tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67509184083080787832024-03-13T20:13:21.046-07:00Ramblings from a Middle School TeacherAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-74000863404580994722017-06-25T13:09:00.000-07:002017-06-25T13:09:00.346-07:00What can I do? How reading can overpower a bully.Today I was compelled to write after reading a Facebook post about a young lady who committed suicide because she was bullied.<br />
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It ended, "In lieu of donations, be kind to another person."<br />
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In my heart I'm still hoping that it's a hypothetical situation. Someone who sees the writing on the wall for another person and wants to jolt the reader into action. <br />
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The action of being kind.<br />
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Unfortunately, the actions behind this story still happen. This leads me to wonder why? and what can I do?<br />
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As an educator, I am fully aware of bullying. It's the repetitive actions that cause others intentional pain where the aggressor has more power than the person receiving the actions. It's verbal, physical, cyber . . . and exclusion. It's done for many reasons -- and I've evidenced most of them. The most common three that I've experienced are listed below.<br />
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1. Jealousy -- wanting what someone else has, so you put the person "in his/her place." By tearing someone down, you belittle the skill in which they excel.<br />
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2. Insecurity/Fear -- a need to find a group to fit in and wondering if the group would accept you if you stood strong in your beliefs. Many who fit in this group become so self-absorbed in being accepted that others lose their "humanness."<br />
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3. Feeling pain -- some have such a deep pain inside them that they need to make sure others are in pain as well. I see this when someone who has been bullied turns on others when given the chance.<br />
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These categories put a blinder over the bully's eyes. Instead of seeing the person on the receiving end, they see their own internal motivation. This allows the person to disassociate with the other person and remove their "humanness." One perfect example was found in the<i> Diary of Anne Frank</i> when groups of people hated others because of religion -- or in <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> when race dictated how one was to be treated -- or in <i>Wonder</i> where a physical disability cause others to hate. This theme is explored throughout literature as well as real life. <br />
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Knowing this helps to figure out the root of the cause. <br />
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But it still stinks if you're on the receiving end of mean looks, whispered words, rubbing exclusion in another's face, isolating, targeting.<br />
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So what can I do to help?<br />
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In class we often discuss the concept that once you get to know someone's story it's hard to hate that character. We often look at the protagonist and antagonist through the same lens. <br />
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What has happened to this person to make him/her act this way? What provides the motivation behind the actions? Even if you don't "like" the character, understanding him often leads to a different perspective about that person.<br />
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We read a short story called "Clean Sweep" by Joan Bauer every year. At the beginning, the students identify with the fact that the protagonist doesn't like a "mean old lady" who happens to be her customer. They agree that the main character (Katie) should be put out by Mrs. Leonardo's behavior - until a simple action shifts their perception. Finding simple items -- a lace tablecloth and an old book -- in the attic lead to the sharing of a story. It was a story of loss and bitterness. Suddenly Katie doesn't see the mean, but she does see the lonely. She sees the treasure in Mrs. Leonardo because she learned her story which in turn helped Katie in her own struggles.<br />
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The fact is, we can have a similar discussion in many of the things we read. <br />
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You see, reading is powerful. It gives the reader a safe way to experience these actions without feeling too vulnerable. The act of reading gives insight into the thought patterns of others and uses imagination to fill in the gaps. It allows people an opportunity to explore motivation without looking at direct actions. It's part of why the teaching and reading of fiction is so important.<br />
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Until it's time to look in the mirror.<br />
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You see, everyone has a story, much like the ones we read about. Once we take time to listen and learn those stories, it's so much harder to hate. The blinders tend to lift. Enough people learn to step out and support others. <br />
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Not because they are forced to. It's because they see the human on the other end.<br />
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In conclusion, I contend that it's important to read and explore fiction. Ideally sharing the same experience (class novels, book groups, etc). Gives people a chance to share, explore, listen, and learn. It provides coping strategies, a common vocabulary, and a safe way to explore inwardly. <br />
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I teach 8th graders, and this works. There is a lot of growth by the end of the year. Kids figure out who they want to be, and how they want to be remembered in 20 years. Kids step up, speak out, and make a difference.<br />
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Try reading a book with this thought in mind, "It is hard to hate others when we learn their story." See what happens. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-1766736601154363662017-02-12T07:14:00.001-08:002017-02-12T07:14:51.494-08:00Competition<br />
I think I've started this blog one hundred times -- examined one hundred different perspectives -- considered one hundred different approaches, and it basically comes down to this.<br />
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How can we effectively use competition in a classroom to encourage student learning without leaving some behind?<br />
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Let's face it, we live in a competitive society. We place value on sporting events, ACT scores, music competitions and those with high performance get recognition. Children are encouraged earlier and earlier to make commitments to areas of specialty. It's not unusual to hear comments similar to "You can't make the baseball team unless you've played travel ball," or "We've got a special voice coach to help her train for these auditions."<br />
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This doesn't mean that a voice coach or travel program isn't appropriate, but what about those who don't have the natural ability or means to make those choices. Is the door closed? What about the later bloomers who choose a path on a different timetable?<br />
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And how does this look in a classroom?<br />
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As an educator, I have a lot of "tricks in my bag." I am constantly experimenting, writing, tweaking, and working to figure out ways to allow all students to find success and grow as learners. I work hours daily to figure out what motivates teenage humans and ignites a desire to learn.<br />
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And competition plays a part in it.<br />
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Though it doesn't really look like a typical competition.<br />
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You see, it's rarely about getting the right answer. It's always about the learning that goes into the answer. In a language arts classroom it's about the ability to think, evaluate, create, articulate, and share. It's about teaching ourselves, teaching each other, and learning from different perspectives. It's about growing -- and we all start at different points.<br />
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So what does competition look like in this situation?<br />
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A lot of times it's about setting goals and reaching them. For example, I have several students who excel at grammar in a certain class. As a teacher I target different grammatical aspects that are important when it comes to student writing. I know that these students are weak in sentence structure, these students need help with transitions, others need assistance with capitalization. All of these concepts will help them grow in communication through the written word. Other students have mastered these concepts and are learning about more complex construction when writing. It starts with setting a goal with each student.<br />
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The goal setting can be easy -- it begins with a handwritten note card or a click on a Google form explaining areas of strength and weakness. It continues with a glance at performance. Who has shown mastery (in class activities and writing) with these topics? How can they help others and still be challenged? Finally, groups are set and a challenge is issued.<br />
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Those who are working are not alone. They are working as a group to improve in an area. There are "masters" in the class who are available to help direct beyond the teacher. As a community we are all working to help each other be successful.<br />
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The conversations you hear as an educator are rich when this type of learning happens. You hear kids explaining, drawing on resources, and encouraging each other. You hear answers to the WHY this is a better answer, debates, and strong connections. You see a community that is working together to grow.<br />
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As I listen, I hear things like, "What is this question really asking you to do?" "Why is this evidence important? How does it prove your point?" "Can you read my paper aloud to me so I can hear the transition from your voice?"<br />
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Wow.<br />
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Of course I like to treat students along the way. We have "checks" where students (working on their set goal level) who are showing mastery get their name in a drawing. It becomes a fun conversation about potential. "Look at all of these names. Wow. Every one of them represents finding success. Pat yourself on the back." Then the name comes out, and I don't look at it. We relish the anticipation knowing that someone will win a bag of gummy bears or a full-sized chocolate bar. <br />
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Or there are the days when everyone is a winner -- and they all get something fun. I like to mix it up.<br />
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The key is in the scaffolding. Working on individual goals, setting up students for success, recognizing that everyone has a strength somewhere gives kids confidence. It helps them learn about learning together, finding success, and growing. <br />
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The reluctant learners get caught up in the enthusiasm. Often this is enough to help them want to find success. Occasionally it means that I have time to work individually with them to help meet goals (since we've identified and trained other "masters" of subjects to help while I'm working individually). Building those relationships can really affect student performance in a positive way.<br />
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So that's how I use competition in the classroom. I'd love to hear your thoughts, stories or successes in this area. I believe that sharing is an essential part of learning. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-78958992178873690502017-01-06T06:17:00.000-08:002017-01-06T06:17:34.749-08:00A word for 2017 -- authenticThat's my word for 2017.<br />
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I've tried out a few -- and this one fits. Therefore, it's the word I chose to concentrate on this year.<br />
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It's not a new concept. Being genuine is important to me. I see myself as someone you can count on, someone who tells the truth, someone who believes what I say and puts those words into practice. My goal is to be intentional and know the words I share are important - especially in my line of work. <br />
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Therefore I choose to be authentic -- true to my own personality, spirit, and character (definition from Merriam-Webster).<br />
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You might notice that it's been awhile since I've blogged. It was a hard year for me last year. Obstacles kept me away from my passions and forced me to look at things from different perspectives. I became more introspective and faced battles from within.<br />
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If I'm honest, I'm not sure I was the best "me" I could have been. Everything I had within me when to being the best teacher I could be (because it was my students only opportunity in their lives to have 8th grade English), being the best mom I could be (because I'm it for my own kids), and being a good wife (my husband deserves it). However, I'm not sure I was the best "me" for me. In many ways I just felt like I was surviving. <br />
