Apples to Apples?

It is critical that we prepare our students to think critically, team together, and pool their assets for the greater good. Education isn't about preparing them to earn a high school diploma. It's about preparing them for life and their careers. So, maybe we need to think about comparing apples to oranges, because we just don't know what to really plan for. We must remain open and flexible. Learning is a life long event. We will do this together. To quote Hillary Clinton,"It takes a village."

Listening to Mayor Chris Christie of NJ. tonight something he said struck a chord with me. Christie said,"Leadership is less about talking and more about listening." We need to get our students to think, talk, build and do... together. As teachers we need to stop dispensing information and teach them how to think, and use their resources to their fullest. That's something that I work toward every day.

Our classrooms are transitioning in light of Common Core State Standards. Do you believe that we are leveling the field?

I ask my second graders to think about what they hope to become. Who they will become is much more than their careers; it envelopes what they stand for, and what they dream to become inside and out. One of my second grader turned eight today. We celebrated in class and sent him inspirational wishes with a moment of combined (silent) hope. It was an amazing moment. Later today I asked Caleb what he hoped for his birthday. He said,

"I hope that the coach of my favorite football team in Texas will be okay. He had a heart attack. I really hope that he'll be okay. And that they will have an amazing coach this season."

I asked him if he wanted to be a coach someday. His whole face lit up. The kindness in those eyes nearly made me cry. They are headed in the right direction. I am so grateful to be along for the ride.


~Diana