It has been awhile since I’ve shared a post here. Not that I don’t have a lot to say about many things that are on my mind. The turmoil in the world that in some ways sends me to moments of despair and angst; but I am resilient and I am not silent! Not to digress and so back to sharing a post on “learning” and “teaching.” For me these roles are interchangeable between student and teacher. We have so much to glean from this collaboration, I will hypothesize.
I have had a substitute teaching position in a four year old classroom for four weeks. This ended on Friday, April 26th, but I will be back in two weeks and then whatever may come up, if needed to sub. I have know these children since last year when they were in the three year old program. Observing them and interacting with them I have been privy to an amazing “Longitudinal Study” (unintentional, but as I reflect, I see how true this is!).
Children’s development has its ups and downs. There is regression and then enormous surges and progress. Surprises in either, because although we know it, adults are shocked when that happens.
I came across a wonderful article by Peter Gray, Ph.D about toddlers. I read it and had a strong reaction to the importance of his premise to “independence” that I saw as a continuum. It starts early, and needs to be nurtured and encouraged to grow.
I also came across a Facebook post at Wunderled from Sally Haughey at Fairy Dust Teaching. One of her posts looks at the Brain Science Behind Choice. And I will add that for a child to be in the position to make and have choices, independence plays a key role.
The school year is winding down and still so much awaits. When I wonder what keeps teachers going, I stop and look at the kids..pretty telling for those who have been here for a while.
I’ve been thinking about reading. Not the mechanics of teaching or learning how to read. BUT why we read. Why we need to read. The importance of reading, for the here and now and for our future. Seems kind of deep, I know, but that’s where I am right now, given our chaotic world. And the importance of reading with a critical eye to understanding what we read and making good judgements for ourselves when information is shared, whether in books, in newspapers, magazines, social media posts, in podcasts..or where ever print stares you in the face!
And it all starts young. There sitting in front of us, our early childhood students, our kinders and 1st graders and up the ladder we go. ABCs, letter-sounds we teach and along the way they learn. Some get it fast, others need more guidance (a go to for me ZPD/Vygotsky), and the many authors and reading experts pushing their agendas. Won’t touch that here. We all have our visions, our bent on what works.
For this post I’m looking at comprehension. What is it that we need to understand the text? How do we start on that long road to be critical thinkers? Ok I’ll raise my hand. From the first book we share with our students we can ask “Hmm, what is the author sharing with us? What are the illustrations showing us? Are there questions you might want to ask the author? How does the story make you feel?” And so many more! In full transparency, I love read alouds. From day one of my teaching career, reading to a group of children filled me with joy. Their excitement, their engagement, their questions and discussions often continued after “story time!
I took a quick look at posts I’ve written over the years about this topic, and surprisingly enough my focus on reading comprehension continues to resonate with me. So I’ll share some other posts here; if and when you have time to read. In reading and looking at the turmoil in our country and across the world, I once again realize that most people join bandwagons without understanding the history that brought us here. My fervent hope is that we give our students opportunities to be open minded, critical thinkers and ask why, ask QUESTIONS, and assess what they feel is the right path for them.
A wise person (Howard Gardner), told me (years ago when I went to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, Professional Development for Educational Leaders one week workshop) to never compare pain, sorrows and horrors. How one is affected by them is our “lived” experience and comparing negates and diminishes how it impacted us. I’ll add “trauma” to this. How the ugliness in our lives affects how we deal with the trauma inflicted, either by others or sadly by ourselves.
In today’s world we are inundated with so many battlefields. Our senses are overwhelmed trying to understand how we got here. There are wars across the globe glaring at us from various media..and then many that stay unreported. To understand that, one needs to see what’s important to report..to whom and why. And vice versa, then, why not. I have my biases and will let you come to terms with yours.
This is the big picture, the macrocosm that we are grappling with: wars, migration, homelessness, health care/Covid concerns, education and more! But I’d like us to look also at the microcosm and how it impacts everyday life, especially of our children/students. There is so much anger, finger pointing and blaming and that we can’t shield them from. How is this internalized and at what cost? We can’t ignore that it’s there. The bullying, the name calling that spills over to violence. We see it! The “whataboutism” so close to what Dr. Gardner discussed with me, so long ago, now looking at it as a cautionary tale, is rampant. How do we help our students/children deal with the trauma that so often lies beneath the surface? From loss of a parent, to sibling, to friend, to a pet, to their own health scares (and family’s), to traveling the path of foster care/adoption. What words do we use to let them know they are safe, because truthfully some just aren’t, so we let them know that we will try to keep them safe, here? We have relied on Books to help us when at a loss for words. We have relied on giving children time to process, often through play. And we sat close by and listened, ready for a hug when needed. And then the realization that the trauma might not surface for a while and when it does, how best to help. Life can be fraught with uncertainty, the bleak, the joyful, like a seesaw, the ups and downs.
