Lighting a spark to me should be every passionate teacher's goal! Looking back over the years I was in school, it is was apparent to me the teachers that truly had passion and patience where the teachers who impacted my life the most! I think it is so important to be able to get students sparked and just allow them the environment to foster their flame! Often times, we can feel frustrated because we have so many students, and we are afraid that they all aren't going to up to speed or remember or understand, but sometimes if we just focus on making an impact on one or two each day, then we will have reached them all at some point during the year! (It reminds me of the starfish story about the man walking on the beach and throwing one starfish back in the water at a time. He knew that every one he picked up, was one more that might survive.)
Chapter 9 definitely gave me a new perspective on handling/dealing or avoiding problems that may occur. I am very much a "people pleaser," I don't want to make others upset. I want people to be happy, smile and just enjoy life! But lets be real, not everyone feels the same way. If I am the "board" then I am designing how I want things to play out, a concept which I never really thought about, but must say, think is an interesting perspective. There is always going to be conflict, there is always going to be someone who doesn't like me or the way that I handle things. How can I please everyone? Well, I can't, but if I find a way to deal with the confrontation and handle the situation fairly, then sometimes that is the best I can do.
I also liked the steps that to the practice of framing possibility in the 11th chapter. Making new distinctions, entering into the territory, and distinguishing what the focus is are all so important to creating and assessing "possiblities."
I really felt like this book was refreshing and couldn't have come at a better time in this curriculum. It is a great addition to my virtual library shelf.
My Response to Britni:
Lighting a spark really should be every teacher's goal, and when you are blessed enough to see that happen it is like watching magic. I am most certain that you are this type of person. Your encouraging, motivational mannerisms are so inspiring and sincere. I am sure you have touched many, many lives including my own.
This book really did come at the perfect time in this program and in my own personal life. It really has made a positive difference.
Britni,
ReplyDeleteThis post was excellent. I think that what you wrote is right on about how we as educators need to make that spark for students. That when we spark the students they will want to learn. I also like how you stated that you can't please everyone. I totally agree with that. I believe that this is one of the biggest problems that educators face is pleasing people. We will never please every parent of peer. I thought this post was very interesting.