A Call for Perfection #52

There has always been a call for perfection: the perfect body, the perfect social persona, the perfect score. Win, win, win. Only smile and say positive things. Never complain. Always look at the bright side of life. Toxic positivity they call it. I think no one is happy all the time. Walking around on rose petals and singing songs of joy and optimism.

Life is messy. It is both beautiful and ugly. It is full of people who inspire us, lead us to great heights. It is marked by people who tear us down and break us. We have days of contentment. Others of depression and anxiety. Yet, we were raised to always put a smile on our face and stay positive. There has always been a call for perfection.

We all understand that the social feeds of people's lives full of gorgeous food and clothes and destinations- people frolicking on the beach 24/7 are facades. We know this yet, we seek it. We so want people to like us. We want others to follow us. We want people to envy us. But perfection is messy, like life, it is full of failures and mistakes. So why do we cling so much to the need to be perfect? To be seen as perfect? When we know in our hearts it doesn't exist.

Mental health has started to become a buzzword. Recent events have plunged many into the realms of  stress laden days and insomnia filled nights. But, many still cling to the surface film of "that is them, not me." Accepting that we struggle is the first step. That asking for help is human and necessary is step two. The umbrella under which all of these steps preside- real life. Real life is hard. Getting up for work is a struggle for many- having a job even more so.

I try to stay positive. But, I am not always so. My motto- negativity is a warm blanket, just as much as positivity. We yearn for connectedness and sometimes the negativity train arrives first at the station. We grab hold of what we need, to feel a part of something. But negativity has a cost- it is more expensive in the long run. For when we throw stones at someone else- we forget others are throwing some at us too. We have to clean up the mess of publicized negativity.  

Everyone is judged. Everyone has a persona they are trying to maintain. Negativity attracts more negativity.

Anxiety and depression are a part of life. 

Everyone goes through them. 

Everyone struggles with them. 

Some bounce back quicker than others. But everyone has felt them. Yet, they seem like flaws. So, we try to hide them. But, when we face them- as mole hills and not mountains- we can combat them with a shovel rather than a Earth mover or plow. We need to accept that perfection doesn't exist. Every situation has its rough edges. Everyone needs a little adjustment, pivot, and shuffle now and then.

I say there needs to be call for honesty. 

For conversation. 

For acceptance and warmth. 

If we can talk about our struggles, someone will hear. Someone who needs to hear they are not alone- will hear. I know I write about it- others podcast, write and blog about it too. There is a camaraderie of those of us who struggle. We need to keep sharing. We need to keep honest. We need to share our stories. 

For the opposite of perfection is not failure or a flawed existence- it is growth, movement, innovation and creativity. It is the opposite of finality- because we know the road is still unfolding. That my friends is hope.

The Bond of Teacher and Parent #51

As a parent I was hands-on. I met with teachers, talked to them- got to know them. I saw the classroom and teaching preferences from a unique perspective. I did not always agree with their methods, but I never talked bad about them to my children. I instilled in them a sense of respect for their teachers. I do not always see the same respect- students can be misguided, misbehaved and even mislead- but in their hearts they are good people. We just need to listen and guide.

Parents often do not understand our path- our struggles- the fact that their child is not our only student. That we are juggling many things in the air at the same time- and we are trying to keep everything level and progressing. We are doing our best and by forging relationships with teachers- we are strengthening the foundation on which their children are growing and learning.

The Bond That Strengthens

I wish that every parent and teacher knew that as educators, parents are our best allies. They know their child better than anyone: their personality, struggles, quirks and beautiful nuances. They entrust their children to us daily, they believe we will do what is best for their child and when we don’t do this, they are our harshest critic. I personally appreciate their feedback. Parents should hold teachers to a high standard. They should pay attention to their child’s education and learning atmosphere. Is it a community? Is it a safe haven? Do their children feel safe and eager to be in school?

Parents listen to teachers’ opinions, often following their lead, without doubt, because they understand that they have their child’s learning and growth at heart. They know a great teacher when they meet one. They ask other parents, who their children had as a teacher, because they want to be prepared for the upcoming year. Teachers and parents are collaborators, at least they should be. They each carry with them part of the treasure map. Together the two halves, lead us to the perfect semblance of discipline, guidance and love. When they communicate regularly, and believe in the value of each other’s input, parents and teachers create a world where learning is where it should be, at the center of classroom life. 

