Wonderful Words

Words. Words speak. They communicate ideas. They describe. They teach. They tell. 

Words. What should I say? How should I tell him? How should I respond? How can I explain? Words. Powerful. Words. 

There's nothing more important than words and communication. Communication is the key to successful relationships. It is how we use our words. It is how we chose our words. It is what we start learning to do the minute we say our first words.  

As teachers, communication is what we do, all day, every day. We communicate new information; We communicate feelings; We communicate changes in our schedule; We communicate instructions; We use and model communication all day long.

Last week we started a writing unit on Poetry. Writing is communication. Poetry is communication. It is the ability to communicate our feelings about something or someone in a creative way. It is the ability to tell what we think about something; it is our stream of consciousness. 

I was happily surprised when we had a visit from a group of poets from Project Voice last week. These poets use spoken poetry to tell and teach. Their poetry tells the stories of their lives. How they feel, where they come from, where they've been. Their poetry teaches us that our words don't have to be pretty or flowery. They merely have to mean something. Our words must be carefully chosen. To describe something to someone or to help others to visualize a thought or a dream. To ensure understanding. 

Words. Words speak. They communicate ideas. They describe. They tell.

Words. Magical. Mystical. Powerful. Integral. Words. 

Haven't written in a long, long while

Happy School Year 2015-2016! It has been a long time and I have been itching to get writing again.

I've transitioned back into the classroom from being a specialist for the last 5 years. It's been a whirlwind I must say. Although this is my 24th year of teaching, It feels like my first. Things have surely changed in just 5 short years. With that being said, it has been a great ride thus far. Much has changed, but the familiar feelings of being in charge of the lives of 15 little people remain the same. I had forgotten about the deep connections made with our students. The feeling that every move you make and every word you speak, impacts their little lives. The feeling that you don't ever want them to be sad or hurt or down. The feeling that they are your seedlings and it is your responsibility and duty to water and nurture them into full bloom. This feeling is intense.

I spend countless hours thinking and planning out interesting and exciting ways to teach my seedlings. Upon discovery, I rehearse meaningful "hooks." How can I grab them and sustain their interest? Definitely not an easy task!!! When it happens, it's magical. When I've miscalculated it's okay, too. See, my seedlings understand that I always give it my best, and I don't always get it right.  They know this is what I expect from them. This mutual understanding works very well. Someone once said, "There's no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections." It's okay to say, "oops, that didn't work!"

I urge anyone reading this to feel the ease I do, knowing we are by no means perfect. We are merely hardworking people trying to make a difference. Mistakes, imperfections, the not so perfect lesson, make me who I am today. And, I'm pretty sure that is acceptable to my perfect seedlings!

It's been too long....

For Iris,

A friend reminded me that I haven't written a blog in a while. Life just got away with me. There are times in our lives when we just cannot make the time to do things for ourselves because we are too busy doing for others. That's been my life in a nutshell for the last 2 months. Coming to school each day has served as an escape. Seeing the smiles and hearing the voices of curiosity scurrying through hallways and in and out of classrooms has been seemingly soothing. Oddly enough. That's when you know you are living the dream. It may not be perfect, but it's where you belong. I know this is my field. I know this is what I'm good at. And, I know that I am always ready for new challenges if these challenges are going to enrich the lives of my students. By students, I mean, any age learners. Students can be plopped on a carpet square in a kindergarten class, and students can be lined up in rows behind me as I teach my next Zumba routine. Teaching and learning, learning and growing. This is my thing! Teachers, I challenge you to reflect on where you are in your careers. How do you feel when you get to school each day. Are you satisfied? Are you at peace? Are you struggling to find your place? Are there things you'd like to change? Is change possible? Are your students growing and learning before your eyes? These are the things I often ponder. It's exhausting to change, but at the same time, it's exhausting to stay the same. To get stuck in a rut. So as you move through your day today, think about where you are, and what you do. Think about what you'd like to be different and what you'd like to stay the same. I know for me, self reflection is extremely satisfying. It can be "icky" and unsettling, but in the end it's worth it. Inspire. Lead. Teach.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

-William A. Ward 

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul: I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writ...

Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writing, that's it. I've missed writing. I've missed the feeling of thoughts flowing from my brain, down through my arms and wrists, and out my finger tips. Writing frees me. It relieves my mind; it slows my breathing and it just, plain and simple, relaxes me. When I sit with students in writing class, this ease doesn't always exist. "I can't think of what to write about," or "I'm done," are things I hear. Tools. That's all they need are tools. Open the toolbox and reach inside. There you will find your experiences, your dreams and wishes, your family and friends. You'll find your puppy when you first brought him home or your baby sister, just born in the hospital. See, writing doesn't have to be based on far-fetched, glamorous ideas. Writing is a way for you to share what's happened to you. It's for you to share what you wish would happen. It's for you to describe moments in your life that have been etched in your memories. A simple visit to grandma's for the holiday. The first time you baked cookies. Fighting with your best friend. See, these ideas are not grandiose, nor are they unique. However, the way in which you tell your story; woven with description and language; that makes it YOURS. As writers, we owe it to each other to tell our stories. As writers we need to listen to the world around us and snatch moments and stuff them into our pockets. What we write isn't always perfect, and it takes a lot of practice and stamina. But, in time, your toolbox will be busting with ideas; ideas that you cannot wait to share.

Writing means freedom. Writing means optimism. Writing is good for the mind, body and soul.

Connection & Empathy; The Keys to Teaching

For me, over the years, there have been several children that I've made a special connection with. Many times these children cross the threshold of my classroom and are struggling in one way or another. Maybe it is a struggle at home with family discord. Maybe it is an internal struggle; an emotional struggle. Maybe it's a physical struggle. Whatever the struggle may be, these children have found their way into my heart. As a teacher there are clear boundaries set between us and our students. However, as the days, weeks and months go by, it is challenging to separate ourselves from them. We know them so well. We feel their pain; we are warmed by their achievements; we are connected. Empathy. Empathy comes from having this connection. It's not something you can teach, however it is surely something you can model for students. Teachers NEED empathy. It's like a 6th sense that we use to identify when our students are hurting or in need of attention. We don't rescue them, instead we provide our students with skills to help themselves. Teachers see their students as a WHOLE person. Therefore it is not only important for us to teach them during school hours, but it is important that we impart information and education to their families as well. A good teacher will do this and see it as a priority. See, our students aren't just names; our students aren't just numbers. Our students aren't just a list we receive at the end of the summer. They are individuals who are filled with promise, no matter how much emotional, or physical baggage they come to us with. It is our job to create opportunities for them to utilize their highest potential. It is our job to model creativity and connection. It is our job to let them reach conclusions that we may not have even thought of. Most importantly, it is our job to know who each child is and what each child needs, in EVERY possible way. 

It's no wonder that over the years, there are students who I can truly say, have changed my life. Students that I think about on a regular basis and wonder how they are doing. Sometimes we are lucky enough to cross paths with them on social media or in the mall. The connection and the feelings come rushing back. The validation that we did something right; something that shaped this young adult into becoming a dentist, or a psychologist, and often, a teacher. WOW, if you are lucky enough to see the end result, there is nothing better than that!!!!!

Alysa's Top 10 of Teaching

Alysa's Top Ten Teaching Hints...

1. Look beyond the moment and SEE the good in all of your students.

2. It's never too late to change; don't fear it.

3. Always draw attention to one student's strength as opposed to another's weakness.

4. Instead of getting LOUDER, get softer and try a whisper. Students respond incredibly well to     whispers.

5. Be accepting and knowledgable of ALL learning styles.

6. Stick to a routine, no matter how tough it is!

7. BE CONSISTENT! Even though it is exhausting.

8. Know that you are not perfect and embrace it.

9. Let your peers help you become better by sharing successes and failures with them.

10. Create learning experiences where EVERYONE can succeed.

To sum it all up.....

The kids in our classroom are infinitely more significant
than the subject matter we teach.
-Meladee McCarty