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It was kind of like wearing a mask that covered me. On the outside I didn't look so different, but I was struggling on the inside facing "the beasts" that plagued me.<br />
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I don't regret last year. I don't lament my health issues. I don't wish it didn't happen. I don't think the obstacles were something to curse. <br />
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I see it as a time of growth. It was a time of honesty and reassessment. It was a time to look at what I was doing and decide if it was authentic - if it was genuine. Most importantly, I had to decide if it was true to me. Every experience helps to define the person you are.<br />
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Therefore 2017 is a year of being authentic.<br />
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I'm a better person for what I experienced in 2016. <br />
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I spent so much time convincing others that their words were valuable, that I forgot to see the value in my words. This year I pledge to find my way back to supporting that value. <br />
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My hope is that in 2018 I will say that I've accomplished some of the following:<br />
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* Finished writing my young adult novel (even if no one ever reads it, the story needs to be told).<br />
* Inspired students to believe in themselves and prepare them for high school.<br />
* Help my two oldest transition from high school to college.<br />
* Reawaken my love of exploration.<br />
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I hope that I'm seen as authentic - the good and the bad - and someone who is worthy of trust. <br />
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Wishing you all a good new year. You'll be hearing from me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-17851171357117794202015-08-02T14:23:00.000-07:002015-08-02T14:23:02.700-07:00The start of a new year - breaking the ice.Tomorrow is the official start of the 2015-2016 school year. Right now, at this unique moment, anything is possible this year -- all goals are within our grasp. With the right mindset, the potential is astounding.<br />
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There are many small things that I do during the first week of school that pave the way to our struggles and successes along the way. First, I believe that every child is important. Every opportunity is one from which we can learn. Second, I have to teach my students to believe in the same ideas.<br />
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Below is a quick snapshot of some of the things I do:<br />
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<strong>Pictures</strong><br />I always begin the year with pictures. I bring my digital camera, and work quickly through the room on one of the first three days to capture every student. I usually have them approve quickly and move on -- there are several ways I use these photos.<br />
1. A copy goes up on the bulletin board in the front of the room. After all, in our homes we keep pictures of our family, my school family deserve the same respect. Being a member of the class earns you family status. I add additional photos throughout the year, but kids are drawn to their pictures all year long. I love the conversations we have centered around the photos.<br />
2. The pictures are used to create flashcards for me. This helps me learn the name of each child and 1-2 important facts that I learn about them from the first three days. Not only does it build rapport when students realize that I care about the things they think are important, but it helps later in the year when I have a guest teacher. It gives the guest teacher an immediate visual. Most of them really appreciate it.<br />
3. A copy of the picture goes on our first project. All 8th grade ELA teachers have the students write an "I Am" poem about themselves. After instruction, they write an "Eloquent I Am" poem which has the same meaning, but none of the same words.<br />
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<strong>"I Am" Poem</strong><br />
As mentioned in the picture section, students are asked to write an "I Am" poem. Not only does this give me insight into who they are, but I get to see how they attack a challenge in the process. The students write their "Eloquent I Am" poems using the same ideas, but none of the same words. The use of creativity and a thesaurus really are important. Instead of a basketball player, one becomes a hoop loving athlete, a cheerleader becomes a spirit inducing crowd instigator, an avid video gamer becomes a world saving super hero. The key is to get them to have fun with words and to encourage kids to dig deeply.<br />
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*"I Am" Poems can also be used from a literary perspective later. Have students write them from different points of view in a piece and share with the class. It's simple but powerful.<br />
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<strong>"Spheres of Significance"</strong> (*modified from <em>Creative Confidence</em> by the Kelley Brothers)<br />
*First day activity<br />
Students are given a sheet of paper with 30 circles on it. They have 3-5 (up to you) minutes to come up with as many symbols as they can in the circles; however, each object must represent them. Minimal instructions are given, as this is just a way to garner ideas, get kids sharing, and learn about their personal approach to class assignments.<br />
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<strong>Post-it notes</strong><br />
There is something special about a handwritten note to a student. I send them via snail mail as well as in class. For many, it becomes a treasure because it's proof that you SEE them and what they are doing well. It is important because kids need to know that they matter. In a middle school classroom, there are many times when a child feels invisible. This is one way to counter that.<br />
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<strong>Meeting them at the door</strong><br />
It's important to greet every student every day. Again, I refer to the pictures the first few weeks of school and keep general notes to be intentional in my greeting. I note things like sports, books, siblings, being new to the area, etc. Sometimes it's a random connection, but those connections are important. Kids need to know that you see them, that they matter.<br />
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<strong>Differentiation Activity</strong><br />
Along the lines of 4 corners, I put up Expert, Pretty Solid, Intermediate, Novice signs in the corners. (I change the wording a little.) I have kids move around the room with different topics to allow them to get to know each other for their strengths (after all, everyone is an expert in something). Topics may include things like baking, video games, theater, individual sports, etc. The conversation we then have is that everyone in the room has strengths, and everyone (including me) has areas where we turn to others for help. This gives students who struggle in traditional academic subjects a chance to shine as an expert. Furthermore, what every child needs in the class is not equal. Therefore, sometimes it will look different. (For example, an expert football player would need different lessons to move forward than someone who doesn't know anything beyond the fact that football is a sport.) I take pictures to remind myself of the groups for future assignments. It helps me call on experts throughout the year. <br />
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<strong>Lunch</strong><br />
We have a duty-free lunch period of 25 (or so) minutes. During the first few weeks of school, I join students that I have in class in the cafeteria. We can talk about many things - and they start to understand that they are more important than a person sitting in a chair in my classroom.<br />
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<strong>Three Sentence Life Stories</strong><br />
Today I decided that I want to try a suggestion from #sunchat (specifically @mssackstein) of having them write a three sentence life story. Not only will it give me perspective on what is important to them, it will give us common ground to move forward in building relationships. Additionally, it will give a glimpse into writing ability. The potential here excites me as an educator.<br />
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I Smile . . . a lot. I laugh. I'm serious. I let kids see what is important to me. I let them see when I make mistakes. I listen. I correct quietly. Sometimes I dress up. I get dramatic. I tell students that they are important. I try to see different perspectives of each child sitting in the room. When one is struggling, I try to figure out what is motivating that struggle. <br />
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My goal at the end of every year to make every single student feel like he/she is my favorite. The truth is -- every one of them is. I will care -- forever.<br />
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I'd love for you to share your opening ideas and activities in the comments. Together we are stronger!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-33297713673673800262015-06-18T12:45:00.000-07:002015-06-18T12:45:19.522-07:00LaughterThank you to @MuellerHolly for opening up her blog every Thursday to link up our #spiritualjourney posts. I appreciate the offerings of everyone as it provides me a much needed dose of perspective. I'm grateful for all who link, write, read, and comment. It is from you that I learn and grow. <a href="http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/">http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Laughter. <br />
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I love the idea behind this simple topic. Laughter. The act of finding joy that bubbles inside you until it escapes for the world to see your pleasure. It is a sign of pure and moving emotion. <br />
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In Ecclesiastes 3, God reminds us that there is a season for laughter. <br />
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Eccl-3-1"><span class="chapternum">3 </span>For everything there is a season, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17361A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17361A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>a time for every matter under heaven:</span></div>
<div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Eccl-3-1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-ESV-17362"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>a time to be born, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17362B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17362B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>die;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-2">a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-ESV-17363"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>a time to kill, and a time to heal;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-3">a time to break down, and a time to build up;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-ESV-17364"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17364C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17364C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>weep, and a time to laugh;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-4">a time to mourn, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17364D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17364D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>dance;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-ESV-17365"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17365E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17365E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>cast away stones, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17365F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17365F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>gather stones together;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-5">a time to embrace, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17365G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17365G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>refrain from embracing;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-6" id="en-ESV-17366"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>a time to seek, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17366H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17366H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>lose;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-6">a time to keep, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17366I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17366I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>cast away;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-7" id="en-ESV-17367"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17367J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17367J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>tear, and a time to sew;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-7">a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17367K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17367K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>keep silence, and a time to speak;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-ESV-17368"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>a time to love, and a time to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17368L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17368L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>hate;</span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-8">a time for war, and a time for peace.</span></div>