When I hear family and friends share their deep rooted fears and uneasiness, the episodes in their lives that caused trauma, I’m drawn to our students as I wonder and try to notice if something seems awry. Hypervigilant at times, it is hard to relax when the uneasiness takes hold.
A new school week starts tomorrow. In some areas kids will go back tomorrow after their Winter Break, some already back. Now would be a good time to help them settle in. To let them share what they’re ready to share, to be patient as we focus on them and not the curriculum. Learning will fall into place when we learn more about our students and what they need from us, now!
My time at Harvard still resonates with me 25 years later. The impact continues to shape my pedagogy.
An incredible experience that has stayed with me all these years.
I continue to sub in the Early Childhood Program as well as kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. Let’s say I have found my niche. Whenever you stop by on my blog, I’ll be glad to continue the conversation.
Well it’s that time of year..I gave up futile New Year’s Resolutions years ago. Try as I might they only lasted for a while, as I explained to friends and myself what they were each year and why. Then I felt like I let myself down. Where was my stamina, what was my purpose, where was my resolve. And one day my a-ha moment..why bother! I decided to think about my #oneword instead, when teachers on Twitter (X) were sharing theirs and how their word came about. So I decided to share on my blog in 2015. That coincidentally was the last year before I retired. Retired though I am, I still am a teacher, that is a substitute teacher. Passionate about teaching and learning I stayed the course. So do your thing I said to myself, and I found a new Word each year that motivated me to reflect, think and grow.
I wasn’t sure if I could wrap my head around this one word idea. I have been deeply entrenched in the Israel- Hamas war. If you follow me or read my blog and posts on social media, I have shared my feelings and concerns. I pray for peace but what it looks like for me is not what the hordes are yelling in protests across the globe.
So I breathe and take a look at what my #OneWord2024 might be. I think back to last year’s words..Grace and Gratitude…..
Looking with grace and gratitude at the foibles encountered, not mired by nature’s force. Whether attitude or strong will, my guiding light, to see what the years ahead behold . .
I end that post with “I have read many joyful, inspiring, thoughtful #oneword2023 choices. I look at this as an exercise, not in reaching a goal (like a New Year’s Resolution) but as an opportunity to ponder, wonder and reflect on how it’s going and where the “untraveled” road leads.”
In a year of turmoil not only with global issues, but many close to home from elections, to education, to homelessness, and it goes on…I think of what we as stewards of our young learners, what message can we convey by example. So how do I put in concise terms to “be what I want to see in others, by them seeing that in me.”
What counts: Kindness, Honesty, Responsible, Caring and give our learners time and space to develop these by our example. Be willing to try. Be unafraid of mistakes. Be there when others are not. Be the one to take a stand. Be kind. Be honest. Be responsible. Be Caring. So this year I look at courage in a different light (different from #OneWord2022). I think the attributes that one needs to be courageous are not necessarily just taught.; but needs to be lived for ourselves so others can see the possibilities. #OneWord2024 BE COURAGEOUS!
Taking turns being Kind, Honest, Responsible and Caring to play the parachute game. #OneWord 2024 Courageous
Wow it’s been awhile for a post “From The Desk Of The Retired Teacher,” and I’ve missed me..for those who read my blog, I think you’ll get what I mean. Not that my mind is full force back at what I love writing about..kids, learning and teaching. My clarion Call, different frame now, but with clear voice, I make that choice, to speak!
I spent a week with my family in Dallas, daughter’s birthday and the week celebration of Hanukkah! That to be honest was an added bonus. I had not celebrated my daughter’s birthday ON HER BIRTHDAY in many years and for whatever reason I was hell bent on doing so! I’m usually with them for Thanksgiving, but this year I had a different plan. And grateful it worked out and was wonderful. Beautiful weather, nice walks and just enjoying everyday life with them. Turmoil across the world never far from my mind but giving myself permission to be in the present was what I needed.
Came back home the day before the Winter Sing at my school, an event that usually is so uplifting and it didn’t disappoint this year, either. I sat in the audience, not as teacher with her class, but as substitute/retired teacher, a faculty alumni, a person in the audience knowing she’ll be wowed by what was ahead. And I was!! The program is divided into Lower and Upper Elementary performances. With the Junior Choir and Vocal Ensemble in both. Then a performance by A Cappella Choir in the second program. The music, the choice of songs, the heartfelt singing resonated with everyone. This was certainly a time for us all to come together as a community united by hope. (Full transparency this is an Independent nondenominational school with a diverse population and core values of Responsibility, Honesty, Inclusion and Caring.)
