Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.Russian Proverb Yep. Being a lifelong learner really does pay off. In spades. I am continually reminded of this by my dear students. Today, my gang spent the day outside, and it has become a daily exercise for us. COVID has given many of … Continue reading Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality
Category: Education
Core Practice #4: Nourishment
When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.Alexander den Heijer The fourth core practice of our school is that of nourishment. This has been the most difficult (so far) in that nourishment is often viewed as a one-way lens. From one perspective, nourishment is seen easily defined … Continue reading Core Practice #4: Nourishment
Core Practice #3: Empathy
Empathy is a choice; and it's a vulnerable choice. In order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling.Brene Brown My exploration of our school's seven core practices continues this week as I reflect on the context and practice of Core Practice #3: Empathy. The etymology of … Continue reading Core Practice #3: Empathy
Core Practice #2: Courage
Fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome.Elizabeth Gilbert My journey of exploring our school core practices continues with reflecting how courage plays an elemental role in my daily professional practice. While the etymology of courage seems quite straightforward: … Continue reading Core Practice #2: Courage
‘Operationalizing’ Our Core Values (Part 1)
[BLOG POST] Operationalizing Our Core Values (as a school) #bcedchat #edchat #values #emotionalintelligence #learning #communityoflearners
Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)
If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Admittedly, I have had a rocky relationship … Continue reading Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)
Cubism & The Risk of Vulnerability
Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth. Katherine Mansfield One of my professional and personal goals this year has been to take more risks. My primary motivation is that I want my students to take … Continue reading Cubism & The Risk of Vulnerability
Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom
A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.Rudolf Steiner Three weeks into our school year and I am experiencing some of the most beautiful and memorable moments as an educator … Continue reading Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom
Clarity On What Learning Is (and Isn’t)
A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.Thomas Carruthers Thanks to a very dear colleague and passionate educator for reminding me of this wonderful representation to share with my students (especially at critical points throughout the year) as we embark on our journey to co-create our collective and individual learning experiences this week. (Hint: … Continue reading Clarity On What Learning Is (and Isn’t)
Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature
The life force for humankind is, perhaps, nothing more or less than the passionate energy to connect express, and communicate.Rosamund Zander A significant chunk of my professional self-reflection this summer has circled around rediscovering my giving and receiving nature as a teacher. During my reading of The Compassion Classroom: Relationship Based Teaching and Learning by … Continue reading Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature
