Not only do I have the best job in the world, but I get to work with some of the best people. As a new week begins, and one that has the potential for some additional stress, I can’t help but look back at joyful moments from this past week.
Whether it be the humour of working through some precariously balanced piles to find the books we need …
Some imperfectly perfect taping, which is made more wonderful because kids did it themselves …
How a small addition of tape can totally change a learning environment …
How “good news” comes from mud everywhere except for on his hands …
How we made a dollhouse (or at least I documented the “making” of one), and our kids made it so much better with their additions …
How kids created, extended, and owned learning all on their own …
How children exceeded our expectations in the most wonderful of ways …
How eating challenged me in the fine art of “negotiation” …
How learning still happens when cleaning up …
How kids learned that they could read far better than they thought …
How childhood experiments became learning opportunities …
How a little “great” became “even better” thanks to the creativity of kids …
How epiphanies can happen anywhere at any time …
How the world’s longest stick — a bit of an exaggeration, but still … — led to the most wonderful measurement on a rainy day …
How imagination connected with reality thanks to a werewolf, a crazy clown, and the environment …
How community employees bring smiles to children’s faces each week …
How even some darkness can’t ruin our day …
How a powerful message about the environment captured the heart of a new student …
And how an epic paint spill resulted in an eager writer.
This is just our first week back from the winter holidays, and yet, it was truly terrific. This is why I often hashtag our nightly blog posts with #luckyteacher, as I feel so very fortunate to work with such wonderful kids and colleagues. There are many reasons that I blog, but remembering and reflecting on the joy of each day is one of these reasons. Looking back on these joyful moments may be exactly what I need this week. What about you? How do you capture and share the positive snapshots that make you happy? At a stressful time in education, I think we all need something to smile about. If nothing else, these moments remind me daily why I do what I do: our 28 eager learners inspire, motivate, and drive both of us! Lucky educators indeed.
Aviva