I share these details to include you, as part of the audience, with me. Our eyes are focused on the exuberant singers, joyful while antsy, with eyes on the audience, trying to spot their families. We know we’re in for good vibes watching them on stage. Choice of songs from joyful Christmas tunes (Must Be Santa by Hal Moore & Bill Fredricks, What Christmas Means To Me by Stevie Wonder) to lights of Hanukkah (Kindle the Flame by Chuck King, Miracle by Matisyahu) to songs of hope and peace (The Wish) for all of us. When I looked around between songs, as the classes entered the stage and then left, preparing for the next class, I thought of this group of children whom I’ve known only as a substitute teacher, some with more contact over the years. (Covid times meant no subbing until restrictions were lifted.) I thought of the days I walked the halls and their greetings, the days in their rooms, the smiles and hugs and calling out to each other, there’s Faige (Fay). I thought of the times we worked on projects and stories they shared with me. I thought of the classroom teachers and their dedication to these students and their families. And I thought of the parents who have always been gracious in their greetings and asking how I’ve been. Thinking to myself, this is what “my” school is like, core values in the forefront.
The program ends. The applause, the cheers the standing ovations. The head of school recognizes the music teachers’ hard work, their dedication to the Winter Sing Program, the students, the faculty and staff, and all who were involved, it was no small task: it takes a village!
I’ve had many substitute teaching jobs these past few months. Days in 3 and 4 year old classrooms. Time with kindergarten, 1st and 2nd. Classroom teachers and I work together, reaching out to do our best for the students. We look, listen, and learn. Leaders that make room for voices and choices, maybe that’s why I’m still here! And the Winter Sing, that’s for sure.
Wishing all who celebrate a Merry Christmas If you celebrated, Happy Hanukkah, the 8th Night in Dallas
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May we be blessed with peace.
I decided to put it out there in full transparency that In Life We Get Busy. Unexpectedly, I forgot it was my turn to share/moderate tonight’s chat. I’m usually on top of my commitments, but today I almost had to bail out. Luckily I had saved an article that resonated with me and I hope with all of #kinderchat readers today.
So many of us recognize the importance of play in our students’ lives and often put it to the wayside as they get older and go up in grades. But if we look how important “inquiry” is to finding out then what better way than through play. Kids play, explore, and question; then repeat. It’s not rocket science, until what’s discovered does lead to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, & math).
I was drawn to this article. So much to explore when we look at the juxtaposition of play and inquiry. Play Is Inquiry by Susan Stacey at wunderled.com
Sally Haughey began Wunderled in 2010. She has created a village to safe guard the sanctity of play for all of us who value play.
Enjoy and share what resonates with you.
I subbed with the 3 year olds and the joy expressed while they read with their 2nd grade buddies was palpable. Play takes many forms, this but one of them.
The hate that festers like an open wound, shocks me to the core.
Did I know it was so powerful an emotion, that never lived before?
The hate that festers in my heart, pushes other feelings aside.
My eyes open at the horror I’ve seen, my ears to sounds I’ve heard.
The slaughter, the massacre we thought would never be.
Will there be a time to look back on how I was before?
The hate that festers, eats me up, everyday, as I despair.
Though told not to, it will ravage my soul.
So I sit and wait for all hostages to be free and hold my breath, for what’s to be.
I see their faces, the eyes shine with hope, the before, and then after..tears flow.
I scream to the sky, why? Why?
When have my people ever been free? Free from hate, to live and be!
Over 50 days and so much uncertainty. The scorched earth screams out the terror. Scathed bodies and souls, behold.
We shouted in unison Never Again and the world deceived. So now once again we will never forgive. we will never forget. So I say with pride Am Isreal Chai. 🇮🇱 Am Yisrael Chai
Kibbutz Be’eri destruction Kibbutz Be’eri before Poppies in a field, before.. maybe that will be there again, the day after.
Everyday you ask, “”How’s it going, how you doing?“
Everyday I say, “I’m ok, are you?“
Everyday I do my thing, one foot forward and then I think.
Everyday I promise myself I won’t be glued to the news, won’t let you break my heart.
Everyday that promise falls to the wayside, I won’t turn away, I can’t.
Everyday you say I don’t understand, but you are wrong, I do and I’ve known for long.
Everyday I thought things have changed, but I was wrong and you have shown me that.
Everyday the vitriol grows stronger, and I cry out why?