I wish parents knew that we value them, appreciate their input. I wish teachers knew that parents, even though at times are overbearing and aggressive, are just looking out for their child. If they did, students would unequivocally know, we are all on the same side. They have caring eyes on them at home and at school. That they can ask questions, ask for help and share with us their struggles and frustrations so we together, can better serve their needs. I wish as a student, my parents and teachers had this collaboration, maybe then my formative learning years would have been more fruitful. Parents are a teacher’s greatest ally. In the education of their child, a teacher is a parents’ greatest ally. But, only through purposeful, meaningful dialogue can true cooperation take place.

A Makerspace Place #50

 Why Have a Makerspace?

When we have a hankering for something to eat, we want not just cheesy potato skins, but a chicken wing and a deep fried something, to go with it- a sampler plate, pu pu platter, a tasting board. Or we want something simpler like a cracker and cheese plate with fruit. Our taste buds are not always satiated with something salty or savory. We need a smorgasbord of options, that is why restaurants offer menus, some more extensive than others, but always a variety of scrumptious options. 

This is our culinary makerspace, our palette of appetizers, main courses and desserts. It keeps eating exciting, offering an endless array of combinations. It allows our minds to get creative, to try new things, to build and construct a meal from scratch or to enjoy the masterpieces of others. Either way, this cornucopia of umami, bitter, sour, sweet and savory lets us choose what is delicious for us personally. It provides a tool cupboard, a pantry, for us to view and pull our spices and ingredients from. This way we can mix and match, add and blend, until we have masterfully cooked a delicious meal.

Classroom makerspaces need to be simple enough to be accessible and welcoming to every student- to big of a selection can be intimidating. But, too limiting can hinder creativity. A balance of recyclables, reusables and old and new items is what works best for my students. Some makerspaces are designed around crafts. Some are specific to technology and coding. While some are full of paper and art supplies, others are full of Lego and construction supplies. For our classroom makerspace, I have the basics: various styles of paper, crayons, paint and sparkly things, but I also have plastic bobbles, paper towel and toilet paper rolls, old CD’s, yarn, different cloth cut outs, pipe cleaners, playing cards, game pieces from old, game boards etc. Anything and everything.

How to Get Started?

The most important thing in designing and building a usable, extensive, yet welcoming makerspace is asking for donations. At the end of the summer, parents are cleaning out garages and backpacks and getting ready for the new school year. They have an avalanche of supplies bound for the garbage. You just need to spark their interest and they will, instead of dumping them in the trash, will put them in a box and deliver them to your classroom. They must come to open house and get their child’s schedule, locker etc. If they know you are building a cool learning space for their child, they will gather tons of supplies. They will volunteer to get rid of junk from their garage- they want it to find a home. All you need to do is ask. They will also bring in a lot of new supplies, parents are very generous when they know the purpose of why you are asking.

About two weeks before school, when rosters become available, I know they change a bit, but not too much at this point, I go in to our system and set up a mass email. I generally hate mass emails but, in this case, I make an exception. I send one per class. It is a welcome letter and an explanation of my student-centered classroom design. I give them an explanation of how our classroom makerspace is used and how every year it gets enhanced and supplied through donations- not of just new stuff but recyclables and junk. The only things not permitted in our makerspace are glass, sharp objects and non-dried food items. Everything else is welcome and it amazes me the variety of things that make their way to our makerspace.

Getting it Set Up

Generally, I have two long tables down the middle of the classroom, underneath the tables are various crates and containers and on top of the tables- bins of the more day to day materials. I like to combine materials and have students dig through the boxes for ideas. I rarely have everything out at the same time- I shift storage bins depending on the unit. It is like at home when I hide some of my 8-year old’s toys for a bit, then switch toy boxes every month or so, it keeps his interest. My students get excited when the blue creates, are now the red boxes etc. They begin to remember what supplies they are missing and look forward to being able to use them again- play-doh is one of these supplies. Students absolutely love play-doh, so if I do not make it ‘disappear’ they will hone in on that first.

A makerspace can be small and compact- an art supply nook in the corner of your classroom. It can be boxes of recyclables or it can be one long table down the middle of the room. I like the center of the room, accessible from both sides approach. This way they see the supplies daily and it continues to be a focal point in the learning environment. Since my classroom is student-centered, they use it just about every day to make quick demos, design visual representations of body systems and to even design Rube Goldberg machines at the end of the year. They can use it to tinker and design during combinatory play or to get ideas on how they want to teach a concept to the class, it is not a free for all- they use it for my class only- but it is accessible always.