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It's a verse that is probably familiar to all of us. There is a time for all things. The good and the bad. After all, if we don't have bad, how do we know when it's good? Without each other, it's not possible to define or understand either. They require knowledge to know they exist.<br />
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I've grappled with the idea of bad things happening to good people a lot lately. Why does this happen? Why is faith challenged? Why does laughter seem to come to others so easily when people who work hard and are faithful are filled with trials.<br />
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It's not fair, but it's in this basic challenge that it's answered. Your faith will be tested. Bad things will happen. There will be mountains upon which you'll climb, fall, stumble, get lost, go forward, grow, and eventually conquer only to find that you're in the middle of the range. <br />
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BUT God is good. He is walking beside us, encouraging, teaching, guiding. He teaches us that there is a time for all purposes. There is a time to grieve. There is a time to release. There is a time to surrender. There is a time for laughter.<br />
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It's through the choice. To choose God. To choose faith. To choose life.<br />
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It's worth it.<br />
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Hoping you find much today that brings you laughter -- Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-91973054768367093102015-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:002015-06-04T07:42:44.644-07:00Leaving a LegacyThanks to @MuellerHolly for creating a space for reflection on our spiritual journey each week. This week's topic came from @dashthebook about leaving a legacy. Feel free to read and enjoy our musings on Holly's blog (<a href="http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/">http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/</a>) - or join in on the fun. I'd love to read your reflections as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Leaving a legacy</span> - a gift left for generations to come. A story to be shared . . . such a neat concept. We all have our story, our gift to the future, but not all know exactly how it plays out.<br />
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For example, you have authors. We know the legacy of the heroes, villains, and ordinary people who walked the face of the Earth in biblical times. The fact that we know it thousands of years later makes me question my choice of the word "ordinary" at all. To me it's extraordinary that I have these stories that shape my life today to help me become the person I want to be.<br />
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Then there are musicians. Music feeds the soul in so many ways. The legacy they leave, their mark on the world, can impact for centuries to come. The memories become instant, almost a direct line to the heart. "Canon in D" -- my wedding; "I Will Survive" -- a friend's triumphant war cry in the face of cancer; "What Child is This?" -- my grandmother's church as a child with glorious trees and loving hands. <br />
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I could go on -- the artists, the athletes, the people who fought against evil. Their legacies are celebrated, beautiful, sometimes haunting. <br />
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But I'm just an ordinary person. I haven't finished a book (yet). I haven't composed a masterpiece (probably not in my skill set). I haven't painting anything that someone beyond my parents would appreciate. I'm just me. A believer. A wife. A mom. A friend. A teacher. Someone who can fade into the woodwork of life. <br />
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However, God doesn't let that happen. He is good. He provides. He answers prayers.<br />
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So when I start my day with, "God, let me be what You need today. Help me to do Your work." He answers. He moves in ways that I will never know - and when I start to doubt. When I question, "Is this what You want?", he nudges me.<br />
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As a teacher, I'm probably seen as an idealistic person. I believe that relationships with kids will move mountains. When those relationships are forged, kids begin to believe in the power of "What if . . . ". They begin to see possibilities that they never knew existed. They begin to trust. That trust is a powerful tool to help them engage in learning, though it's often not a quick process. I fall on my face at times, but I believe if I exhibit grace, grace will be given in return.<br />
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I was blessed by a former colleague (1993 - 1996) this week. We taught together in my hometown. I was green then -- just out of college and full of ideas. I really wasn't much older than my students -- 10 or 11 years. (In fact I'd taught many of them swim lessons, babysat, and knew their families socially from my elementary, middle, high school, and college years.) But I loved those kids.<br />
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I can still see them. Once a student enters the room, he/she enters my heart. It's kind of a messy thing -- caring -- it allows for failures, follies, and a million powerful moments. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was also one of the most rewarding.<br />
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I'm friends with a few on Facebook. I treasure seeing what they've done with their lives. I love seeing them embrace life as adults -- they are now teachers, professors, professional actors, bakers, designers, architects, parents, etc. They are doing things that were only dreams when they were in 7th grade.<br />
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Anyway, this week, my colleague shared a story with me:<br />
<em>Hi Amy. I had surgery on my Achilles' tendon Wednesday and saw several former WRMS students during the process. My post op nurse was a former student of yours named Kelly A......... She credits you with turning her life around. She was hanging with the wrong crowd. She stated that you cared more about her than she cared about her self. She and her mother are so grateful to you. Today she is a delightful, professional who took good care on me. I had to pass it on to you.</em><br />
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I cried. Of course I remember her. I can still see her as a 7th grader . . . and a lump of happiness sits in my throat. I'm honored by the gift of these words. A gift of the power of relationship in the classroom.<br />
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You see -- this is the legacy that I want to leave. It isn't really about me at all -- it's that I want to be open to Him and how He needs to use me as a person. <br />
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So my challenge to myself this year is to listen -- to continue to focus on the person He needs me to be. <br />
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That may be the greatest legacy of all -- <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-61986871360676932872015-05-28T04:48:00.000-07:002015-05-28T04:48:17.413-07:00A moment of silence.One of my favorite ways to start the day is with a moment of silence. I'm blessed that the state of Tennessee requires this, and I'm blessed by administrators who give the full minute every day.<br />
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I try to use the time wisely - to put aside all that needs to happen first thing in the morning - attendance, notes, reminders, greeting students - and to focus on having His blessing for the day. I pray for the students who walk the halls at the high school next door. I pray for the students who will sit in the chairs in my room throughout the day. I pray for the students who will sit there in years to come. I pray that He uses me as He needs me to help prepare my students for the lives they face.<br />
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It means a lot to me. They never know, but it always makes a difference. It makes my day, well, more. It gives me perspective, patience, and a sense of calm.<br />
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I can always tell when I allow the morning cacophony to crash throughout my brain. It's easy to be distracted by the world and its demands. But that time needs to remain focused. It needs to be an intentional training of the brain.<br />
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Silence. A time to focus on what I hold to be most important. Those things worth doing should be done well.<br />
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I begin the year in silence. Several weeks prior to school starting, I begin sitting and praying for the students who will occupy those seats for the next 200 days. I pray that I follow His lead in providing what the student needs. Whatever it may be -- that I help them on his/her path.<br />
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That doesn't mean I will always agree with that path . . . what is important is that He knows what that child needs far more than I do. It requires faith, trust, and a willingness to take turns leading, walking alongside, and following. He knows far more than I do; I am simply an instrument.<br />
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There are times throughout a year when a class needs refocusing. Again, the moment of silence . . . the moment of surrender to a greater purpose . . . the moment of letting go helps every single time. <br />
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I don't shout it from the mountain tops, though the conversation definitely lifts my mood. It doesn't need to be announced. Most never know how vital that moment is to me every day. After all, my job really shouldn't be focused on me. It should be focused on my students and their needs.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-61864053880527229362015-05-26T05:48:00.001-07:002015-05-26T05:49:50.121-07:00End of the year musingsWell, another end of the school year has come and gone . . . <br />
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The room is packed up tight, desks stacked in the corner, chairs tower over them. My workspace is wiped clean - no papers, no clips, no books scattered about. The plants are gone, the printer sits quietly in the corner. The cords are unplugged, the colorful messages packed away.<br />
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I dislike the end of the year. <br />
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It's not that I don't enjoy summer - I do. I love lazy mornings, having time to write, being with my kids. I love the pool, spur of the moment activities, seeing family. I love reading, thinking, dreaming, getting organized. I embrace this time every year. It's a time to see things with fresh eyes.<br />
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But I miss my students.<br />
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I was laughing the other day -- being a little dramatic as usual. In the office I was saying, "You give them to me for 200 days, tell me to care about them, encourage them, make them love reading, writing, and engaging in their learning; then you rip them from me and send them off to find their life." It was dramatic - done for effect - but in my heart, I miss them. <br />
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Sometimes I think a teacher may be the only person who really understands. Now I celebrate from afar - most are at the high school across the football fields and parking lots. I look at it every morning during our moment of silence and think of them before during back to the new ones in my charge. I hope that they will find successes through challenges; that they will love and engage in what they are learning; that they will carve out a unique life path that will fit.<br />
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I still miss them.<br />
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So the end of the year brings some sadness with it. It's a time of letting go and trusting. Trusting that the seeds were planted in fertile minds, trusting that lessons will echo, trusting that it's really not about what I did anyway. I was there to help, encourage, and care . . . but the hard work was done by the student. <br />
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So I step back. I smile. I face a new group and care - knowing that the end of the year will come again. It's worth it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-79510020345005902992015-03-06T07:32:00.001-08:002015-03-06T07:32:37.501-08:00Finding AdventureAdventure calls us. It lurks around the corner. It whispers in an ear. <br />
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Sometimes it's giant and yells at us through a megaphone. Other times it's quiet and sits waiting to be noticed. Then there is the adventure that nags at us, trying to engage, stop, and notice.<br />
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It's a gift that has been given to us. <br />
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Like all gifts, once given freely, it's up to us how we use it. <br />
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There are the obvious adventures -- such as moving across the country or changing careers. Those are the ones that always strengthen my relationship with God. I spend time with Him asking for his help, His direction, His will. He gives me cause to dance despite a different agenda from my own. I'm grateful for His presence in my life.<br />
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It's the quiet adventures that I don't want to miss. The beauty of snow falling in lazy, fat flakes across the frozen ground; the tiny, brave flower poking up from the crack in the sidewalk; the glory of spring buds and the glory of blazing color of the leaves in the fall. These are the moments that make my breath falter for a moment. The beauty of simple adventures catch me off guard; often they bring a tear to my eye, grateful for a glimpse beyond my own understanding. Adventures that often go unnoticed because we are tied up in our own plans.<br />
