...the Mother of All Invention

Last week I shared a simple thought via Twitter and LinkedIn: even though it is pretty tough to quantify, I can't help but feel as though many of my students are experience a type of learning and growth they would have never fully realized without experiencing our current situation. Thankfully, I received some positive feedback, along with a common addition: tell me more about that - what are you seeing?

So, after thinking about it a little more over the weekend while watching the Vikings fritter away another road game, here are some skills and/or areas I have seen kids grow, learn, and overall rise to the occasion:

Self-Advocacy

I can tell you as a 6th-grade teacher one of the most crucial skills for middle-level students to learn is the art of self-advocacy. Every year, it is one of main growth goals for our students, one of the main talking points with parents at the beginning of the year and at conferences, and one of the universal, transcendent skills all of us educators are looking to foster. In some ways this year is just like any other...some students are further along than others; some students need more support than others; some students will continue to struggle and grow in this area all year and beyond. But what's different this year is more students are developing this skill - growing & learning - at a more rapid pace.

Flexible Thinking

With so in life being tossed upside-down and all around, students are forced to become more flexible, pliable, dynamic thinkers and problem-solvers. Now, they're not alone. Parents are doing more and being challenged in more ways than ever before; juggling work, raising kids, being support staff at home, and managing their own lives! Teachers are adapting, honing, changing, modifying, and updating what we deliver and how we deliver it every day. What's impressed so much about so many of my students is how they have absolutely risen to up to meet the moment. While I do still have a handful of students I worry about and know need support, it's been so incredibly energizing to see the resiliency of so many young people. 

Problem Solving

This is connected with the first two categories. There are so many ways in which my students are demonstrating efficient and effective problem-solving strategies. Organizing their daily schedules to know when each class starts, along with Google Meet information. Working with partners and groups for school work and still completing assignments at a high level of return and quality. Communicating with teachers with any issues/questions/concerns they may have during the day. Navigating digital platforms to find and interact with content. Yes, teachers and staff have put in a ton of work to help with all of these things. Administration and district-level technology and media have done exemplary work as well (ours are amazing!). As stated above, parents have been unbelievable partners throughout everything. That said, I truly need to tip the cap to my students in this area!

Collaboration & Communication

Most kids love to talk. Middle school students are especially gifted at this...especially in loud voices! But meaningful, productive communication can sometimes be hard to come by when we're talking eleven to fourteen year-olds. These past eight to nine months have really forced students to become better email writers, more purposeful speakers in class, and more efficient with their time when working with others. It has challenged me as their teacher to develop more opportunities to not only leverage these skills, but to also practice and build up these skills. It has been very enjoyable to watch students grow in their communication. In some ways it might be unfair they've had to 'grow up so fast' with some of these things, but I know that they will be way ahead of the game down the road. In terms of collaboration, students are constantly working with others, even when it may not seem like it: waiting to speak in a virtual class, listening intently to others so they can add something meaningful to the conversation, understanding the purpose and Why of different roles within groups. 

There is much more I could add. There are also students who are struggling with (very real) issues around mental health, isolation, and barriers around language, unstable home situations, and inequity. For this post, however, I wanted to take a minute and share some sincere appreciation for all the hard work, growth, and real learning so many students are experiencing in the midst of all this madness.

Thoughts & Reflections Approaching Winter Break

Part of the problem with taking a break from consistent writing is it ends up feeling as though I'm trying to time my jump into a fast spinning revolving door. Each separate door frame-sized pane of glass representing a large area of life, current happenings professionally, and/or one of the myriad crazy things going on in the world on a daily basis.

 

Sometimes I think transitioning back into cogent thoughts will be smooth, and other times it seems predestined for slow, awkward, epic failure. Even though that (often times) debilitating line of thinking has kept me from reflection, I know - and personally value - the importance of looking inward and collecting thoughts on a regular basis. 

But it's more than that. This fall, there has been the ever-present feeling of "so much." So much noise; so many variables; so much distraction; so many obstacles. While I fully understand and acknowledge I write this reflection from a point of privilege and being blessed - health of self and family good, steady job, etc. - it is also valid to say the last handful of months have been a bit much. A grind. And when I think about all of it, it can be easy to let the "so much" become all-consuming. Sometimes it just feels good to put your head down, be productive, and get the job done. The problem is, there can be so much 'cargo' that you end being the one taken for a ride, wondering just how the view became so altered, so quickly.