Here is a list to get you started- the basics of any makerspace. But the organic and natural design will fluctuate and change as more supplies arrive. It is awesome when you ask for just about anything- what you will get. The crazier the supply, the more creative students will become. One last thing, you should have volunteers/helpers set up in each class, to help reorganize and keep it clean. Students need to put things back and clean up every day, but if you have helpers, it will never get to unorganized and messy. I am a neat freak and it took me awhile to get comfortable with the messy aspect of a makerspace, but it is important that it feels and appears to be a place used and loved, not a pristine place they are reluctant to utilize.

Please check out several of my earlier posts about makerspace activities we have done in my classroom, for more ideas.

                                                                  Basic Makerspace Supplies

•      Toothpicks       • Card stock

•      Straws •  Toilet paper rolls

•      Craft sticks      •  Paper towel rolls

•      Pipe cleaners •  Sponges

•      Q-tips   •  CDs

•      Spaghetti   •  Rubber bands

•      Plastic silverware       • Paperclips

•      Paper plates/bowls   •  Scotch tape

•      Small cups       •  Duct tape

•      Coffee filters   •  Masking tape

•      Aluminum foil       •  Cardboard

•      Plastic wrap    •  Beads and sparkles

•      String    •  tissue paper

•      Yarn      •  Play dough

•      Playing cards •  Crayons and markers

•      Index cards     •  Foam balls

•      Scrap paper     •  Lego bricks

Finding Meaning in Education #45

I read an article today on meaningful work. The vagueness on what that means and what most people feel is meaningful work. It did not discuss education specifically but I see the parallels. The article "What is Meaningful Work" by Joe Keohane -sparked an interest in me. It sparked something- reminded me as to why education can be meaningful for many of us, but for some, it causes them to lose their passion and inspiration for it. 

What is so powerful about education that many of us enter and stay for our careers- we dig in and dive deep and find inspiration and longevity?

Meaning is personal, what fulfills us, challenges us, keeps us interested and goal oriented- is a uniqueness to each and every one of us. Education holds a meaning unlike many other professions- it creates a drive and endurance, that is ingrained in us educators- not to say other professions don't do the same thing- just that education is a profession a "calling" that is not lucrative, so money is not a lure- it is often lonely and isolating- not a draw, and it requires patience, thick skin and passion. 

For if you lose any of these- you tend to veer away from it. It is a constant balancing act- equilibrium is nonexistent- for we can not control the ebbs and flows of student behavior, student interest, and the forces of administration and policy. We are trapeze artists trying to hold tight to the trapeze, all the while watching the audience to try to keep their gaze. We climb up the ladder, willingly, we depart and swing to the highbar- knowing that we might miss and fall. But, we keep doing it- knowing that most days we will land safely on the goalpost.

So is that commitment meaning?

As the article explains, hunter-gatherers found meaning in supporting and protecting their families. The Industrial Revolution changed the meaningfulness of artisans and building something from beginning to end- feeling a deep connection to the engineering and artistry of capitalism, into a more productive, efficient and assembly line version of it. Workers lost their meaning, their connection to the work. 

But in education- when did that happen? When did we become so politicized and downtrodden? When did politicians and lobbyists and voices of discontent enter our realm- most of whom have never stood in a classroom, taught, or even understand classroom dynamics- and take over the narrative?

When did many educators lose hope, lose passion, lose the momentum to work through this turmoil that has besieged us? 

Last week I counted many Tweets about- last days, early retirement, and leaving from frustration- from educators around the globe. It saddened me. It made me wonder what happened- how was the meaning and inspiration was drained from their classrooms. I can empathize. I can count many times these last two years I have thought about retiring early, leaving the field from frustration and making tomorrow my last day. But, deep inside of me, there is a harmony, a rhythm, a calling very much alive.

We are all asking ourselves these days: Why am I doing this? 

For many when we can not find our calling, our heartfelt connection- we walk away. Philosophers call the hope and inspiration we find in our professional lives 'a will to meaning.' This will, we feel deeply as educators, as I have mentioned- it is why we overlook the negatives. We latch on to the positives because we seek reinforcements to our outlook. We want to be here, we need this, for it is a part of us. But, lately we have all felt the tether weakening. The slack causing us to toggle a bit more, to struggle a bit more. But, for most of us, we are not giving up, we are digging in our heals deeper.

Just because some educators make the right choice for them- for some it is to leave the profession. Does NOT mean we all feel this way. Most of us are full-throttle ahead. We are engaged and finding meaning in our careers as educators.

Meaningful work is a powerful thing. It keeps us aware of the negative, but focused on the positive. It keeps us seeking and learning and growing. Psychologists have discovered that when we engage in meaningful work, we are more productive, we receive more positive feedback and we "act as better ambassadors for our organizations (What is Meaningful Work" by Joe Keohane). This was an eye opener for me. Not only does this apply to educators, it also applies to students. When we allow them to find meaning -they engage and they dedicate themselves into the content and tasks, and thus receive positive feedback/better grades. Thus, a positive feedback loop.

