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Showing posts from April, 2011

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 brin...

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 ...

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....

Mama Bracelets:

Mama Bracelets: Knowing that Mother'sDay is one month away didn't... : "Knowing that Mother'sDay is one month away didn't stop Amber from letting the magic of a Mama Bracelet fill her mother's heart... 'I recei..."

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-...