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Welding our Reflections...

Welding our Reflections

The sound of pencils fills the air,
as children write of hope and fear.

To solve a problem is their goal,
like shoveling dirt into an endless hole.

Each day I see our youth grow tall,
within my day I witness them fall.

They look to us for guidance and hope,
They cling to our actions as a life-saving rope.

Be careful the words you choose to be spoken
for they listen astutely despite their gaze being broken.

Our children lie fast in the cradle of our arms,
Seeking comfort from all of the world's vicious harms.

Take to heart their souls portrayed in their eyes,
follow the sound that emanates from their heart-broken cries.

They speak to us in so many ways
their future spreads out in the upcoming days

I write this as they think with their mind and their heart,
how they, in this world, can play their special part.

The life of a teacher, a parent, an elder
Is not unlike that of the life of a welder.

For each of us brings together from apparent disconnection
each part of a whole, for that final reflection. 

Our children are us, the realities of our affection,
We are all one...made with love and perfection.

Mr. Casten

 April 29, 2011

  Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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The Ties that Bind...

The Ties that Bind...

It was a normal morning...or so I thought.  I woke at the usual time, proceeded through the usual morning routine, arrived at school and began my regular regiment of work before the kids arrived.  When the bell rang, I gathered myself and went to pick them up in the lunchroom.  Things were far from normal I soon found out.

I had forgotten.

I had forgotten my tie.

How could I?  I didn't believe it.  I looked down at where my tie sits faithfully each day and it was gone; or rather--it had been forgotten.  I felt awkward.  I wanted to go home and get my tie, but I couldn't leave the building.  In desperation I phoned my wife during the pledge (she had to wait while we recited it) and I thought she might be able to grab a tie (any tie) and bring it to her forgetful husband.  Her day was spoken for (Ava, Henry and Ella had other plans).  I didn't even remember which tie I was planning on wearing...I guess I never thought about it..or did I and it just slipped away from me??

The morning was not right.  I forgot to give my attendance sheet to my "Person of the Day", I missed the announcement that an assembly had been moved to a different time, I hit my knee on my desk several times and it hurt worse each time I did it.
After the "moved" assembly we found ourselves back in our room...somewhat discombobulated. Busy children were buzzing around.

Then...then it was clear.  A tie. A tie made by my students.  A tie made from paper, masterfully crafted, thoughtfully decorated, and perfectly on time.  We used ingenuity to put the tie around my neck and a wave a relief washed over me (and my students as well I bet).  The day took on a normalcy missed.

I gathered many complements on that tie, and it now sits in my classroom...in a place that will keep it safe, in case my mind wanders once again some ill-fated morning, and Mr. Casten forgets his tie.

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The Walking Talk...

The Walking Talk 

Each time I take my students out for recess I walk the playground...checking to make sure the play is going well, the perimeter of the playground is safe, and the kids are all accounted for. I've grown to know every inch of our playground in the past 10 years.  The physical scene can grow tiresome to behold.

This may sound like a redundant part of my day yet I tell you it is not.  I rarely walk the playground alone.  I am accompanied by kids; sometimes one child, sometimes a small group.  They walk with me.  They talk with me.

I have learned so very much about children in general from these "walking talks" and more so I have learned much about individual children.  The questions they ask, the answers they give, the thoughts they express.

In all, I must say that the imaginations and sincerity of children is what shines through at these times. While engaged in our "walking talks" I see who they truly are.  I hear their stories, their dreams, and their ideas.  I listen to their tragedies and answer their questions for understanding.  I lose the fact that I am their teacher and they are my student(s) and we find ourselves relating simply as human beings. 

Children seek.  They seek understanding from adults.  They seek our encouragement, our acceptance, and our time. 

Take a walk with your child.

Talk with your child.

Better yet, take a "walking talk" with your child.  They can show much about who they truly are.

 Mr. Casten

April 15, 2011 

  Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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A Corner Turned...

A Corner Turned

Spring Break is over and children filter back into school.  It is, however, different than it was before Spring Break.  The chill in the air is dissipating and spirits begin to rise.  New life becomes evident and renewed spirits fill us.

As I taught this week I was reminded that in every relationship there are corners to turn.  We never know what lies around the bend, yet we face it together.  Several times this week my students, during lessons, found new& easier ways to solve the problems at hand.  They felt comfortable speaking their minds and exploring their options. 
Comfortable taking the risk.  Often, what they came up with was new to me as well.  I felt empowered; for I, as their teacher, learned something from them for a change.  It feels good to learn; to understand; to see the world in a slightly different way.

I realized that my students are turning a corner.  A corner of maturity and self-confidence.  A corner of not simply memorizing or repeating what has been taught, but really thinking about the ideas, applying themselves, and taking a risk.  They are turning the corner and meeting the the next step in their education--how to learn and grow academically.

I also realized that all of us turn corners throughout our lives.  Sometimes we turn them by ourselves, with family, friends or even strangers.  Despite who accompanies us, when we take that turn we grow within ourselves, for ourselves, and with the world. 

To fully appreciate the turns taken in our lives and the lives of others, keep tabs on the past as well~~know from whence you came and never forget those who helped you to your next corner...and always seek to help another as they turn their corners.

 Mr. Casten

April 8, 2011 

  Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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