With that said, it feels appropriate to focus on some of the positives from this first semester so far...obviously the craziest, weirdest, most challenging, and (in some ways) the most rewarding four months of a twenty-year teaching career. 

• Students are amazing. Like really, truly incredible. Is this some of the best "work" I've seen out of kids thus far? Not necessarily. Have I been pleasantly surprised and inspired on many occasions? Absolutely. My Advisory (homeroom) kids show up every day, most of them eager to talk, share, exchange stories and jokes, and encourage each other. All of my other classes typically have 97-100% attendance; work is done just as much as before. In short - the kids are alright.
• That said, my biggest worry is their mental health. Are they feeling connected enough? Do they know many adults are caring for them and invested in them every day? I know it's my #1 goal this year...creating the environment and culture where they can just come and "be," if nothing else. The work will get done, and they always end up learning. I fully believe they learn just as much by observing me - my attitude, my commitment to them, the grace I offer, the patience I show, and the enthusiasm I bring on a daily basis. 
• While it has been different to not have the usual amount of interaction with parents - especially in person - to a person they have been amazingly supportive of me and their child. I have no doubt this makes an invaluable difference. There are many roadblocks this year, but this support has worth more than I could have imagined. 
• I really miss seeing and working with colleagues in-person. This isn't really a "positive," other than it speaks to the talented, dedicated, amazing staff at my school. 
  
• The administration at my school is fantastic. Enough said.
• In some ways, this fall has been the most rewarding stretch of my teaching career. Learning new ways to instruct, connect, assess, and plan have helped me grow as an educator. 

There are more things on my mind - serious and lighthearted - from the experience of these last nine months. More posts and more reflections for other days. For now, it was important to get back in the rhythm, think about how things have gone, and take stock of all the positives going on in a world of chaos. 

(Extremely) Cautiously Optimistic

I should almost type this with one set of fingers crossed behind my back. Perhaps knock on the nearest piece of wood firmly and sharply. Frankly, any superstition used will work for me! Why? Because at this point, things are going almost as smoothly as can be. 

Now being in the second week of the new school year with students, I find myself very, very cautiously optimistic. It has been so fantastic being able to meet the kids, see how excited they are to be back, and to witness firsthand all of the incredibly hard work being put in by my teaching colleagues, administration, media specialist, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, security personnel, etc. Beyond my own school, our district technology & media people have been incredible (maybe an understatement) and the support from families and the community has been huge. More than ever, this crazy school year and these crazy times have shown shown how great of a place this is to work.

Yes, talking and teaching all day with a mask is a bit weird and in some ways gets tiring. Yes, the kids having to be spaced out during lunch is a bit zany, and you miss seeing the kids smile behind their masks. But...

We are here; kids get to experience middle school, see friends, and interact; most fall activities and sports are underway; and with each new passing day we gain a little momentum and hopefully get closer and closer to the day when we are ALL back here together & learning.

Strangest. Professional Development Weeks. Ever.

 Understatement of the week would be to say it's been "a little different around here." This is year 20 as a teacher, and while there are many different ways I could feel about it, my overriding thought is:

Thank God I have 19 years to draw on for this!

I have no doubt that countless 1st-year teachers will grow, exceed, and blossom through this pandemic-teaching experience. Surely this is the type of environment that sharpens a lot of skills, reinforces the passion for teaching, and delivers life-long lessons. 

That said, I am still very thankful to have countless experiences to draw from and reflect on moving forward. I also know that whenever I do look back on the year that's about to happen, there will be soooo many more lessons learned.

For this two-week stretch of Professional Development/Workshop, here are some of the things that stick out:

The Good 

-seeing friendly, familiar faces...even from a distance and behind masks

-working with colleagues to plan, solve problems, and build learning environments for students to succeed

-knowing you have the support of fellow teachers, your admin, an amazing custodial staff, etc.

-seeing all of the work other district people have put in to help make any of this happen: media & technology, transportation, athletics/activities, etc.

The Tough

-many meetings spent alone at your desk via Google Meet...doable, just not the same

-potential mental overload, figuring out balancing in-person hybrid students with distance learning students; new technology tools; a different pacing of curriculum & content

The Best

-meeting my Advisory students for a masked-up, physically distanced tour of the school last week. So awesome to see their excitement!!

