive and begin to reconcile. The opportunity to show gratitude for our blessings and find ways to give back. The opportunity to try something new.

So… accept the cliches and consider this: the possibilities this year are endless!