Everyday your marches call for my destruction and you don’t even know who I am.
Everyday you make it clear what from the “river to the sea” means and I haven’t gotten it wrong.
Everyday another wave of hate crosses the globe, no word from you to shout like thunder, in a voice as one.
Everyday your silence is deafening, but I choose to be strong.
I traditionally light 4 Sabbath candles, but since October 7th I now light 1 more for the hostages who can’t. #BringThemHomeNow
Everyday I touch base with those in harm’s way, with those who care.
Everyday I pray I will wake up from this nightmare and those smiling faces that are gone, will be there, to no avail.
Everyday those communities, those organizations that I questioned if they were allies, I wonder no more.
So now if you ask, “Are you ok?” I answer in truth, “I am not okay! We are not okay!”
And now I ask you, “Are you okay when you bear witness and say nothing.”
My posts usually connect to education, this one won’t. Other than to say my reprieve to the constant look at the news are the days I sub at the school I have called my second home for over 45 years.
From my post A Clarion Call and now my belief may be shattered
How often, I realize as I write this post, some tragedy in the world awakens me form my comfort zone, my nonchalant day to day living as I happily engage with family and friends and days when I can substitute teach at the school I taught at for 38 years, before I retired in 2015.
So here I sit once again horrified by the hatred shown to one small country in the world, Israel. Scapegoats are useful because they unite like-minded people. All one needs to do is open up social media accounts and see the verbal rampage, because that’s what’s out there. Those pundits who think they know everything and depending on your point of view or your allegiance, you follow without questioning. Education certainly has failed you. When we see and read about hate spewed in classrooms and all the righteous supporting their causes. Loss of life so often the end result. Another generation of hate. What we preach, what we teach reverberates through generations and discuss in a post I wrote in A Clarion call. College reactions have been vicious.I will try not to dwell on this, in this post. My blog is dedicated to children (so I know those who’ve read any of them, know how apropos this worry about the children and education meld together). As I write I think of children everywhere and how their lives will forever be changed..war zones infiltrate in our minds and our hearts as adults and one can only imagine how this impacts children. I have written other posts on “horrors” and if interested look on my blog and search under “loss of life” to find more posts.
And now back to how I retain my sanity, my reflections after spending time at the job that has given me so much meaning in my life.
My last post on The Many Dynamics Of Play was part of a #kinderchat discussion and really brought home how vital to a child’s growth and development lay in “play.” I have often written about play. How crazy is it that we confine play to young children and don’t see the importance for everyone all through their lives. Play takes on different forms and we can call it by any name that makes us comfortable in saying it out loud! From the animal kingdom we know that through play the young learn about survival and I truly believe play is the gateway to human survival as well.
And so since September my days subbing have ranged from working with 3 and 4 year olds, kindergarten and 2nd. This past week I spent four days in the same 3 year old class. These children filled with joyful exuberance, curiosity and so much energy kept me grounded and in the moment. Inquisitive questions about my gray hair, where my parents were, will I be there the next day and whatever was on their minds? From playtime to lunch time to rest time all involved routines, schedules and the “whys” and “when’s.” Some happily self directed whether in solitary play or working on parallel play, figuring out peer dynamics of taking turns and sharing. Independence growing, how wonderful to observe. After morning exploration of the outside environment, to a short group gathering for hellos and the day continues till an end circle time for stories and goodbyes.
And when the new week begins, I have a four year old group to look forward to at the end of the week. A group of children I knew as three year olds. It’s a good way to spend “retirement,” don’t you think?
I end this post watching the news. My heart is heavy. I think I may have lost my belief that there can be peace. That more than anything gives me such pain.
The doors open to continue the conversation. Stay safe in your body and heart.
Do we walk the walk or just talk the talk when it comes to PLAY as a vibrant and vital part in a child’s development during their school life?
A look at play in this week’s #kinderchat , we can reflect on our practices vis a vie PLAY! It would be great to leave this discussion and see how else feel we’re doing or what changes we want to make.
Look at PLAY in this quadrant.. do we see it in our programs? Is it beneficial to think of the power of play in these terms? Can we support the importance of play in our programs to parents and school administrators? Would this graphic help us in formulating our ideas and thoughts? Play is often given a “bad rap” over the need to focus on “academics”.
A look at a tweet on X on September 23rd, I came across this post from @SuzanneAxelsson (Interaction Imagination) The Story of… Destructive Play that really had me thinking how we deal with our own anxieties about “safety” in play.
Take a look at her post, at the play graphic above and let’s see where we are at “play” in our learning spaces and how we contribute to and understand the dynamics at “play.”
The road traveled 