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 😉
No comments:
Post a Comment