When educators are engaged and inspired, they give it their all, and thus receive better yearly reviews and we are more likely to be proactive about developing our skills. We are less likely to feel burnt out and isolated because we engage with others and seek out learning experiences. Is this meaning? Is this commitment to our craft meaning? So does engagement add meaning or does meaning add engagement? 

Sometimes, we as educators, fall victim to the pressures of it. As the writer Mark Slouka says, we become part of the "Church of Work." That organizations expect us to sacrifice other sources of meaning and engage fully in the realm of the organization. Family, friends, hobbies, etc.- we must fall out of balance, because the expectations of the job, require us to let go of our personal lives. Does this ever happen to you? It feels in education to be an unspoken expectation sometimes- but as educators we place this on ourselves- because we feel guilty if we don't engage fully into our meaning of education. But we have to let go sometimes- we have to take care of ourselves. 

Since Covid appeared, many educators are stepping back, are finding meaning in more than education, are letting go a bit. The guilt of doing this can feel like you are losing meaning. But in actuality, stepping away and taking care of your mental and physical health, will reignite your meaning. It will allow you to find more balance and positive emotions, and this is what is happening to me. I am finding meaning in many things and this only heightens my meaning in education. I no longer am on one knee at the altar of education- I am standing tall and seeing all aspects of it clearly. And, even with all of the negativity being launched at education, I find myself  more committed, engaged, and full of more meaning. I am remembering my why. Why am I doing this?

Hackman and Oldman tell us, that when your work has a clear purpose in the world, there is a task identity (we follow a whole task from start to finish), and autonomy- we are more likely to find it meaningful. It makes sense to us as educators- teaching I feel has these three characteristics and for me it has meaning. 

We have opportunities to shine, to show our full potential- if we accept the challenge. I find value in what I am doing- educating children has meaning for me. I share the principles with other educators, I stay connected with others and I reflect on my skills and growth. This brings me meaning.

Catherine Bailey from King's College London and Adrian Madden from NYU, boiled meaningful work down to 5 characteristics- they feel work is self-transcendent to workers (for me educators) if:

1- it matters to others, not just themselves

2- it inspires a wide range of emotions- not just happiness

3- it is episodic- meaning it may not always feel meaningful

4- it is retrospective, it might not register as meaningful until after the fact

5- it is not confined to a workspace (classroom) is intertwined with one's own life, values and experiences.

This my friends is the essence, the magical ebb and flow of education. It is both emotionally charged and emotionally fulfilling. It is both individualistically meaningful and social. It gets expressed in a larger audience and it embraces the smaller moments. Meaning is personal, we grasp for it sometimes, and other times it finds us. Education is a field tumultuous these days but if you slow down, even pause and listen- you will hear meaning in the laughter and conversations of your students. 

We are living in what Bailey and Madden call a "meaningfulness ecosystem." This ecosystem I will describe as- a school vibe, an energy we create in our buildings and classrooms. They say this ecosystem includes four elements:

1- the need to understand the schools values and objectives

2- the need to understand the purpose of education in the broader sense

3- the need to understand why specific tasks matter

4- the need to have supportive relationships and meaningful interactions

If we do not feel these things, we can feel lost and disconnected. We can lose sight of our meaning.

I have written their characteristics, in an educational context. For me this is all apart of my meaning. Why education is meaningful to me. Sometimes; I struggle. I get frustrated and lose sight of my why, my meaning. I write a lot, I reflect a lot, I find meaning in my stress. For the stress is another layer of this profession. I fail and hide. I fail and get back up. I feel isolated and alone. I feel undervalued and ignored. I feel attacked and misunderstood- as do we all. But, ultimately I feel meaning. I know I have value and that my role as an educator changes lives. Inspires people. It has meaning.

But the field of education has become a bully pulpit for many who need a reason to snip the rope and allow others to fall. We might feel like there is no net below our trapeze but there is- it is connection. With Twitter, Facebook, Instagram- whatever social media you prefer. It is with colleagues in our building. It is with blog posts and articles- books and conferences. It is with chats and slow chats and just Tweets going out into the universe from educators who find meaning in this profession we call education.

So find your meaning. Try to find the answer to Why am I doing this? I hope it is because you have a connection and meaninging to what you do. That you love it.

Let your negativity linger and then tear it apart with optimism. We can not be happy all the time- or even positive every moment of the day. 