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This reminds me of our relationship with God. How many times does he put things in our path that we ignore because we are concentrating on our own agenda? Our own adventure? <br />
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Therefore, it is this exciting word that causes me to slow down. It causes me to turn to God and hear His will. It invigorates me to embrace Him.<br />
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I'll be honest -- sometimes the relinquishment of what I want scares me. It takes me out of control. It means that my hard work doesn't really matter. So I turn to Him, on my knees, humbled. <br />
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And I pray for His guidance through the best adventure of all -- a life lived to please Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-81300503425957883842015-02-19T18:34:00.000-08:002015-02-19T19:14:03.092-08:00DiveI've been thinking about the word dive for the last few days.<br />
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It takes me back to the summer when I was 13. That was the summer I started teaching swimming lessons. I remember one of my favorite lessons was to teach how to dive.<br />
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To teeter on the edge of the pool. Eyes on your stomach so your head would go in first. Hands clasped together over your head. Butterflies dancing in your stomach.<br />
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It takes a lot of trust to dive. Those first few attempts where you stand in position and jump in the pool. Or the inevitable face first flop because you wanted to see where you were going instead of tucking your chin. Then of course you have the belly flop where your fear causes you to pull back from position just in time to smack you from head to toe.<br />
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I remember looking into a child's eyes, asking for his trust, and leading him through the process. The feelings of uncertainty crossing his face, a momentary flitter of panic, a glimpse of peace.<br />
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Then the total eruption of happiness when the task was conquered.<br />
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I taught swimming lessons, swam competitively, and coached teams for over 13 years. I helped over 1,300 kids learn to dive. Each situation was a little different, but the basic process was the same.<br />
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Life is kind of like diving.<br />
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Most people want to know where they are going; they want control over their life. However, this often ends up with a smack in the face, or heading in a direction you were not intending. It's much easier to rely on our understanding of the world instead of trusting a God who can provide so much more than our human minds can comprehend.<br />
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I'll admit to belly flops. Time where my trust wavered, and I pulled back. They were painful; however, they helped me grow into the person that I'm intended to be. They helped to center me on what is most important; to trust, to believe, and to be the person He desires me to be. They taught me humility, humbled me, and forced me to my knees. <br />
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It's when I truly embrace the dive that I fly. It's not looking to the future; it's doing what I'm intended to do now. It's serving how God intends me to serve. After all, life really isn't about me. When I can understand that, I'm filled with peace and grace.<br />
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I often go back to my favorite scripture. It's the one that brings me peace when I have the most doubt. It's the one that keeps me from going in feet first or face planting in the water<br />
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11<br />
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With words like that, how can I not dive? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-7992569849684500172015-02-17T04:14:00.000-08:002015-02-20T11:56:29.559-08:00When do rules become more important than people?The day I became a mother, I became a better teacher. This is true for me. To say that you have to be a mother to be a good teacher would be a faulty statement. I was a good teacher prior to being a mom . . . it's just that I became better after I held my child in my arms for the first time.<br />
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It's a powerful type of love. It created a shift in my classroom from having the focus be on me and what I needed to accomplish to seeing what the children in my room needed to accomplish. Don't get me wrong, my classroom is usually well-organized chaos. It's a place where kids can contribute, be pushed to excel, and find their voice. Many leave the room with a visible shift toward a love of learning, a love of words, and the skills to face the future. Along the way, I've made many mistakes. I've discovered that the most important thing I can do is be honest with my students in these situations. As an adult I have to swallow my pride at times - simply because it's the right thing to do.<br />
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But this really isn't a story about me and my classroom. It's about being a mother.<br />
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Actually it's my son's story. My youngest is an amazing child. (*Disclaimer -- all of my children are amazing and unique children; this just happens to be about my youngest.) He's a cross between a skilled ninja and a giant teddy bear. His ability and vocabulary can rival most educated adults, and he has a passion for learning. He constantly asks questions - about words, vocabulary, life. He creates solutions to problems, builds crazy contraptions, and enjoys experiments. He sees the world in black and white, and he is willing to fight for justice. Sometimes I just watch him go about his day and wonder at the adult he will become. <br />
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Other times I worry because the world is sometimes hard for ninja-like giant teddy bears who see the world in black and white. <br />
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But let me step back. My youngest is a big kid for his age. At 11, he is the size of a small adult 5'5" and quickly growing out of his size 10 men's shoes. He reads voraciously, and prefers stories about the underdog - and llamas, he loves llamas, but that is a different story. When he's upset with his brothers, he writes parodies about life where the underdog is successful. One of his latest works is the story of the "Three Little Llamas," a parody of the classic three bear story. Needless to say the moral of the story was that doing a little research about life will result in a successful launch from your parents home -- instead of having a life of llama trauma or being relegated to the basement of your mother's house being addicted to video games and Cheetos. On the athletic front, he has found success in football. He loves his position at lineman, and he is willing to fight for position. In the off-season he does CrossFit. To say he loves CrossFit is not strong enough. At times he's frustrated because he's the youngest in his group, but he continues to work to be the best he can be. His strength continues to grow as he does.<br />
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I think he's pretty incredible. Of course over the years it hasn't always been easy for him. Having a vocabulary like his in a young body can cause friction in the wrong situation. Oftentimes his peers didn't understand him. Depending on the adult in charge, seeing the world's injustices could result in battles. Battles that left scars - probably on both ends. I can tell you stories about our path through elementary school. (As I write this, I think of the character of Scout. Most of his battles were epic, but one sided.) His story may be novel worthy. <br />
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As a teacher you've probably had a child like this in your class. Building a relationship with him will cause him to move mountains for you -- because he's found someone to trust. Or you can choose the other option - poke at him until he feels like a bear and comes out growling. Both options will affect the person he is destined to be.<br />
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Therefore, as his mother, I implore you to SEE the children sitting in your room, eating in your cafeteria, walking down the hallways as children. All weekend I've been struggling with something that happened last week in school. <br />
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My son has had an amazing year in school. Reunited with a teacher who cherishes his gifts, his questioning nature, his unique spin on life, he has grown in leaps and bounds. Over the last two years, things have calmed down, smoothed out some. His maturity is growing as well as understanding of others. He's learning to grow as a leader, take responsibility for his actions, and he's starting to love school again. It's been a process of a couple of years to get him here. To say that two years ago was rough would be an understatement. A year of poking the bear in school and out of school cause some eruptions. Some were his fault, others were not. As a parent, we worked together to take ownership of what he was doing wrong. We worked through his responsibility, and ways to survive the year. It took a year of healing and a few special teachers along the way to even make him want to walk through the door of the school.<br />
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Though that work was undone temporarily last week. It was a huge set-back. You see, in an assembly he was invited by his first grade teacher to go see a picture of him in her class. She said it made her smile, and permission was granted for him to go. After the assembly he went to her room, saw the picture, and was feeling like he was a king. It doesn't take much to show a child that he matters. <br />
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Walking back to his classroom, he wasn't running; he wasn't causing problems; he wasn't doing anything but walking down the hallway feeling special. That's when another fifth grade teacher called him out for being in the wrong space. She questioned his answer, that he had permission to be there and asked if either teacher would be willing to support his story. He said, "Yes. Ask them." Of course his back was to the wall at this point. Any positive feelings were crushed in the fists he had by his sides. Again, he was being accused of being wrong when he had done nothing to be wrong. This is a theme for him in this situation; one that has happened often enough in his school career to make it occasionally a truth. The act of being the child simply makes you the wrong person in the party.<br />
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Think about that for a moment. The act of being the child simply makes you the wrong person in the party. <br />
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The adult then asked his teacher if he had permission to be in the hallway. Of course, he did. <br />
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Her apology to him was along the lines of, "I'm sorry, but you're always doing bad things around here."<br />
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Yes, this one will hurt. This one will show him that adults will let him down. What lesson did she teach him? It wasn't one of compassion. It wasn't a positive learning experience. What she taught him was that some people have to have the last line. That adults are afraid of being wrong. That you don't get a chance to learn or change. That in school rules are more important than people.<br />
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No child is perfect. No adult is perfect. If you watch one long enough, you will see mistakes. You'll see a momentary disregard for rules. Sometimes you'll get caught.<br />
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As an adult, this is when one should apologize. The apology should be said with sincerity for their actions because the "but . . . " that isn't necessary. It's an opportunity to teach compassion. There is no need to turn a mistake back upon the child. To the child it becomes a lesson within itself; it's okay to be wrong as long as you work to make amends.<br />
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My child is expected to do this. <br />
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I go back to the beginning. Becoming a mother has made me a better teacher. It's opened my eyes to see each of my students as a child who is learning and growing. As an adult I've learned that sometimes I need to adjust my expectations to match the child - instead of the other way around. I've learned that relationships are key, that kids respond to sincerity. I feel fortunate that my child had his teacher there to decompress the situation immediately - to validate that he didn't do anything wrong. Bless her for just being there when he had been torn down.<br />
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After all, it's not really what you say that matters. In 20 years they'll probably forget specific lessons, either they will be ingrained in the reality of their life or a vague memory. They will remember, however, how you made them feel.<br />
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This shift in perception is an important one. I ask my students the following question often; "How do you want to be remembered in 20 years?" Then I encourage them to discover the path to be that person.<br />