Controlling What I Can

In what is shocking news to absolutely nobody, there are many variables, what-ifs, hypotheticals, and general unknowns going into this next school year. Distance Learning? Hybrid? In-person learning? What about sports, activities, etc.? Will I be able to count on all students being able to access content and curriculum? What steps will be followed to ensure my safety and students' safety? Assuming some students and families would choose to learn at home full-time - even with a hybrid system - what are the implications for me as their teacher? How about the steps put in place for when somebody tests positive, which I also assume is basically bound to happen...

Here's the thing: I could sit here and think of and type questions all. Day. Long. To me, that can be instructive and helpful - as it can guide purposeful planning - but it can also be distracting and draining. Because at the end of the day, there are SO MANY things outside of my (read: our) control. So instead, I am choosing to spend most of my energy over these next few weeks planning and thinking about all of the things I can control or influence.

Off the top of my head, here's a quick starter list of what I seek to be purposeful about this fall and beyond, in terms of striving to control:

-Creating, building, and maintaining a classroom environment (both digital and physical) that keeps everyone connected and feeling welcome, encouraged, valued, and sustained.

-Building space for my students to be able to tell their stories -- what they've been going through, how they've been affected by all that's gone on in the world, their individual hopes and dreams, where they want their story to go.

-Supporting my students and help to increase their capacity for critical thinking, purposeful writing, and reading comprehension needed for multiple text and content types.

-Actively and purposefully checking in with students on a regular basis, and also creating a schedule that encourages them to be self-advocates and curious learners.

-Working closely with colleagues to make this the best possible experience for kids while also aiming to be as available to and supporting of my fellow teachers.

Throughout the year, it might be healthy to consistently check in with myself and ask questions like "what's most important right now?," "how does this best serve students?," and "how can we make this better for all kids?"

"Waiting by the Phone!"

That old song started playing in my head this morning. It's just the nature of things these days. Seems as though that's what so many us are doing - parents, students, teachers...everyone!!

Turns out we will be receiving at least some information this Thursday - July 30 - when the governor will announce state recommendations and directives around the start of the 2020-2021 school year. As a teacher whose wife is also a teacher in the district we live in, we are pretty consistently asked some version of the question "So, what do you guys know about school this fall?" The thing is - and this is the frustrating/stressing/beguiling/liberating part of it all - we don't know any more than any other neighborhood resident. Let's be honest: almost nobody does. Right now, all any of us can do is go about our business, starting thinking and planning mentally (and probably emotionally) for any scenario, and be ready to respond and act to directives handed down.

My hope and goal is to take this specific situation being dealt and turn it on itself...to make this an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop new skills as an educator. Surely new methods, skills, problem-solving, and collaboration will be needed over this next school year. Some of the lessons from this past spring will prove to be quite valuable. Things thought to be true and self-evident from the initial go-around with distance learning may prove to be false or misleading within the context of a larger time period. Students and families will need more (and sometimes quite unique) assistance and resources than during a 'typical' school year. Many students will come into this school year with a new/updated/altered world view, shaped by the pandemic, a new civil rights push, and families no doubt impacted in many different ways within the last six months.

So, right now it's hurry up and wait. Wait to see what we have to work with and within. Many around me are eager and anxious to hear what's next. I'm going to relish a couple more days of the quiet, before we all spring into action for the year to come.

We got this; we will get through this; we will be better on the other end of this.

Acceptane then Perseverance

Late last week, we were hit with the hard yet unsurprising news that the school year would be finished via Distance Learning. Most people figured it was coming; some folks were thinking that by May 4th - the initial "push to" date - we'd be able to work our way back into the buildings and get back with our students and colleagues. I fell directly in the camp of "not surprised, but definitely gutted."

Here's the thing...most of us really, really miss being with our students and collaborating with colleagues in person.While I continue to be impressed by all the work being put in from all levels - admin, technology integration specialists, teachers, paras, students and parents - there are just some elements of the job that can't necessarily be replicated in this current reality.

So, after those moments of feeling bad, feeling sorry for oneself, and being mad/upset in general, you just have to buckle in and say "alright, let's do this." The fact of the matter is there are so many variables out of our control, the best way to go is absolutely zero in on those things we can influence and make better.

With that said, we're going to make the absolute best out of these last few weeks. Lots of face time with students; fun and (hopefully) engaging activities; learning that can connect kids to each other (remotely), their family (when applicable), and the outdoors (essential!).

We'll make it work; we'll make it good; we'll take the best of this learning to the best of current practices and be better off in the long run.

Balance

Been thinking a lot about this concept lately, especially this week. Where I am, it's the middle of week 4 in the Distance Learning journey. We have made it through the initial transition period, most students, staff, and parents have - to varying degrees - figured out how to function within this new reality.

