The Elegant Elephant in the Classroom: Distant Watchfulness

I have always hated the idiom, "let's address the elephant in the room," it always gave elephants a negative connotation. I know the phrase came about because of their sheer size, but elephants should not be used, metaphorically, to depict major problems but rather innovative solutions. They are such beautiful, powerful creatures and should represent strength, community and endurance. They travel great distances in search of a watering hole, offspring in toe. They keep their babies close and raise their young as a group, each herd often having several generations represented. They are often considered the "king of the jungle" due to their size and tusks, yet they are herbivores and lack any resolve to harm any other animal, unless provoked. They have always been my favorite animal and as such have always intrigued me. I have snow globes, stuffed animals, masks etc. depicting their image. These are my latest two additions. Gabriel and Caesar. I absolutely love their Native American patterns. They definitely have a spot waiting for them on my desk.

Elephants are strong and fierce when they need to be. They are gentle of spirit and watch over the herd with conviction. Much like a teacher, ever present and protective yet allowing the herd to wander and be self-sufficient. A community of elephants remains together through thick and thin, defending the group in its entirety and moving together across vast areas of rough terrain, until they reach the water to replenish themselves. Like a classroom of students, collaborating and supporting one another through the expanse of learning. Much like, a student-centered classroom, by providing the opportunity for some students to lead, several to support and others to guide the herd. Creating a unity, a common vision for their task ahead. Another saying, in elephant terms, also applies "you can lead an elephant to water but you can't make him drink," as teachers if we give our students a map, using their own compass and sense of direction, they will find their oasis on their own and they will drink of their own accord.

Elephants use what is around them creatively. Dirt to knock off bugs and to cool off, even trees to scratch an inch. If we provide students with tools, like a makerspace, they will get innovative and imaginative as well. Tools are mere objects that enlighten us to do things differently. It is our resolve that leads us to find their purpose. Elephants are both intuitive and resilient, much like our students. 

Elephants have great memories. Often travelling great distances and always finding their way back home. They have a strong familial bond and a deep love for their children. Like a teacher, even with the farthest of tangents they always find their way back to the goal of the lesson. Remembering the needs of all of their students and building strong relationships that impact the herd and each individual of the collective. Growth oriented and open-minded, elephants complete journey's often abandoned by others, while they remain focused on the destination. Teachers, much the same will hold strong to their convictions and always finish the quest for what is best for their students.

Elephants can be loud, strumming out a warning or battle cry. They gather the herd in times of danger. Teachers, if elegant elephants in the room, allow the dispersal of respective members, keeping a distant, yet watchful eye, but are ever present to call in the herd when necessary. A strong presence, yet a gentle power is wielded only when required. The voice of action yet the whisper of dissidence, just to keep the herd in a sense of urgent regard.

In the mirror, objects are closer and larger than they appear. As watchful facilitators, in a student-centered environment, teachers remain just out of view, maintaining a thoughtful residence, a companionship that helps balance the function and organization of the "ecosystem" all the while creating a consistent sense of pressure, there may be a lion or hyena on the prowl (challenge) or even a sand storm up ahead causing a detour. As long as the herd stays diligent and united it will remain strong and steadfast. A herd both travelling forward and unified in conviction to conquer the dangers of learning that might lie ahead.

Elephants are large in stature, their habitation must be large enough to accommodate their circumference. A classroom just the right size for the voice and drive of a dedicated teacher. If there is one within view, you are often humbled by their spirit and earnestness. They are commanding by their mere existence. You know that they are there, yet they remain in their locus not infringing or invading that of another. Teachers and elephants both relentless and fearless in their pursuit of new experiences and new destinations.