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Think back to your memories of school. Don't let the opportunity to be a positive force escape your grasp. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-40499139977598521942015-01-21T19:13:00.000-08:002015-01-21T19:13:18.255-08:00A powerful lesson<br />
I taught Leonardo in 1998. I can still see him now. He was a cocky young Hispanic boy who defiantly sat in my 7th grade classroom. This was the first year that his father got a job at the canning factory near Rochester, MN, making it the first year that he was in the same school for the entire year. The normal track was to attend school in MN from September - October and return in April when the fields were ready to work again. To say his attendance was sporadic would be an understatement.<br />
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He came from a migrant family. The oldest child of six, Leo opened my eyes to many things. His mother deserted the family when he was in elementary school. His father worked hard, but there were so many things lacking. At the tender age of 12, Leo was a pseudo-parent.<br />
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In school he wore his tough façade proudly. So many people let him down. He was labeled as a troublemaker, a year older than everyone else in his class because he was held back. The system didn't hold a lot of hope for him. Other kids were a little scared of him. He had a sharp mouth, and quick fists.<br />
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It's easy to judge that, isn't it? It's easy to make assumptions about him and his future.<br />
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He sat in the back of the room and just watched me. I was young, energetic, and working hard to engage my students. I encouraged inquiry, discussion, and non-traditional projects. I sat on the floor, read aloud, and pushed my students to embrace learning. The first couple of weeks we circled each other - testing the waters, sometimes engaging in a quick jab, pulling back. <br />
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I'd never taught someone like Leo. He wasn't easy to engage. I let it get to me - being inflexible was my mistake. I remember arguing with him about joining us on the grass outside do participate in a class activity. He refused to sit. He told me I was stupid. He wanted to be sent to the office. I can still seem him standing proudly in the sunlight in his white pants, blue tucked in shirt. His eyes dared me to release him from the torture of being with my class.<br />
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But I still didn't really SEE him. I didn't SEE the white pants. I was too involved in what I wanted to listen to what HE was really saying.<br />
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Later that week I saw him driving across town. Yes, he was 13. <br />
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I met him at the door the next day. "What were you doing? You can't drive. Something could happen to you."<br />
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"Laundry," was his simple reply. "Someone had to do it. We don't have a machine." Something clicked. I remember asking him, "Is that why you didn't want to join us on the grass?"<br />
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He couldn't look at me. He just whispered, "yeah. Those were new pants." New didn't happen very often in his family.<br />
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Fortunately I listened to the words behind his simple "yeah". You see, his life experience was so vastly different from mine. So many pieces of the puzzle flew into place. At that point I apologized. I apologized for my insensitivity. To this day, I still feel like a heel. It wasn't that he didn't want to be a part of us, he just didn't want to ruin his hard work over the potential of a grass stain. <br />
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I'm not sure that anyone had ever apologized to him. His smile lit my heart. It was the shift in our relationship. <br />
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Leo was responsible for a new vision for me. This 13-year-old boy challenged me to put my money where my mouth is and truly see every child sitting in my room. It opened my eyes to the fact that life happens outside of my classroom that impact what happens in my classroom every single day. Leo gave me a large dose of flexibility that I've never forgotten.<br />
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I'm grateful every day for him. <br />
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Leo grew in leaps and bounds that year. He passed all of his classes, had one office referral (yes, it was the pants day), and closed the gap in reading comprehension and writing. He scoured poetry, found books that intrigued him enough to give them a shot, and learned to ask questions. He started to find his voice. He started to find his confidence. His classmates started to look at him differently. He emerged as a leader and kept others on task.<br />
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At the end of the year he wrote me a note:<br />
"Miss W taught me a lot this year. Sometimes she made me so mad that I wanted to poke a pin in her to make her pop, but mostly I just wished she was my mom."<br />
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Humbling, isn't it? <br />
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After that year I moved to the Twin Cities, then to Texas, Kansas, and now Tennessee. I spent a decade raising my own children, taught ELA to over 1,600 kids, and I lost track of Leo. For the first year or so I'd hear that he was doing well in high school, then I lost touch with my contacts in the district.<br />
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It's been 17 years since I met him. He's around the age of 30 now. <br />
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Through him I learned about the power of relationships, looking behind the façade, listening to the true words and insecurities that kids cannot voice. I learned about grace, found a new level of compassion, and focused less on my goals and more on what my students need. <br />
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He taught me to make sure that every child who sits in my classroom sees his worth, to make sure that child knows that someone cares, and to keep an extra snack in her cabinet for days when there wasn't enough lunch, or breakfast, or dinner. <br />
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He was a smart young man. <br />
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Thank you, Leo.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-52066449353465085282015-01-21T18:14:00.001-08:002015-01-21T19:17:22.142-08:00Fly"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.<br />
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When I was thinking about this weeks topic ~ FLY, I ran across this quote. It wasn't new to me, but for some reason I was able to look at it from a different angle. It stopped my aimless wandering through Twitter and spoke to me.<br />
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After all, isn't it the first step into the unknown that really gives us the ability to fly or reach beyond what is comfortable?<br />
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Because comfortable isn't exactly what life is about. Comfortable can breed an attitude of complacency. The definition of which is a person who is satisfied with himself. That is exactly what God doesn't intend for us -- He intends a life that is full of growth.<br />
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After all, He isn't finished with me yet.<br />
This is good. <br />
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It kind of sounds like I'm wishing for difficult times, doesn't it? I'm really NOT, because, well, I'm human. However, I can step back and see how it's during those difficult times when I embraced faith and kept trudging forward that I was allowed to reach heights that I never knew were possible.<br />
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Which teaches me a lesson within itself. It's when I cling to faith that I focus on what He wants and not me. It's when I trust Him that he shows me new ways.<br />
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His ways -- not mine.<br />
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At 20 I would have laughed at you if you told me that at my age I'd have four children, be teaching 8th grade, and living in Tennessee. My plan was to have my doctorate, be a college professor, and be a strong voice in the field of education.<br />
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Yet I'd be missing out on so much wonderful - the overall beauty of my family, the strength of my love, my passion for teaching the exact kids who sit in chairs in my room every day. I'd miss out on the beauty of the sunrise, the mystery of the fog that walks through the fields on my drive to work, the laughter of my daughter giggling with her friends at lunch. I'd miss out on being in the exact place, the exact spot that God intends for me to be. It is so much better than I imagined at 20.<br />
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I find it's so much easier to fly when I let go of my control and give it to God. The Father who has plans for me, who knows me, who loves me despite my shortcomings. <br />
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Therefore, it's with his help that I will use this year to fly. I want to serve as He needs me to serve. I want to listen. I want to learn.<br />
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Thank you, Michelle, for giving us this topic to contemplate. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-10931678175382751322015-01-14T18:35:00.000-08:002015-01-14T18:35:49.204-08:00ListenI'm not always good at listening. <br />
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I'm good at knowing what I want. I'm good at figuring out ways to explain it. I'm good at moving forward with what I think is best.<br />
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But listening sometimes takes a back seat -- yet it's one of the most important things I can do.<br />
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When I hear negative words - words that scream, "This is stupid. I hate this. Why are you torturing me?" it's easy to react. It's easy to fuel the fire, to belittle, to shift into outrage. As a human, it's a natural reaction to say, "Hey, you NEED this, so just do it."<br />
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However, if you listen instead of react, you can be surprised at what is really being said. "I don't know how to do this. I'm afraid of feeling stupid. I need you to show me that it's going to be okay."<br />
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That creates a vastly different scene. It causes a different outcome. It has the potential to change a future.<br />
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It's not always easy. In a society bent on doing more, being more, the quiet whisper of true words often is trampled. It is so easy to get caught up in it all. To worry, to rage, to do, to be, to rush, etc.<br />
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Therefore I need time to stop myself - to get centered with my relationship with God - to put things on an even keel again. To listen.<br />
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Because even though I try and figure things out for myself, what I can achieve alone is, well, nothing. It's material - temporary - fleeting. What I can achieve through God is so much more than I can ever imagine. <br />
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I don't pretend to understand why things happen. Horrible things do happen - to good people even. Instead I need to focus on listening to His will and reaching out with the skills that He has loaned me. I have to drag through the horrible with a focus on Him.<br />
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I will tell you this, it's always easier when it's with a listening ear. When I'm focused on what He needs me to hear, life is happier. It makes more sense. Even in the middle of the horrible, He gives me hope.<br />
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Of course I need to go through this process a few million times. I'm pretty slow.<br />
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So tomorrow I challenge myself to listen more - to hear the true words being said. I challenge myself to listen more -- to focus on others instead of myself. I challenge myself to listen to Him.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-30587774038987876972015-01-11T08:08:00.000-08:002015-01-11T08:08:21.897-08:00The beast behind the screen."Nobody likes you."<br />
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The words flickered across my phone screen. They sat there from an unknown number.<br />
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Ugly words, aren't they?<br />
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To me they say a lot about the speaker. The words were designed to hurt, tear down, make someone doubt her contributions in life. <br />
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As an adult, I can deal with that. I know that not everyone will like me, but I'm plenty secure enough in my own worth to laugh at this pathetic attempt to bring me down. <br />
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But it didn't stop there. You see, this wasn't intended for me at all -- it was intended for one of my children.<br />
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What does that do to our kids? During an age when social acceptance means so much, when they are navigating the world of figuring out their place, their style, their voice, how do we expect them to have the maturity to deal with nameless attacks? How do we give them the confidence to find their voice and know that words like are worthless?<br />
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Especially when the attacks that may be the reality of what they fear the most - that they have nothing to contribute.<br />