Now, I seem to be constantly thinking about just how much I'm pushing students (or not) in our academic areas. There are two sides to this precipice...the vital importance of each and every students' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As I wrote over a month ago, a big worry I carried centered around my students who struggle with mental health, executive functioning and organization, and who greatly benefited from personal attention with myself and/or paraprofessionals. Beyond that, many 11- and 12-year olds dealing with this type of adjustment can be tough! On the other hand, there still exists the other responsibility of what we do --> teaching our students the content and guiding them through their learning. Finding that perfect balance between massaging student needs and expected learning, rigor, and pace is a constant battle.

Even though this is a source of angst and discomfort at times, I'm doing my best to lean into the reality that what we're doing isn't one specific "thing" or "type" of learning. Rather, it seems to have parts to a lot of things --> 'home schooling,' 'online learning,' 'distance learning,' etc. For a silver lining, these moments of introspection, the planning with finesse, the responsiveness developed to coordinate with colleagues, students, and families have all led to growth. Growth as an educator, growth as a parent, growth as a person.

I have come to appreciate (even more than usual) the countless moments of input/output feedback that happens all the time in the classroom. It cannot be replicated. At least not yet...that's another thought experiment for another day. I'd be curious to know how others feel about this idea of 'balance' these days...have any of your "cracked the case," so to speak? Any insights? Frustrations?

Crystal Ball...

I don't have one of those. At all. Right now, trying to think about or guess as to what changes may or may not come within education from the pandemic crisis is a bit of folly. What does seem apparent is how many holes have been punched into our "systems" (no matter the industry) and how things are usually done. For every strength that's been exposed, there have also been weaknesses and gaps brought to light.

When I think about next year and beyond, some of the things I wonder about include:

-Increased choice and flexibility...will more students realize they enjoy the remote learning and schedule that comes along with it? Will schools and districts even give that type of option, especially for middle and high school students?

-While there had been some push lately for increased focus and support toward mental health for students (and to an extent, staff), will this serve as a springboard for even more commitment toward these goals?

-State standardized tests. Seems like life will continue to go on, even without students taking those this year. Don't get me wrong - I think there is incredible value in measuring student growth and progress. Perhaps there will be more of a move toward 'in-district' testing and the development of student portfolios showcasing growth and attainment of state standard mastery...?

-Sports and activities. No idea here, other than I really, really hope students can get back to experiencing the thrill and fulfillment that comes from being part of a team, choir, band, orchestra, theater ensemble, speech/debate team, etc. Will things have to be arranged differently?

-Smaller teams and units within even larger schools, providing a more close-knit and connected experience for kids?

-Increased relationships and partnerships between schools, their community, businesses, etc.? Maybe an increased emphasis around volunteerism and problem- or project-based learning?

There are so many more that are yet to come; just very interesting to think about.

Building In Opportunity

With each passing day, I am becoming more and more convinced the chance for great opportunity to grow, expand, and improve teaching and learning lies within our current reality and beyond. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, this process has seemed to reveal practices and beliefs that are either "not as important" as we thought, still important but malleable, or downright unnecessary.

For starters, it's been amazing to witness my students' energy, enthusiasm, yearning for, and pliability towards learning. An old adage within the profession is that the students are always better at transitions and adapting than the adults (as a middle school teacher, this truth is bears out every year). I ache for the kids who thrive on social interaction and whose learning styles help them excel in a social school setting. I worry for the kids who may already struggle with mental health, students who have difficulties with organization and executive functioning, and students whose learning struggles were evident while at school and surrounded by resources. I feel terribly for seniors who can't finish out their high school careers among peers; 5th graders who may not get that chance to formally close the chapter on elementary school; and for spring sport athletes who may not get a season at all. But, with all that said, the students continue to amaze...they complete work, email questions, attend virtual class sessions, etc. Whatever we do with teaching and learning, the lesson is to never see the students as any kind of roadblock or hindrance...rather, they need to be at the center of planning and purpose.

Additionally, my colleagues have proven to be nothing short of fantastic through all of this! Veteran teachers who maybe weren't on the forefront of tech integration have worked incredibly hard to not only survive but thrive. Our district technology leaders have been AWESOME on a daily basis. Admin have worked tirelessly to support staff, students, and families while keeping the school community connected and optimistic. Special Ed, EL, Case Managers, and Paraprofessionals have all shown creativity and dogged determination in helping make sure ALL students feel supported and successful during this time. Our district Media Specialists have built and offered amazing opportunities for students of all ages to meet their learning needs and also enrich & extent their thinking.

I don't know if some of what I rambled about in yesterday's post would ever come to fruition...it was simply one teacher's thoughts around what an "ideal" day of learning might look like. There are realities around budgets, staffing, etc. But what I do know is that this crisis will force innovative thinking, problem solving, and pragmatic planing going forward. The smart thing - if one cares about what our future might look like - is to make sure one's voice is heard. After all, some things will be different...we might have a chance to really reshape some of what we do. If you never give an opinion or thought about it, it'll be tough to complain once we're "back to business."

Thoughts on School, Learning, and What's Important

Forgive the random nature of this post, as well as some of the ramblings that will come along with it, but within the current reality we're all living in, I've had a bit more time than usual to reflect on school, learning, teaching, and what seems to be important.

It's quite amazing what kind of mental re-framing has been brought about through this pandemic. Along with that, it's been very inspiring to see what teachers, admin, students and parents have done to make this situation go as well as possible so far.

Thinking about what I've observed in society with skills needed to brainstorm, problem solve, develop, construct, and distribute necessary items...not to mention the need for people to cook, clean, workout at home as well as the overall appreciation and consumption of the arts, this is what my 'optimal school' going forward might look like:

-First off, a different look at grades and grading. Seriously, enough with the abstract and arbitrary measurements. Know your standards, understand how to articulate to students what their understanding of those standards looks like, develop work and assessments that inform teaching and respond to student needs, and create tests/projects/assignments that allow students to demonstrate their proficiency in regards to that standard.

-It sees as though "school life" will continue to go on, even with the cancelling of state standardized tests. Let's continue to place more emphasis on district-level measurements of growth, along with student portfolios, etc.

-For years, I've seen students every other day within a block schedule. I'd love to have the chance to see my students every day, even if that means a shorter amount of time.

-Along those lines, EVERY CLASS/SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT. Seriously. Classes like Family & Consumer Science/Home Economics have shown to be crucial --> cooking at home, maintaining a clean residence, SEWING!!, laundry, maintaining a budget, etc. Along those lines:

• computer science/coding and/or engineering classes...make that available as a choice for all
• Music choices and visual arts! Kids should be able to choose at least one of these to pursue
• Phys Ed and Health!! Fitness, mindfulness, awareness and practice of healthy living, daily exercise...these are all vital, and proving to be more and more crucial with each passing day. 
• small teams of teachers (3-4 max) to house 75-100 students who can then feel part of a smaller community even within a large school
• a daily start with a homeroom or advisory to build sustaining relationships and work toward ways to build relationships and volunteerism out to the larger community

I'm sure it seems crazy that a Reading/Language Arts teacher would talk about 'giving up' some minutes I've become used to, but I also believe a high quality school fosters reading and writing fluency within all disciplines. With a unified stress on things like Academic Vocabulary development, Non-fiction reading fluency, and daily writing practice, students can get constant reps on these key skills. With subjects like math, science, and languages also being every day, numeracy and world language proficiency can also be consistently developed.

Yes, I'm sure this is all crazy and expensive and whatever. Maybe there are ways to get creative around something like this, maybe there would be too many limitations. But when thinking about developing the whole kid, the thought of a school day like that is very attractive, both as teacher and parent. Like I said at the start, this was a bunch of rambling, so thanks for reading!

Control

Here's a picture I took at one point today to share with students as we tried to execute Plans B and C with our main Learning Management System having difficulties. I mean, c'mon...why can't it still be flawless with an additional 20+ million users than earlier this year!

Look, what are you going to do? There's only so much control a person can have with all of this. In truth, it's been a good reminder that we can only control certain things, and other variables have a way of simply staying elusive. As teachers (and as a parent) we get constant reminders of this phenomenon, but life, work and learning in the time of COVID-19 has ushered in another level.

Sitting at my home workspace thinking I'm in control...? reminds me of the class line from Anchorman when somebody messed with the teleprompter:

 

Anyway, it's a good reminder to lean into certain mindsets: flexibility, adaptability, patience, understanding, perseverance. I don't know just how many new methods, ideologies and behaviors will arise from this situation, but I do know that those mindsets are evergreen - always in play, always helpful when riding any day's turbulent wave. 

Aaaand We're Back!

