The Zone of Saturation: Breaking Through the Comfort Zone: Snip It #25

A zone of saturation is the level at which water has filled under ground soil and sediment. A zone of demarcation being the border between two areas that are not inclusive, but rather need an area of separation. Residential versus industrial zones, no fly zones, and frigid versus temperate zones. All areas of division, some small in area while others expand over thousands of miles. However, anyway you look at it, they are given areas with certain characteristics that allow it a purpose or use. This territory can be designed to be temporary, fluid, or definitive. But, there always seems to be "the other side." The area viewed from a far, either with envy or dread. Much like a comfort zone, many stay safely behind the walls of the sector while others scale the walls and venture out into the unknown. Which one do you see in your classroom? All of them, right?

Students create this zone through habit, fear, or they can be raised by others through lack of conviction and hesitancy. They decide to wait a moment before answering only to be cut off by another student, forcing them to retreat out of embarrassment or disappointment. It is a teachers job to prevent the drawbridge from raising. To try to coax them back out onto the playing field. So how do we do this? How do we recognize that a student is withdrawing? For me, it is all about building relationships.

How do we get the cascade to slow and the invasion in to learning begin? Build a level of trust- this forges a safe haven both inviting and comfortable. Just like the commander of the forces, watch, nudge, raise the flag of victory. But allow students to carve their own path through the battlefield. Give them an arsenal and the confidence to implement them and they will conquer any battlefield. The sides have been chosen, now as educators, all we need to do is help them expand their comfort zone, so they can construct their defense.

In any battle of wills, delineation is key. The enemy on one side, while allies on the other. The enemy can be anything for students: public speaking, reading skills, collaboration even writing. a personal growth mindset can weaken the enemy, break their stronghold, cause them to raise the white flag of surrender. These defenses can be heightened if we as educators help students find the strategies that work best for them. Mindful breathing and quiet reflection are two ways I have helped build a sense of personal advocacy for my students.

The larger arsenal they possess, the more impact they can have to destroy the enemy. The enemy is quiet and stealthy and can creep across into the comfort zone on a moments notice or even unnoticed causing undue stress and frustration. But if students have a reserve force, a national guard they can knock them back across the border quickly. Positive reinforcement, reflection, and collaboration can help strengthen the barricade. Slowing down any advancing threat. In fact, with enough reflection and feedback students can begin to anticipate the enemy advances and begin to get proactive. If we keep the wall low to the ground- students will feel safe to step over it.

A comfort zone can be bordered with a high wall, garrisons defending or a bridge that is protected by mere border patrol. a bridge that is designed to bridge the gap not isolate and shelter. when a student has erected a tall fortification how do we knock it down? By creating a safe, interactive environment for them to venture in to. If they can look over the turrets and see that their territory is unthreatened and out of harm's way they will let the guard lower their arms and allow visitors at least. They need to see beyond themselves and witness the villagers laughing and learning as a community. They will then begin to slowly but surely leave the gates open and spend more time out with the local populace.

An enclosure can be weakened if we allow it to stay intact in case of retreat, but make students feel it is getting farther and farther away. The distance eventually outweighing the need. A bridge lowered in which all foot traffic can cross builds a sense of community and commonality, everyone travelling to the same place. Common ground and common goals bringing everyone together, making a giant classroom comfort zone where everyone resides.