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We've all heard the adage - "Sticks and stones may break my bones . . . "<br />
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But words CAN hurt. Words have power.<br />
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Somehow I feel that with all of the benefits that social media brings to our table, it also invites a new kind of monster. It allows people to say or do things that they would never do in public. It allows a new kind of screen to hide behind.<br />
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I was witness to this on Twitter this week. Many nearby districts decided to cancel school because of extreme cold. Ours didn't. Now I like a good snow day as much as the next person. It a gift because all of the sudden a large load is lifted off of my plate and replaced with something unexpected. However, I also know that our superintendent will make his best call for the district. My voicing of the fact that I wanted to have an unexpected day off would do nothing to his decision. In fact, it was a little selfish on my part. <br />
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The pleas started early. When he told them that we would have school on time (actually we opened early to make sure no one was left out in the cold, busses were started early, etc.) it started to get ugly. It became a mob mentality - who could outdo the last post. The Twitter community was on fire - names were called, relationships were hurt.<br />
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As if bullying the superintendent would change his mind. It didn't. We had school. I had a great day with my students.<br />
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So how do we face the monster we are creating? The fact that people can "lose their filter" when it comes to posting something for all to read?<br />
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As an adult, my first responsibility is to look at my practices on-line. There is little I can do if I don't follow my own advice. Do I post things that are designed to hurt, designed to encourage ridicule, designed to make someone else feel "less than" me? If so, that has to change. After all, it is personal to someone. We all have moments that we don't want chronicled and broadcasted to the world. Instead I choose to encourage.<br />
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Even if it is a stranger - the stranger has important contributions to share with the world.<br />
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As a teacher, my responsibility is to teach my students about digital citizenship. What they post has the potential to be out there forever. They live in a world that is so different from the one I grew up in -- when I fell on my face in high school, only those around me saw it. Today it could be shared with the world - open to the comments of strangers who delight in judging behind their screens. Today students navigate pressures from many sources - a stupid decision can linger. This makes it more important than ever to examine consequences of on-line bullying.<br />
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After all, every student adds a unique contribution to the world. <br />
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As a parent, my responsibility is to help my child navigate on-line situations. Conversations are important. As much as kids may complain about talking about their day, keep having conversations. Listen. Then when something comes up, they have a place to go. Share books with them that deal with problems, read with them, discuss what you think the protagonist should have done in that situation. Love them. Remind them of this often. Share perspective - will this be important in 5 years? 10 years? Does this person mean something to you? From that point you can help your child see possible solutions/perspectives.<br />
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After all, your child is important to the world.<br />
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As a human it is my responsibility to remind myself that I cannot control the actions of others, I can only control my reactions to things. Therefore, I will choose to not post in anger, choose to post in a positive tone (as much as possible), choose to be respectful, and choose to be a source of joy. When make mistakes (and I will), I choose to apologize, choose to make amends, and choose to learn from those mistakes. The hardest part for me is this last one -- I choose to not give power to others through comments that are designed to hurt, belittle, or steal happiness.<br />
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Because I matter to the world as well.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-15416738831056882982015-01-04T13:52:00.002-08:002015-01-04T13:52:26.040-08:00The power of a single word.My students would probably roll their eyes at my opening.<br />
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Words are power.<br />
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I say it all the time. They have the power to heal, to love, to share, to encourage, to inspire, to contemplate. They also have the power to hurt, to cause destruction, to build walls, and to isolate. <br />
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Words are one of the most powerful tools - and weapons - that every human being has access to in life. <br />
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I love to savor words, the images they create, try them out in new ways, to play with them like the toys I had as a child - carefully. Intentionally. After all there are ones that cause lasting scars.<br />
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Therefore, my words are rarely chosen in haste. Last year I chose to focus on the word perspective. It changed a lot of things for me. Instead of giving in to the moment, I chose to look at things from a different angle, step back, allowing me the opportunity to find grace as well as celebrate joys. It allowed me to see an angry child from the perspective of having an uncertain home situation - perhaps a shift in family, a potential move, a job loss - and gave me the opportunity to change lives instead of insist on my way. Perspective provided many lessons along the way - it humbled me completely and allowed me to grow.<br />
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After all, we can choose to grow when we're humbled, or we can choose to stew. Personally, I don't think stewing gets you far in life -- instead it causes you to become overcooked and burn. (I know, it's a bad analogy . . . but it's the connotation in my mind.) This is another lesson perspective showed me. It's often a choice to grow.<br />
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I remember asking students, "I know you're devastated about ______ today (grade, friendship, etc.), but will it be important to you in ten years? twenty?" Often that helped them see it from a different angle; it diffused the situation. It provided calm. It soothed. It worked for me as well -- allowing me to focus on the areas of my life that were truly important.<br />
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Alas, it's 2015, and it's time for a new word -- one that may not seem as comfortable at first, one that will teach me. I've read so many blogs with great words -- intentional, inspirational, engage, listen, grow, etc. I've been toying with all of them in my mind. Each one has a unique and powerful statement. I will use them all. I look forward to seeing how each writer will change as a result of his/her word. How the power of those words will work both beauty and opportunity into the lives of the author and those he/she touches. <br />
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I wanted to be ALL the words - which sort of defeats the purpose of the activity. Therefore I kept searching in my heart. I prayed that the right word for me would pour from my fingertips.<br />
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It did.<br />
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This year my word will be spark. <br />
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I love it . . . <strong><em>spark</em></strong>.<br />
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You see, I have goals to spark within myself as well as to spark others to achieve new goals. I want this year to be less about me and more about how I can bring light to others. How the darkness can be extinguished through the power of positive words. <br />
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Like a candle, ignited by a single spark, can be shared to bring light to an entire room.<br />
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There are so many ideas behind the word - to encourage, to ignite, to inspire. I cannot wait to see what paths it will lead me down. <br />
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Because I'm confident there will be paths that I haven't traveled - bumpy, beautiful, scary, calming. <br />
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I'm confident that spark has many lessons to teach me. That it will provide new opportunities for teaching, learning, and growing. Lessons that will echo in the minds of both me and my students for years to come.<br />
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Yes, words are powerful. They should be savored and explored. <br />
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Happy 2015.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-70960301209441136702015-01-01T08:01:00.000-08:002015-01-01T08:01:08.411-08:00LightI'll be honest, I've had a hard time writing the last few weeks. I'm not sure I can really put my finger on why, other than I was struggling with being positive. I'd write words, erase, try again, erase, and walk away - not sure my ranting was productive in any way.<br />
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My family is doing well. We are full of love.<br />
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I believe I'm doing the work God intended for me. I love my students.<br />
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I have many friends who make me smile, laugh, wonder.<br />
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So why was I having this difficulty? This darkness that was making me bitter. I was accepting words designed to hurt. I was comparing and finding myself lacking. I was always thinking of the things I needed to do instead of focusing on what I was accomplishing.<br />
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All of those things make it hard to breathe sometimes.<br />
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Then today's spiritual journey topic crossed my Twitter feed. (Thank you Holly for providing such an awesome support system #spiritualjourney has really helped me keep my focus on what IS important.) Light.<br />
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Light - my first though was how do I think about light when I feel dark inside? What can I offer about light? <br />
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Then I thought about Christmas Eve -- one of my favorite moments is when the congregation takes a single light and passes it to others and brightens the entire room. The power of one single light to make a difference in the dark. <br />
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And I was humbled. Again. Deeply.<br />
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You see, that light lives in my heart. It's bright enough to banish the darkness -- overcome my feelings of inadequacy, the words and actions of others, my work compared to God's work. Once again, it was a subtle nudge from God to stop listening to the world and instead listen to Him.<br />
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I will never be perfect. <br />
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However, with my light, I will always be enough.<br />
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Happy New Year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-3922568223393210782014-12-04T04:59:00.002-08:002014-12-04T04:59:21.458-08:00A season of hopeI sit here on a quiet Sunday evening. Christmas music quietly dancing down the hallway, and I think. The quiet soothes my soul.<br />
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Here on the first week of Advent, God has given us HOPE to reflect on during the darkest season of the year. I don't think it's by accident. I think it's by design -- a week to reflect on the hope that He provides in my life.<br />
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It amazes me. The perfect plan.<br />
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I enjoy daily moments with God - devotionals trying to prepare my heart and soul for the gift He is about to bestow upon the world. The magnitude of this gift is beyond my comprehension, yet He loves me enough to remind me again. Being human, I need reminding.<br />
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To remind me that despite my failings, He loves me.<br />
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To remind me that I can't change the fact that He loves me.<br />
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To remind me that the most important gifts come through Him.<br />
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It's pretty awesome if you ask me. I love how He reaches in to my heart and strips it down to the very basics. It's effective. He is a God of love, grace, and generosity. He forgives. He never promised easy, but He did promise company. He walks with me when times are rough.<br />
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This is the time of year when I read again the story <em>Two from Galilee</em> by Marjorie Holmes. This simple piece of historical fiction helped me put advent in perspective. It helps me to walk in the shoes of a 14-year-old girl who the world struggles to believe. <br />