Let's get the "Captain Obvious" stuff out of the way early...things are weird, different, off lately. For everyone. Everywhere. I reside in but one very small corner of this vast world, trying to hold things down while keeping the learning going with my students at school - remotely, of course.

To be honest, there's just so much to wrap one's head around that instead of a focused writing today, it'll be more of a rambling list of thoughts...

• I work for and with a pretty incredible district. The time used to develop and expand Distance Learning capabilities was invaluable. There are so many talented, flexible, passionate and committed people all working together to try and make this work best for our students. It's quite inspiring actually.
• Students seem to be doing a great job adjusting to these first couple of days with Distance Learning. They have asked thoughtful questions (for the most part 😉) when needed, and have shown to be quite responsible and resourceful.
• It's been great to see my own kids adjust positively. They both have loved being able to pound thru their work at a high clip, connect with teachers if needed, and then move on to doing other activities, play outside, etc. 
• Observing my wife put in so much great work as a 1st grade teacher has been awesome. She's quite fantastic!
• I wonder what types of long-term changes will come from all of this...it will be very interesting to see. Just like many other industries, the type of innovative and creative, problem-solving thinking going on will undoubtedly lead to positive developments.

Until Next Time...

For obvious reasons, I have not written as much these past few days. Primarily, we haven't had class with students and there have been a few things going on around town.

I took this picture of my front white board...

Every day, I write the date for the next class day, plus whether it's an A or B day. I wrote this particular information down on Thursday, March 12. We had parent-teacher conferences and staff development on the 13th, and have not had students since. So as I sit here and type this before I leave my room, I can't help but wonder when I will next change that information. I know I could have erased it and left it blank, but I want to see just how long the gap ends up being between days spent with actual students.

There's been a lot of time, energy, thought and effort put into expanding and enhancing out Distance Learning efforts for our students these past few days. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure how things will go. I do know I'm optimistic, and I truly believe our students will rise to the occasion and make the most out of the situation. I also know that more than ever, the kids need to find balance between the school work, family time, getting movement & exercise, finding new or reinvigorating old passions, and just taking care of themselves!

I hope to continue writing and reflecting as we go through this weird journey together. Although it'll be different, I'm sure there will be just as much material to build off of as before. The rest of this week is a hiatus and planning week, followed by Spring Break next week. Then, fully leaning into Distance Learning as best we can. Until then, stay safe and healthy everyone!

Uncharted Territory

These are some pretty wild, wild times we have going on right now. Never before have I had to answer so many questions from students with different versions of "I'm not sure; I don't know; you guys know as much as I do; etc." Maybe in the weeks following 9-11, but that now feels like a bit of a different world. Certainly from a standpoint of connectivity and speed of information flow, it was much different. Back then, a student might have a question that arose from something they saw in the newspaper or on the evening/morning news. Now, the kids have a world of information at their fingertips all the time - whether they like it or not.

When I think about my own experience in trying to keep up with the onslaught of information and the current state of affairs, I can only image what these kids might be thinking from time to time. More than once already today, I have needed to take a deep breath and give a couple young people the benefit of the doubt with their behavior, poor choice in humor, and spreading of potentially misleading information because honestly, they don't know much better and are trying there best like the rest of us. It's just that it can sometimes tire a guy out!

I have especially raised awareness around our students who may already deal with anxiety and mental health struggles on a daily basis...all of this certainly can't help matters! I'm also aware that some students may have elderly relatives currently confined in locked-down nursing homes, parents that travel a lot for work, and older siblings in far-off places for college.

While I have no intel, insight, or useful knowledge different from anyone else at this point, I certainly feel as though I have a takeaway to keep at the forefront of our minds when dealing with one another (from a distance or not) -- have grace. Just a little bit of added kindness, understanding, sympathy and perhaps empathy could go a long way as we chart this unknown terrain.

Stay safe and healthy out there!

Frustration, Walls, and a Different Kind of Patience

Some days it can be hard to follow advice you would probably give your own children or students. The idea of staying positive, persevering, reflecting, learning, and staying focused on goals can seem difficult and abstract when dealing with a little dose of disappointment. You know it's the right play - the correct course of action. And deep down, you know it's true, because come on...who likes the alternative? Exactly.

So, even when you find out you're not moving on through an interview process on something you're excited about and your day is looking a bit bleak early on, you power through. The reason is really simple - there's work to be done. Students are coming through your door (or clients are calling, colleagues are in need, bosses are asking for things) and they need you mentally in the game. Even with whatever else is going on, the other people in your life need your focus, energy, commitment, etc.

