We are human. The variables are endless. Perhaps we should give ourselves, others, and situations the room to be. Room where much can be true.
Deeply Human Learning
Waypower + Willpower
Saying we need to "do better" does not create a path forward. It might inspire some to try by throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. For others, it might feel scary and cause them to shutdown. Either way, it's unfair to expect people to lean on willpower alone.
Hope is THE Strategy
And collective hope may have saved my life as kid. There are people who say hope is not a strategy. But I think, hope is THE strategy.
Fully Present
In the meantime, may we all simply work to be fully where are our feet are planted. May we offer others our fullest presence and attention. And may others feel this from us in small ways. Whether it's putting our phone away, asking thoughtful questions that allow us understand more clearly what is said, or remembering to follow up on little details shared with us.
No Magic Wand
The best way to stay encouraged and engaged in processes that take time is to spend time noticing and celebrating how far we have come versus how far have to go. As I mention in Legacy of Learning, this is how we keep our brains motivated when the work is cognitively demanding.
That Time of Year
Instead of putting too much pressure on ourselves to execute perfectly these last couple of weeks, let's extend deep care to ourselves, our students, and each other.
Bruised Apples
All I know is that it felt special to have someone looking out for me that day. And I see educators looking out for kids in so many ways in our schools too. Perhaps they are extending kindness to students that one special person extended to them when they themselves were in school. And that's the ripple effect. That's a legacy of learning.
Sincerity in Learning
If you want to inspire meaningful learning for students, inspire meaningful learning for staff. Sincere classroom learning begins with a sincere and consistent effort to trust and inspire the educators who work hard every day to make a meaningful impact on students. When we take good care of adults and their learning in schools, it allows them to take great care of kids and their learning. - Legacy of Learning
Disciplined about the Good
So, in our efforts to commit to systems, processes, and structures that grow academic achievement, let's not forget to create an environment that is disciplined about noticing and nourishing the good in others. As Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book, Big Magic, “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them." Let's help people find them. And let's create an environment that helps us find the beauty in others too.
Legacy of Learning
It's book launch day for Legacy of Learning: Teaching for Lasting Impact!
MEGHAN LAWSON 