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It whispers to my soul - the doubts she faced, the doubts of others, the choice of faith. It opens my eyes to new possibilities. It educates me on the culture of the time in which Jesus was conceived. It allows me to read the scripture with greater awareness and insight. Through her words I can experience the hope that Mary felt when few in the world understood.<br />
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How often do we feel that no one understand? That our situation is hopeless? That the world is against us? A little perspective allows us to see that with God nothing is hopeless. The very existence of His son is hope. He does amazing things. Let Him.<br />
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It's the season of Advent. The season of hope. It's knowing you're not alone. You are loved.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-25399269589966212692014-11-24T08:57:00.000-08:002014-11-24T08:57:03.285-08:00GratitudeI remember a Facebook program a few years ago that ranked the top ten words you used in your posts. Once it caught on, I remember scanning list after list and thinking about how the words matched with the friends I knew in life and their words on-line.<br />
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I don't remember my list. I just remember looking at it and wondering if that was REALLY how I wanted the world to see me. Are those the words that I wanted people to remember about me? They weren't bad -- I'd remember that -- they just weren't intentional.<br />
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It was a gentle reminder to be intentional in how you treat others.<br />
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November is a month in which we hear the word gratitude a lot. It's important to shift the focus from ourselves - our dreams, wants, and desires, and to focus on what is real and what is a gift in our life. For the last few years I posted daily what I was thankful for. It allowed me to think about the small details -- from my garbage disposal to my family to my personal walk with God. It gave me a new perspective on what I wanted.<br />
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I didn't write it publically this year. Naysayers got to me - I admit it. There were eye-rolling at the thankful posts, comments about how no one wants to hear what you're grateful for, the jokes poking fun. I'm not sure why I let it affect me so -- but my list became personal and private this year.<br />
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Because at the end of the day, I do want to keep my attitude on others and show them that I'm grateful that they walk with me - even when our walks may be at a difference cadence. <br />
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I think that has been my struggle this fall. The volume of others has affected my voice. I'm working on that. <br />
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Therefore --<br />
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1. I'm grateful for God. For His son who loves me despite the fact that I make mistakes. For the amazing miracles He performs. For the times when He says yes and times when He says no. I'm grateful that he gives me the opportunity to walk with others, shine at times, and allow others to shine. He humbles me.<br />
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2. I'm grateful for my family. I love my husband and the four children we created. It's not always easy; it's not always fun; however, it is a choice. It is a choice to love each other despite our flaws and celebrate the fact that we were given this opportunity called life. I would do anything for any of them. They amaze me and bless me daily. I'm grateful for their activities and lives.<br />
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3. I'm grateful for my parents. They sacrificed so much for me to help me to become the person I am today. I can still hear my father showing me that how you treat others is important. It's important to take the emotion out of situations and deal with them calmly. After all, people are important. My mom taught me compassion, determination, and patience. Her gift was to help me see things through other's eyes.<br />
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4. I'm grateful for my in-laws. They raised my husband to be the man he is today. Without them, my family wouldn't exist. They give to my family over and over. I appreciate this beyond words. <br />
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5. I'm grateful for my brother and his family. My brother and sister-in-law and my two nephews who I don't get to see often enough. My brother is so important to me - and I couldn't be prouder of the family he has created as well. <br />
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6. I'm grateful for my sister who lives in Vietnam with her husband and four beautiful children. I pray for them daily, and I'm so excited to see them through social media. This is a gift that has forged relationships and connections that give us glimpses through each others' eyes. I love her story. It's a beautiful one. <br />
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7. I'm grateful for my biological father and his wife. Our story has not always been an easy one, but it's a part of us. I'm grateful for the lessons learned. <br />
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8. I'm grateful for my friends -- for those who have walked with me for decades and those who were a season in my life. May God hold you all in His hands. I do believe our paths crossed for a reason, and I will love you all forever.<br />
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9. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do what I love. I love teaching. It is my passion. It is also hard work, frustration, and overwhelming at times. Perspective becomes important. I learn from my students every single day. Fortunately, they learn from me as well. I love every single one of them. I care about them forever . . . <br />
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10. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing people. They encourage, inspire, and challenge me to be more. <br />
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Finally, I'm grateful for the gift of possibilities . . . for my PLN who has opened my eyes, reaffirmed, and encouraged me in so many ways. I've missed you this fall. <br />
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That silly program so many years ago, helped me to see what words I want to focus on in my life. Gratitude is at the top of my list, for it reminds me to look beyond myself and focus on serving others. My list forced me to be intentional in how I want others to see me and affected my actions as such.<br />
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I would close with my class, "What do you want your words to be?" <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-21330174672512153132014-10-23T18:58:00.001-07:002014-10-23T18:58:33.130-07:00GraceTimely.<br />
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A little while ago my phone rang. It was my mom with news that I've been dreading since last March. <br />
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My cousin has lost her 15 year battle with breast cancer.<br />
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She has always been my hero. I used to love visiting her family -- she was three years older -- the perfect age for me to put her on a pedestal. She never minded. I can still hear her soft voice tinged with a Southern accent patiently talking, listening, accepting.<br />
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In my eyes she was always so good.<br />
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I'm pretty sure if you look up the word grace in a heavenly Bible, her picture would be there. See, I always felt like I was a mess. Scattered, crazy, all over the place - messy. However Susan . . . oh gosh . . . she was always good.<br />
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I'm sure that wasn't the complete reality. I know she had struggles -- she was human.<br />
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But she chose to see the good.<br />
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Yes -- chose it often.<br />
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I'm eternally grateful to learn this skill from her. Even in pain, she would choose to see the good. Despite the pain, she would talk about love. Instead of focusing on the disappointments, she saw beauty.<br />
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Through her eyes, she changed me.<br />
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I know this is a little rambling . . . a little painful . . . the world just feels a little darker.<br />
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Though I know she's dancing with Jesus as I type. I am so happy for her as my human heart weeps.<br />
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So tomorrow morning I'm going to wake up and see the beautiful -- the sunrise, the smile on a child's face, the music flowing . . . for her honor, I'm going to choose the positive.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-64289363325444952312014-10-16T03:02:00.000-07:002014-10-16T03:02:14.676-07:00PeaceAs I sit here on a quiet morning, rain gently pattering against my window, spending some precious time alone with my thoughts and God, I can feel the quiet whisper of peace soothing my soul.<br />
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There are things in life that have me troubled now. I believe the evil one does his best to turn up the volume on that chatter, to distract, to discombobulate, to disconcert. He screams questions in my ear, echoes the dark doubts of my heart, demands my attention.<br />
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Therein likes the problem. I have a tantruming toddler doing his best to distract me from peace.<br />
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So where does my attention go? The toddler who delights in my fears, encourages my doubts, engages in distraction or to the one who tells me not to worry?<br />
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It's amazing how fast I can be humbled by God.<br />
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<em>Matthew 6: 25-34</em><br />
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<em>"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? </em><br />
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<em>"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? \</em><br />
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<em>So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</em><br />
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Therefore today I'm going to choose peace. Allow the whispers to calm my worries and give them to the person who can do something about them. Spend time listening to Him. Turn down the volume on the constant chatter.<br />
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Today I will seek Him and the peace He provides. I will intentionally seek His will above my own. Today I will breathe easy and trust.<br />
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Thank you to Holly (@muellerholly) for her leadership and encouragement in the writing the weekly spiritual blog posts around a common theme. Check out her master link at: <a href="http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/">http://www.hollymueller.blogspot.com/</a> Feel free to join us.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-78417360381161909262014-10-13T06:39:00.001-07:002014-10-13T06:39:13.115-07:00The Connected Educator #compelledtribeI began teaching in 1993. In many ways that feels like a lifetime ago. Somewhere along the line I went from the youngest teacher on staff to one of the oldest. I think it happened with the decade that I spent at home raising my own four children. I remember the steps back to being a part of the educational work force after my hiatus. I was excited to teach again, nervous, but excited.<br />
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You see I had four children, a husband who travelled, and knew few in my immediate community. My new job was in the school furthest from my home in my county, so I was a 30 minute drive minimum away from home. I felt like an island - isolated and alone. <br />
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I remember during the interview the principal asked me how I was going to make it work. It was the question I dreaded most because I wasn't sure myself. I know I came back with the comment that I loved teaching; it was my calling; I would work to make it work. <br />
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That first year, I did just that. I made it work. I loved the kids, followed the scope and sequence, wrote a lot of curriculum, and graded a lot of essays. My brain remembered the rhythm, the pacing, the love, and the kids responded. I had a partner in crime, and the strong support of other ELA teachers. The waters around my island receded. <br />
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This is what I've learned -- it's the connection piece that makes it work. <br />
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Our assistant principal (@drizzinkwine) showed me how to take this beyond our district through how he used Twitter. He kept telling me it was the most powerful tool in social media today.<br />
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I thought he was crazy. He knows this. I've had to eat my words over and over.<br />
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He mentioned a fellow co-worker who used Twitter well (@amsd2dth), encouraged me to give it a try, so I sat down and created an account. I was immediately frustrated with not knowing how to access the information I wanted, so I assumed it wasn't there. Therefore I gave it a half-hearted attempt and kept moving on with business as usual. My account sat neglected.<br />