And truthfully, the more I think about it, this is exactly why the advice mentioned above is given to children, students, athletes, and anyone else on a learning journey. We all go through this type of stuff all the time. So I ran into a bit of a wall with this news this morning. It's not the first wall I've hit, and it most certainly will not be the last. There's a skill, elegance, and certain power and that comes with saying "alright, what's next?" For me, what always seems to be a lift is when I look to how I can lift others - students, colleagues, family, etc.

What I also need to do is practice a different type of patience from the one I discussed yesterday. Not a patience in dealing with preteens approaching Spring Break, but patience with what's to come. Knowing, understanding, and accepting that I can control only so much, and that putting best effort and work into things is what it's all about...and then letting go and trusting things from that point.

To make things better, the universe always has it's ways of giving what might be needed. Within a short amount of time from receiving the bummer news, I had lovely words of encouragement from my lovey and talented wife; I got an email and started going back forth with a coach and mentor from high school; and my son texted us to share his news of scoring 100% on his math test. All in all, not too bad of a day... ;)

Patience

Short post today, as I think a lot about the importance (see: necessity) of patience in dealing with middle school students coming off daylight saving clock-adjusting with a full moon week thrown in with Spring Break on the horizon. Let's just say things get a little "hairy" around this time!

You know it's going to be a grind of a Monday when you're not even 15 minutes into your first class and you have to 'get real' with them about their behavior, performance, following directions, etc. Thankfully things have picked up a little from that point, but man...not great when you're still waiting for the coffee to perk ya up a bit.

In the end, you take much of what a middle school student says and does with a grain of salt because, well, they're 12. But still, all too often I find myself channeling my inner Kramer from Seinfeld and thinking to myself serenity now, serenity now...

Thankfully life inside a middle school is like MN weather --> just wait about 5-10 minutes and it will change. The kids make you smile and laugh as much as they make you shake your head in bewilderment. They show amazing signs of kindness, grace, and acceptance as much as they offer scorn and ridicule to each other. And for the most part, their openness and eagerness to learn outweighs their preteen angst and ambivalence. 

The Madness of March

Where to begin? So many parts to this phenomenon. So many variables impacting daily life. So many different elements in play. The month of March, in the world of education (let along middle schools!), is typically a crazy, unbalanced state of existence.

Notice I have avoided terms that would provide either negative or positive connotation. Perhaps the reader will look into this one way or another, but from the writer's end, the goals is to simply examine the current reality. As the oft-mocked and sometimes discarded saying goes - it is what it is.

The seasons are starting to do battle, as winter begrudgingly gives way to spring. Winter sports run through their insane gauntlets of playoffs and championships at both the high school and college level, with tryouts for spring/summer sports already beginning (or never ending...looking at you, soccer and dance). Here in MN the high school hockey tournaments definitely attract much attention. In school, kids are fighting the constant battle of taking on more responsibility and learning versus enjoying more freedom and certain "rights of passage" with growing up. Spring Break looms ahead, with the lucky ones looking forward to a getaway and much-needed distraction.

Put all of this in a social experiment blender like a middle school, and what you usually get is some interesting behavior, somewhat questionable decision making (even more so than usual), and really, really high energy levels. If only I'd been keeping a count so far of the total head shakes, laughs, eyebrow raises, confused looks, and questions like "huh?" I've demonstrated so far this month...

Oh, and it's only the 6th! 😅  Buckle up everybody

Balance

There's nothing quite like it. Balance seems almost like a universal truth. Even more, it can almost act like a universal solvent...so efficient, powerful, and useful in so many situations. Balance can seem to open up one's breathing, clear one's mind, and energize one's spirit. All too often, we can find ourselves out of balance -> physically with our backs, golf swings, running strides...mentally with too much work and not enough play/relaxation/family time...spiritually with overloads of stress and not enough unplugging and mindfulness.

Today has brought the concept of balance to the front of my mind. Not because of one absolute reason, but rather a result of may different variables. This is always a time of year when I start to see stress levels rise in the students. I'm sure it can seem crazy, with winter break only a couple of months ago and just a few months left in the school year, but it never fails that the time of year leading into spring break always seems to be a trying time for kids. They can have many stressors going on - academics, tournament season for winter sports, choir/band/orchestra performances, spring musicals, standardized and high-stakes testing (and for HS students, looming AP and college entrance tests later in spring). Throw in the tail end of flu season, excess worry around Coronavirus, and everyone waiting for winter to let go it's grasp, and it's safe to say everyone could use some re-calibration.

