Frustrations & Invitations.....

As I wind down from the Christmas hustle and bustle, I sit here finishing up some leadership assignments and begin to read Fullan's book, "Professional Capital." I've had some time to sit, reflect and synthesize some ideas throughout my studies and instructional practice so far.

I reflect on my accomplishments this past year, aspirations for the new one and dissonance I still have for how to move forward in a system that sometimes is stagnant.

I think about how the past year, I've focussed on doing better by improving my teaching. I'm so very grateful for my group of 23 very interesting and talented students who keep me laughing and motivated.

I'm proud and blessed for the connections I have made with them and their families; because I know that it is relationships that come first in this job. While others still struggle to understand and value the importance of relationships needing to come a the forefront, I find myself getting frustrated that some "just don't get it."

I don't understand how some can become so easily frustrated with students' struggling academics and not take into account the integral piece relationships play in this part of this puzzle.

I don't understand how some give up.

I don't understand how we can be "done" with some kids.

I don't understand how we can continue to pass the buck, place blame and use students' socio-economic situations or diagnoses to make us feel 'okay" with their lack of achievement.

Frustration. Pure frustration.

"Human growth is not like producing hydroponic tomatoes. 

It can be nurtured and encouraged , but it cannot be forced." 

- Fullan & Hargreaves, 2012

And how true this is. 

We cannot force people to care more. 

We cannot force them to pay more attention to connections and relationships. 

We cannot force them to "do better."

So, what can we do? 

We invite. 

We invite them to be kinder. 

We invite them to listen. 

We invite them to learn. 

We invite them to watch and listen. 

We model. 

We model positive and healthy student interactions. 

We model what positive connections and relationships look like every day. 

We model the joy we have in our jobs. 

We model how high expectations and motivation drives us, as a classroom community. 

We model the importance these kids have in our lives, with these kids. 

We model that we don't make excuses, we create solutions. 

We model the connections and differences we make, together. 

We know frustration is part of our job. 

We ALL know that feeling of feeling defeated, stressed and exhausted. 

But we move on. We push on. 

We find ways to invigorate ourselves. 

We lean on each other as teachers, colleagues and families.

We support each other. 

We grow.

So, as we look forward to 2017 what are some things that we can do more of and less of?

More kindness. 

More passion.

More balance. 

More connection. 

More conversation. 

More teamwork and collaboration. 

More sharing. 

More we, less me. 

Be open. 

Be open to change.

Be open to new possibilities and opportunities. 

Be open to changing up your teaching game. 

Be open to accepting help and guidance. 

We need to stop being so hard on ourselves. 

Stop looking over to see why the grass is greener. 

Stop making excuses for things. 

Stop trying to do it all, and do one or two things well. 

Stop demanding and complaining and start connecting and inspiring. 

Stop comparing and start leading.  

Start taking initiatives.

Start dreaming.

Start organizing.

Start connecting. 

Start making more meaningful relationships. 

Start 2017 with more invitations, and less frustrations. 

In This Together

We're in this together

 

As Dr. Niigaan Sinclair (associate professor and department head at the University of Manitoba, Natuve Studies) addressed our Division today, the message was crystal clear, we are in this together. The importance of focussing on relationships, reconciliation, togetherness and unity was the heart and soul of Dr. Sinclair's Presentation.

 

It is our job as educators to be the game changers for our kids. We need to teach our students to be good, kind-hearted and accepting human beings; this is nothing new. However, we need them to apply these same principles to not only the people they interact with, but issues they will face in current events as Canadians. Dr. Sinclair shared many stories with us today on the notion of perspective. Many times, bias statements and remarks are made of indigenous issues and peoples, without full understandings. As Dr. Sinclair stated, it's important to find the questions within these remarks we might hear. It's important for us as teachers to teach our students to rephrase their confusions and understandings. How do we help our students understand and make sense of indigenous issues? How do we nurture reconciliation within our communities? 

I believe that Justice Murray Sinclair says it best;

 

 

 

 

 

So, cheers to a wonderful start, knowing that we're in this together, with relationships coming first. 

"Seek first to understand, and then be understood." (-Covey)

Let's Talk... Mental Health

Teaching kids about being mindful and helping them develop their mental wellbeing is something that is extremely important in my classroom. 

Each year, I see more and more of my students struggling with their mental health. Whether it be anxiety, negative self-perception, depression, anger or some other aspect of their mental health- the urgency of helping and teaching children understand this aspect of their lives is more important than ever. 

In my opinion, more and more children are suffering from mental health issues and more and more teachers need to be jumping on board and helping educate kids on this very "silent issue" where so many struggle. 

This is exactly why Room 17 will be participating in an age-appropriate "Let's Talk" activity through the #BellLetsTalk initiative. 

My students will be spending some time reflecting on how they take care of their mental health by using physical, mental and emotional tools and strategies. 

My wish for all educators is to be able to have the opportunity to initiate a conversation around mental health with their students; helping to remov the stigma and reach those kids that are struggling with something you might not even be aware of. 

-N