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Though I continued to listen. That summer Dave Burgess was coming to speak to our staff regarding his book, <em>Teach Like a Pirate</em>. I looked up an advanced copy of the title so I could see what it was all about. Around that time my assistant principal popped in to see how things were going. I swear he opened my eyes more in five minutes than the previous year. Learning the simple tool of how to see hashtags and notifications - simple, I know, but the simple thing is I DIDN'T know - opened my skill set. He also dropped a casual challenge - try a chat this summer. I'm not sure if he remembers it, but he did it. It changed me professionally.<br />
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On a Monday night early that summer, I decided to try the #tlap chat for the first time. I think I had 9 followers, and I was following maybe 20. I considered myself a creative teacher; however, that chat opened my eyes to so many possibilities. I had my notepad down by my computer scribbling out ideas as fast as I could think of them. I was inspired by the community. A fellow educator mentioned doing this with an ELA focus (thank you @bhomel1). I'm was inspired to say - YES! I want to help with this. I had NO CLUE what I was doing, but I couldn't help it. Fortunately @joykirr and @krinermom also wanted in. The four of us led Twitter chats all summer -- #ELAtlap which has evolved into #ELAchat.<br />
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That one chat had me. I have grown more as an educator in the past year and a half then I did in the first ten years combined. Twitter has given me new perspectives, opened the door to different thoughts, and challenged me to be more for my students. It provides a wealth of information, encouragement, and inspiration. I've connected with teachers, authors, and have created a strong PLN that challenges me to stretch in different ways.<br />
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So throughout this rambling reflection (hence the title of my blog), I want to send encouragement to educators. Step out of your comfort zone to become a connected educator. Ask questions, jump in, be willing to try, be open to learning. You will find validation, people you agree with, people you disagree with, and people who push you. All of this will change you in small ways that will impact you as a professional - in positive ways. <br />
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I'll issue you the challenge to pick a chat and try it for a month -- be consistent, engaged, and involved for that month and reassess how you feel at the end. I have a feeling you'll be hooked, too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-36345270811067504452014-09-25T20:28:00.003-07:002014-09-25T20:28:57.860-07:00Giving kids a voice.Amid the fun of Spirit Week, I've had student presenting "Trash to Treasure" narrative essays this week. I believe sharing these stories are one of the most important things I've done this year. <br />
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I've laughed. I've cried. I felt like we've moved mountains as a class.<br />
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It starts with having students write a narrative essay about an object they hold dear. It's the one thing that brings them happiness, comfort, the physical representation of memories. Students choose all types of objects, but the heart of the assignment remains the same - that everyone has a story to tell.<br />
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It changes the atmosphere in a room when you allow this to happen.<br />
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Some of the stories are funny. One wrote about how he treasured his pants and gave insightful reasons behind them. Interwoven in his story was how the microwave was invented because of a chocolate bar in a pair of pants. He insists it's true. I haven't looked yet; however, the story was compelling. Another demonstrated riding on a clown bike as she described how she rescued it from the garage where it had been hiding for many years. She and her sister have many memories about those bike.<br />
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Others are tasty. Stories of recipes such as cookies or cheesecake can actually cause your mouth to water. Beautiful tales are shared of family gatherings or traditions that take place in the kitchen. <br />
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There are many who discuss difficult topics. Death of family members is particularly difficult. Holding the healing stone of a child's departed grandparent will tug at your heart. Medals, hats, even memories that echo throughout houses and communities were all shared. <br />
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All of this serves to weave a sense of community throughout the room.<br />
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"We've been friends for years, I never knew why this was so important to you."<br />
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"Her story was so beautiful. I never knew . . . "<br />
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Stories humanize. They give an opportunity to share insight, vulnerability, and build trust. <br />
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There has been a shift in my classroom. I notice people talking who don't always. I see smiles that aren't always there. I see concern for others.<br />
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This is a valuable lesson for our students. As teachers we need to carefully plan the way.<br />
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First -- Share your story with the class. Not only can students relate to you, but they have the opportunity to benefit from a mentor text. It also gives you an opportunity to see what struggles they will face.<br />
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Second -- Allow for time for practice. Model what you expect of students. <br />
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Third -- When they get to the podium, leave them a note. Tell them that their words are important. This may seem silly, but it puts the child at ease. Remind them to read it. This gives them a chance to get comfortable in front of the class. <br />
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Fourth -- Have the class share the positive. I model this first with the students. We listen to the presentation, and I point out things the child did well through his presentation and writing. I mention specific words that drew me in, details that were exceptional. I have each student write a post-it note to the speaker telling him of the things that he did right. After a few speeches, I have them distribute them and shower the speaker in compliments.<br />
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This part is important. We need to train our students to look for the positive and listen to the good. For some, these pieces of paper don't mean a lot, but for others, they become treasure within themselves. I watch kids carefully stack them and keep them in their notebook.<br />
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The goals for speaking are things that I will address privately. I allow kids to practice during my plan - to see what it feels like in front of the room. If they stumble, I tell them it's okay. We brainstorm the WORST thing that can happen and dismiss it as impossible. After all, if it really came true, our presentation would be the least of our worries. :) <br />
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Stories are important. Kids need to find their voice to share their stories. It can change life for them.<br />
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I'll close with one of my amazing stories . . . <br />
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I have a student who struggles with social situations. He is disturbed by noise, and doesn't like sharing in front of the class; however, he also has a desire to do well and complete tasks that are asked of him. Getting up in front of the classroom with his treasure, he told me that he really didn't want to do this. I told him that it was okay. He didn't have to want to, but that I had confidence that he could do it. The class then joined in with comments of encouragement as well as an appreciation of having him as a member of the class.<br />
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So he started speaking. As he went on, his excitement for his treasure grew. He had the opportunity to share a special love of his -- a passion for bats. I knew that he had carefully selected details to put into his paper that painted bats in a positive light for he couldn't bear for anyone to think badly of them. When he reached the end of his paper, he started to ad-lib. His natural humor emerged and he kept the class engaged for several minutes longer than the initial assignment.<br />
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I was able to sit at watch him shine. At the end of the day, kids were still talking to him about it. The last few days he's had an additional pep in his step and smile on his face.<br />
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He still tells me he didn't like presenting. However, what he learned . . . oh what he learned . . . and the gift he shared . . . well, that will live on for a long time.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-91936208557458084522014-09-23T18:40:00.003-07:002014-09-25T05:06:11.427-07:00Communion #spiritualjourneyThank you Holly (@muellerholly) for a thought-provoking topic. I look forward to multiple perspectives every week as we walk together.<br />
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"Communion is a symbol."<br />
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We started our church service this week with these wise words. Communion is a symbol of God's ultimate gift to us. The gift of a re-do, reset, wiped clean scorecard. I know I need it. I don't deserve it, but I need it.<br />
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Isn't that what grace is? Extending forgiveness when it's not deserved? Forgiveness for the sins I know about, and forgiveness for the sins I'm unaware of. Accepting that my human body will never be enough by itself, yet with God it is perfection.<br />
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Honestly it's one of my favorite time of the week. I don't often complete it without a tear trembling, throat choking, humble acceptance of what is being offered. It is a moment I need - a reminder of what God was willing to do for me. <br />
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It just puts things in perspective. <br />
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It resets my focus - what is important? pressing? overwhelming? It resets my attitude - choosing love and forgiveness. It resets my destination - for what he wants for me is so much better than I could ever imagine. <br />
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Sometimes I wonder at my inability to keep a focus on what God wants instead of my own needs. Like a child, I forget His perfect plan and allow myself to become mired in earthly concerns. Therefore I'm grateful for this weekly reminder. I'm grateful for the constant conversation. <br />
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When it's dark - he is with me. He reminds me of this weekly. He brings the light to my heart. As a human, I don't think I'm supposed to understand the dark. He calls me to the light -- his love. <br />
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A perfect love.<br />
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So I need that weekly wash, a gentle nudge, a reminder of Him. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6750918408308078783.post-37564105448739917362014-09-21T13:55:00.003-07:002014-09-21T13:55:32.137-07:00Forgiveness #spiritualjourneySome days I wonder how to do it.<br />
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Forgive.<br />
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Many things are easy -- small things . . . easily dismissed with a smile and a kind word.<br />
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Others are much harder.<br />
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Much, much harder.<br />
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Usually it involves my children -- one in particular, my child -- mean words, hurled insults, taunting laugher, group gang mentality. Quite honestly, it's why I became a middle school teacher. I want to change this behavior -- create situations where kids see the humanness behind the façade they all wear.<br />
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Then I remind myself that we are human. We make mistakes. <br />
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I forgive; I feel better.<br />
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Then I fail again. I see the perpetrators, unrepentant; I allow stirrings in my soul to feel negative. <br />
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You see forgiveness is not an easy step.<br />
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Alone I will fail. Alone I would harbor negative feelings. I would challenge the injustice of the situation.<br />
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I thank God daily that I'm not alone. I'm grateful that he shares perspective with me. I'm grateful that he doesn't give up on me. <br />
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That alone brings me back to my knees to ask for His forgiveness. After all He forgave me for so much more. He forgives me when I fail. He forgives me when I fumble. He forgives me when I am foul. <br />
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He extends grace over and over and over. <br />
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That is a lesson worth learning. I marvel at the sadness He must have felt when we turned our backs on him and His son. If He can forgive that, then who am I to attempt anything less?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09190359791187413011noreply@blogger.com4