While it's tough to control what students will do outside of my classroom, I can help by modeling balance and encouraging them to seek balance in their own lives as much as they can. Do I really need to have them do activity "X" as homework? Probably not...we could come back to that next time. Is there a great way for this activity to be done offline, so they can maybe unplug for a little bit? Probably. If they hear me talk about mixing in downtime, getting exercise, having family time, and pursuing interests and passions outside of school could they see that for themselves? Maybe, maybe not...but it is certainly worth trying!

We as adults need to make sure we're getting the balance we need for ourselves. If we do, we are probably much better equipped to assist our students in achieving that same type of balance and peace as well. Read a good book; put on that great album you loved 5, 10, 15 years ago; go for a walk or get a hard workout in; think-meditate-ponder in quiet stillness for a few minutes; spend some time doing something fun with a loved one or friends. Recharging our batteries and finding balance can be contagious - in a good way :)

Leaning In...

Seems to be quite a bit going on in the news and around the world lately. Cue Captain Obvious...

 

But seriously, there's just a lot on everybody's plate and mind. I find that this is no different, and quite often is even more the case, when it comes to our students. Aside from all the usual preteen and teenage conundrums, there are so many other existential crises currently in play. Unofficially off the top of my head...

-election news

-coronavirus

-sea levels

-organic/gluten free/GMO/various intolerance issues with eating and diets

-navigating real life with online life, especially for young women

-the overall effect of social media and growing up

-pressure around grades and high stakes tests for the "perfect" college choices

-high competitive environments around all sports and activities

There are more, as this is not an exhaustive list at all. Add on top of all these things how disconnected students - and everyone - can all feel, and what you're left with has the potential to feel very isolating and overwhelming. 

While I have no real good ideas to combat all this (mostly because it's been rattling around my brain aimlessly), I do feel strongly about one thing. There's an inherent power behind the act of leaning in to all of these things. Leaning in to problem-solving and pragmatic thinking around problems. To leaning in to healthy ways to combat stress: exercise, meditation, mindfulness, serving others, finding a purpose. And maybe most importantly (IMHO, as the kids say via text), leaning in to relationships with others...with friends, colleagues, family, teammates, acquaintances, mentors, teachers, coaches, and anyone else who can support, sustain, and otherwise be there us. 

As the saying goes, No Man Is An Island. Even though we seem to try harder and harder in our world to create islands and worlds for ourselves, it seems paramount to bridge to others as much as we can. If you're good to go, be that bridge for another.

Here's to the Grind!

Today I'm raising the proverbial glass to The Grind...the mundane, nose-to-grindstone, sometimes overlooked parts to learning, growing, and developing. There are a couple of reasons why I'm thinking about this today. First, we are in the midst of some thoughtful, analytical literature-centered writing in class. When we are in this phase, the students are constantly thinking, asking, reflecting on, and evaluating their current position and end goals. Not to mention the actual development of writing skills and growth attained by striving through struggles and hurdles. In a way, these are some of my favorite days as a teacher. Seeing the students grow this way, and develop their writing skills and voice, is incredibly rewarding. It also helps that there's a tangible product at each step --> brainstorming information, outlining and mapping of thinking, a workable rough draft, followed by thoughtful and precise revision feedback before we finally publish.

Another reason this is at the forefront of my mind today is because it's the last day and game of our 9th grade basketball season. Varsity squads continue with sections next week, but the younger squads close things out. Teaching and coaching are similar in so many ways. You establish goals, set standards and expectations, develop a culture and climate for everyone's benefit, and work all year/season to achieve your goals. Like students, players each have unique gifts, talents, and things they bring to the team. While sports tend to be more competitive in nature, collaboration is key for both areas. Another common element that I particularly enjoy is the grinding part of the season...practice! Getting in the gym daily to work on the little things; breakdown what's working well and what isn't; implement new sets, strategies, and plays; honing our team and individual skills is what it's all about. I always know it'll be a competitive, good group to work with when the majority of the guys have the attitude of appreciating The Grind. It's when the real work gets done, and when real improvement and progress are made. The end of the season always brings reflection, and it is nice to look back and see the development. Of course, the hard part of coaching (and teaching, for that matter) is you're never really satisfied and are always thinking about times you could've, should've, and would've done differently.

The Grind is the blessing...the constant reflection/evaluating/questioning is sometimes the curse 😉