Our jobs are crazy- a crazy no one else understands, or has the right to ridicule. So reach out to others who you know are in it for the long haul. That have experienced the emotional roller-coaster and trapeze swing- and have grappled with their meaning, but find the deep rhythm, harmony, lure and attraction of classroom existence. 

We are here. So don't give up, we got you.

The New Technology Overload #44

 Like most educators, I too have been learning a lot of new strategies, tools, and applications. I just jumped into the deep end and took courses on every App or tech you can imagine. Then I read through my handy-dandy notebook (I am a fierce note-taker) and studied. This was even before we were told a few days a go of our three-week virtual beginning to our school year.

I am a err on the side of caution person. Even if I do not end up needing it- I investigate it. I take a quick glance, decide quickly it is not for me, or my interest gets peaked and I settle in for an hour or two in a course. I have done a lot of both since March, let me tell you. Then, I had overflowing pages and a bit of anxiety as I realized- I had so many options- where to go from here.

So, I prioritized, I wrote some 5E lessons incorporating some of the technology- I tweaked, adjusted, and reformatted. After that, I realized something. Not every App is for me. Some are clunky. Some do not integrate with Canvas LMS, our district on-line learning platform. Some are not purposeful, fun maybe a bit engaging, but not productive.

They started falling of my list one by one. I honed it down to those that met these requirements:

1- Easy for me to use

2-Easy for my students to use

3-Offered a free, useful version (or my district purchased)

4-Versatile

5-Allows students to create, display and share their work (video or audio)

6-Connects to science, mindfulness or SEL (curriculum)

7-Allows students to build folders, portfolios, or pages of their work

8-It did not merely replace an app/tool I already used- but its enhanced learning, it offered something creative and new that students could not find somewhere else

9-Integrates with Canvas LMS (or compliments it, if it doesn't)
10-If Canvas offered something similar (I chose Canvas, it is already built into student access)

So, I set out with this list and visited all of the apps and on-line tools I discovered and jotted down information about over the summer. I guess it all comes down to three main things:

1-Personal Comfort Level- choice

2- What you need from the app- purpose

3-Accessibility - ease of use and access

So, I set out with a list of tools and apps and started eliminating them. Some had great free versions but to go premium was expensive and well, not worth it. Many of the tools were similar in function and purpose. Some had free versions that were great but hard to maneuver through- you had to read a to do brochure before it made sense. I eliminated those easily.

I am a simple and sophisticated app lover. I love bells and whistles, if they are worthwhile and easy to use. I love options. Lots of ways to change and edit information. Add pictures, music, videos with ease. Share with my students easily. Once I find it hard to create within its borders- I tune out. I know my students will too. These days of virtual learning- simple is best.

Here are my favorites- the ones I will be incorporating into my virtual classroom and then into my classroom routine. Again, this is based on my preference: I am not a super tech savvy person. I prefer digits over digital- but technology is here to stay and thus- I must acquire and utilize it in my classroom. If you are an expert at all thing’s technology, I am sure your preferences are different from mine.

FlipGrid- Why I love FlipGrid? I love the ease of setting up classroom grids. I love that you can easily duplicate grids, so you can copy and paste them into other classes. I love that you can add podcasts, videos, selfies etc. It is easy to use and it feels comfortable. Nothing scary about it. 

I think the Mix Tapes creation is so cool- a fun way to share student work. I love the Disco Library of other FlipGrids you can import and edit. I know there are other apps/tools that do the same thing for the most part- but I tried them. I prefer FlipGrid for its ease; Get the link, share the link and students can work through your grid without confusion.

Bulb- There are many on-line portfolio creation apps. To minimize printing and folders in my classroom, I am converting to student virtual portfolios. Bulb has a lot of options, easy to use and easily accessible.

Why I love Bulb? I must admit having it integrated into Canvas LMS was the icing on the cake. But the design is awesome too. Easy to add files. Simple instructions and students can edit and make their portfolio very personal and unique. Plus, all of their courses will be present on one screen and as teachers we can see their portfolios for all of their classes.

This allows me to see if any challenges a student might be having in my class, are similar to those they are facing in other classes. Just another way to help make sure I can help my students succeed.

Remind- Yes, Canvas LMS had announcements. Yes, there is email, phone calls. But I have been using REMIND for years. I absolutely rely on it for Quiz Bowl as well as my classes. There were three things I hated about the previous version though:

1-Uploading documents

2-Word count

3-Class size allowed

Uploading documents did not always work. Plus, it counted into your word allotment and so I was constantly having to send multiple messages. It is annoying to hear multiple pings. I know, every time someone responds I heard a ping. You can mute the ping, but often I was waiting for a quick response.

