Striking a Balance
12/9/2017
As I thought about this blog and reflected on our week, I was not sure what I wanted to write about. Then, as I gushed to my husband about part of our week, I knew I wanted to share it with you, too. It was Friday afternoon, and we were discussing the parent event that we are planning. One student shared her vision for the event, articulating it clearly and in detail. After listening, another student politely posed a question about one of her ideas that seemed problematic to him. After a moment of thought, a third student provided a solution to the problem. It was a self-directed exchange that made my teacher heart proud. Through high expectations, support, and guidance, we equip students to collaborate, share ideas, and problem solve together. Even our youngest learners happily rise to the expectation. Young children are capable of so much more than many believe. Of course, there are also times when a question is not so politely posed, a poor decision is made, bodies are not under control, or something unkind is said. And we had those moments this week, too. Those moments are teachable moments, moments to seize, moments in which to provide support and guidance as these little ones navigate the world of collaborating with others, forming friendships, and growing. The moments in which students need a little guidance and support yield moments like the one I shared above, in which students are able to independently collaborate, share their unique visions, solve problems, compromise, and gain maturity. I see so much maturity in our little ones throughout the week, but I also see wonder, awe, and pure joy in the little things. I see silly five and six year olds being completely themselves - silly five and six year olds. I expect and encourage mature behavior, but I also embrace the silliness, the joy, the fun. During my ACE elective, we made gingerbread play dough kits to give to some of the classrooms. A fourth grader sheepishly asked, even though it might be inappropriate for someone in her grade, if she could keep some of the play dough. I then watched (and helped) happily as she and the other fourth and fifth graders followed the recipe and guided the younger students through the process of making play dough. We then all played with the play dough (because, let's be honest, play dough is appropriate for all grades and ages) before making our deliveries. It was a perfect illustration of the balance between expecting maturity and encouraging students to enjoy being a kid. I love that we challenge our students with difficult problems to solve and guide them to social-emotional maturity, but that we also provide them with many opportunities to have fun, to savor life's little moments, and to embrace the joy of childhood. We ask them to mature in the best ways while we also try to ensure that they enjoy the carefree wonder of childhood. One of my favorite quotes ever is from author Roald Dahl: "And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."I am thankful to teach at a school filled with glittering eyes. I love navigating and exploring our magical, awe-inspiring world with your little ones and sharing in the pure joy they take in the little things. I am constantly inspired by their creativity and perspective, and I love celebrating their growth with them - and with you. Thank you for being wonderful parents who support them in their growth, communicate with me so that I can better support them in their growth, and also allow them to just be little.
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Saania AliMs. Ali graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She specializes in Early Childhood Education, ESL, and Special Education. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and painting! Archives
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