The word count was low, and I never could quite get what I wanted to say out in one post. Now it is extended, and I am not sure I could ever fill it. Plus, its easy to upload pictures and documents attached to the post. Plus, now I am not limited to just 100 students total. I can have multiple classes, with 30 + in each.

I use REMIND because parents sign up as well as students. It is on their phones, so they do not have to check email, voicemail, or Canvas for messages. Parents love to get a quick reminder as much as students do. I keep it purposeful and productive. But, for Quiz Bowl I use it to check in with teams and let parents know schedule changes etc. It is a fantastic tool.

Zoom- We all know Zoom. I did not used to love Zoom. In fact, in March when all of our virtual learning began, I refused to use it. It felt unwieldy, complicated in the sense of too many faces (Brady Bunch style) and too many ways for kids to get off task. Not until I taught an Elementary STEM and a Junior High STEM camp over the summer- did I learn to appreciate its versatility.

Why I love Zoom now? Now I know how to use it. Share screen, mute voices, use it with other apps. I am so familiar with it now, as most students are- it makes sense to use what they know. Use it for quick lessons, then let them venture off to Canvas for FlipGrid and Bulb. A face-to-face aspect of learning. I will use it for 1-minute check-ins and mindfulness lessons.

Having said that….

Canvas LMS has a conference option much like Zoom. I may be using that more often because it signs students in with their school ID and name so there is better tracking capabilities. But if that is not working for some reason. Zoom will be my go-to group meeting place.

My favorite Science apps: Amoeba Sisters, Newsela, Gizmos, HHMI Interactive

My favorite mindfulness apps: Happify and Positive Psychology

I only have a few that I will be using in my classroom because, it is important to keep it consistent from day one- keep it simple and stream-lined, purposeful, and easy to use. These on-line tools: FlipGrid, Bulb, Remind and Zoom are the ones I find to match most of my criteria. You might prefer others. I just wanted to share; in case you needed some ideas.

Failure is Growth #42

 High five for walking towards what you are afraid of. Taking the next step on a path that was marred with an avalanche of doubt. Congratulations on not being deterred from what you felt might not work out as you planned. Be afraid of not doing- be not afraid of the outcome. The more you are brave- the more opportunities seem to appear before you. They find you after all.

I hope this week you manifested an idea. You saw a problem and decided to conquer it. You made the choice not to talk about the issue, not to add fire to the conflict, but to take action. You are amazing because you asked yourself- what can I do to work the problem? How can I network and organize an action plan.

You are a beautiful spirit, you live a true life, one in which you make positive choices. You are brutally honest with yourself: you reflect, you take stock in your situation, is it one of your choosing or can you change it? You are strong, motivated and resilient- you do not deny yourself the journey. When we look for the detour- our opportunities expand.

You are not in awe- you are awe. You are awe inspiring, every day you seek the new, the uninitiated moments of growth. You are daily unfolding yourself into a designation of your choosing- you have a sense of self both beautiful and inspiring. You let your flaws shine like battle scars. You are a mentor and a voice of reason.

Failure comes in small packages, a stumble, a skinned knee. You heal quickly from experience and vigor. Sometimes missteps become setbacks and collisions become wrecks. But you shrug off the damage- because you can see the damage repair. You look forward to knocking out the dents. It brings focus and calm.

This week what have you failed at? What situations did not go as planned? How did you bounce back? You pivoted and readjusted, didn't you? Of course you did- you are awesome. You believe in yourself and because of that- you shake, rattle and roll- and that makes life exciting.

Another Live Audience #41

 Some days you wake up and it all seems like one giant comedy sketch. A replay of previous shenanigans. A slightly different script but the same ol’ punch line. It feels like there is a laugh-track following me around. The snickers and cackles bellowing out as I read the news. Loud applause as I try to fall asleep. It’s an endless ruckus.

The Ready for Primetime players, a wacky cast of characters seems to be in charge these days: making decisions, setting plans in motion no one wants. It’s the terrifying merge of dark comedy and absurdity. Slapstick behavior, irrational speech, people trying too hard to make the script work for them, anything for the laugh, acting for the words- not the other way around.

Stage directions keep the programming broadcasting, but the endless limerick of selfish minds is barely bringing the audience to attention. Distraction, disappointment, the sudden urge to dim the lights and empty the stage is raging. Yet, the show must go on. Scripts are being written like an assembly line of typewriters, click, click, clicking away into the void.

Every now and then a famous face will appear, great music, familiar themes, and actions. The audience refocuses, searching for the moment when something will be funny. Something will make the cost of admission worth it. But, the same ol’ characters, the same ol’ story, the same ol’ props and lighting. What is the purpose of a comedy sketch show if it isn’t funny?

Yet our tickets, they were not voluntary seating- they were mandatory. We are stuck on an instant replay setting and we must rewatch, relisten. Eyes trying so desperately to avert to normalcy. But the laugh track keeps playing and the lights keep rising, starting another sketch. We, always looking, hoping for a change of scenery, a new stage, a new setting.

Then we hear…. Live from ____________________ it’s _________________night. And the cycle begins again.

Zoom- Google Classroom- A Circumstance #40

Last spring, when we were thrust into asynchronous learning I was doubtful. I was scrambling to keep lessons coming at a quick pace- and using Zoom was not really a reliable option. Just finishing the year was my only focus. But now that I am in the new school year, submersed in a new virtual world and physical world- a synergy of digital and digits- Zoom provides a lot of inspiration. I am a convert.

I have heard the stories. We all have. Inappropriate behavior- background distractions. If we don't have out students all on screen, all the time, with us staring at them, all the time- something is going to go wrong. Words will be exchanged, cursing, behavior unbecoming- in other words chaos will ensue. But it all comes down to- as everything in the classroom does- it all comes down to behavior management. How you set up for the year, the routines, consequences, and the goals and mindset. 

I have great classroom management. Of all the things I need to work on as an educator- and there are plenty believe me- ironically technology- behavior management is not one of them. Mindfulness lessons and discussions, Character Strong lessons, community building, modeling respect and listening skills. These all help me day one, to set a tone- a flexible, somewhat liberal tone, encased in a shell of responsibility and respect. 

So venturing off into the world of Zoom breakout rooms was never a fear for me, because of what I worried my students would do. It was a hesitation that stemmed from me not feeling I could set up rooms fast enough, move from room to room with ease, and well just plain old digital phobia. But, I set my main goal this year to overcome my digital phobia and dive deeper into purposeful technology. Zoom breakout rooms, being the first on a list of many.

So I found ways to set Zoom breakout rooms up while my virtual students are completing a sci-starter. You need a seamless transition. Also, by discussing very specific directions and guidelines- very clear assignments, I set the pace and tone. But assigning facilitators (responsible and kind classmates) and making sure that everyone is given a role, a responsibility and a timeframe in which to achieve their assignment- is key. It is all about the pacing. It is all about the questions asked- the format (for me generally Google Docs) and collaboration.

I have been using them a lot these days. The same groups for a few weeks, to make sure they feel comfortable with one another. But next quarter I will change the groups. I feel it is important to give them time to build a rapport. Things go so much more smoothly now, as they have the trust and respect engrained in their conversations. I bounce between them on mute- just listening. It is wonderful to feel the trust and let them experience the freedom.

Breakout rooms need to be monitored frequently. They need to be headed by a student facilitator. They need to be purposeful and meaningful- used for conversation, completion and collaboration. I am so relieved that I have a forum, in which my small groups, on-line can experience the same collaborative groups we do in my classroom. But, it all started with behavior management. With modeling mindfulness and talking about respect and kindness. 

Above all else, it started by- creating a community where voices overlap and laughter gets loud- but ultimately in the end- assignments get completed and learning happens. Learning is personal. But it is a giant web of interconnected sources and references, opinions and breakthroughs, conversations and camaraderie- and this can all happen on Zoom, as much as it happens in a brick and mortar classroom- we just have to believe and trust. 

The modeling is the clay, the sculpture comes from accidental pressure and a deliberate, slick gouge and pinch. The statue- both a beautiful reminder of the struggle and inspiration of that initial blob. That first feel of the clay. That clay, it is us- the statue- that is all them.

 

The Fibrousness of Education #39

  The Fibrous Nature of Things

To peel or not to peel, that is the question. To remove the fibrous layer or to let the coarse, pulpy skin help the produce, keep its shape and firmness, as it bakes. It may be the inside of the pie, the woody, wiry, mantle of deliciousness, yet it is the star. Thickness matters. Flavor matters. Tartness and consistency matters. A bark-like skin, will be tough and inedible. But, a thin, sweet dermis, will bring forth the juicy, liquid of nature. As it oozes out, it creates a semblance, of freshness and time. It requires the season, to mature and ripen. Only a moment to enjoy its nectar.

If the fruit loses its texture, the filling will be soft and mushy. If the crust does not have enough fat content, if it was not rolled our properly, it will not be flaky and buttery. It will be dry and crumbly. Flavor and taste, both emerge when the details are emphasized. When patience is given to the ingredients, the process and the assembly, perfection is more likely. When forethought and expertise, are used to develop and bake a beautiful crust, you feel it. The pie becomes more than a treat. It is true mastery. For the crust, holds everything together. Some may use a simple mixture, that tears and thins. While others, with care and love, layer and soften the edges, until the perfect groundwork, is in place. This framework, the golden, fragrant, memory everyone has, of grandma's kitchen.

Technique Matters

If the right apple is picked and the right technique is utilized to prepare it, the innards will taste amazing. If the crust is handled with composure, a foolproof pie, will be fashioned. Dessert is a gift, an ending to a worth-while meal. It is not more important than the feast, yet, it is missed, if it is absent. It is a compliment, a confection, a last course, of a needed festive spread. A meal is an experience, whether with family around the table, or a brief snack between tasks. We all require sustenance. We all desire a delicious, well-balanced, tasty refreshment. We revel in the beauty of food. We look for that second, where the sweetness meets the crispness. We seek the moment where, savory meets crunchy goodness. The balance of texture and flavor. We desire a merging of the understanding of the process and the appreciation of the effort. This makes it more meaningful.

Pie, like other pastries, requires a level of skill and ability. The first attempt, usually ends up in a fractured mess, albeit a tasty one. A broken crust, holds within it, a mixture still luscious and syrupy. But, as with all dedicated bakers, the crust is more than a covering. It is the schema on which the harvest lies. It is the shell, under which, the crop merges, into a treat, unlike no other. It is vented, to release the steam, to keep the integrity, of the floury fabric. The pie is nothing without the crusty, flaky, buttery layer that binds it all together. Sweetness meets crispness, under the blanket of kneaded and rolled sublimity. Fruit and wheat combine into a complete carnival of subsistence.

Expertise is Homemade

As with all bakers, there is a love of the ingredients. A passion for the ability to take various products and ideas and create something, people will love to eat. Educators, like the great chefs of the world, look to their experiences and locality to create the best frame of reference for learning, for their students. Each with their own skill set and mindset building and designing, the glorious meal of growth and sustenance. Whether a homemade pie or a handcrafted lesson, both bring nourishment and livelihood, to those around them. Both requiring tools of the trade. Whether a fork or a pencil, a plate or a desk, each requires the desire to use them. Are you hungry? Let's eat.

Hugs and Hidden Faces #33

 I know we can't hug. We are sending virtual hugs. We are smiling behind masks. We 'air' fist bump. The connection we have with one another is dwindling. I am a personal space person- I protect my personal space. But, not having the chance to hug students that want a hug. Not really being able to understand the muffled dialogue behind a mask. The visual sensation of a dimple or beautiful smile. Something is missing.

The world seems now like some kind of dystopia movie. The ones where everyone is dressed in gray. Children play ball in the driveway without emotion, or sound (except the bouncing of the ball). It feels like an angry place, where those who choose not to follow the social norms have to be loud and destructive to be heard. That Big Brother, is struggling to keep the joy suppressed. We all feel a bit under the foot of constraints.

Try finding a hug. Try finding a white-teethed smile. Try finding a handshake or fist bump for that matter. Generally, non-professionally its been the hug. Except in school where hugs are commonplace. Now there is 6 foot distance, masked emotions that need to create a sense of community. No lockers to gather around. Only two in the bathroom at the same time. Staggered class changes. The community is being replaced with the gray dystopian feel of suppression.

Now there is good reason for this. I understand the why, the how, the when. It just feels sad to me. We need to make sure in schools that community building is still at the forefront of our minds. We will be looking at them through computer screens, some of us meeting our students for the first time on computer screens. So lets make that first impression count. Colorful backgrounds, animated personalities.

The hugs may never come. The smiles may be hidden, so we need to over-exaggerate our emotions a bit. It's going to feel weird but we need to find the H.U.G. The Human Universal Gestures. The new facial expressions that can show through from behind the mask. We will need to use our loud, clear voices to overcome the muffle. We will need to use our eyes more now. Grins are only loud when we use our eyes. 

So find your H.U.G and perfect it. Look in the mirror and practice. Animate on Zoom, let them see your smile a lot. Let them hear your voice, loud and clear. Remember when we meet them face to face those same expressions will need to come through. It is going to be a challenge- merging the virtual facial cues and the in person masked facial clues. That l is going to make all the difference. Cue to clues and we will do this with love, listening and language.