Drinking it in- Classroom Synergy (18)

Before the Morning Bell

Synergy, the room is darkened except the fluorescence of emergency lights above. It's calmer, gentler. Desks are a reminder that this space, although personal, is as much theirs as it is mine. Stacked chairs carry with them an echo of the previous day. They hold a story ready to be written. An unfolding of events, both curious and driven. Thee who sits upon these seats of learning will awaken to a world of science. If I lure them in.

The atmosphere of mindfulness swirls, breathes like an invisible being- taking in the synergy. Shaping it. It may be dormant now but soon it will awaken to the call of laughter, inquiry and collaboration. It unites with spontaneity and creativity. It listens for independence of voice, choice of behavior and self-awareness, personal discipline. It is colorful, engaging, this spirit embodies the learning environment. Not perfect, not trying to be. Simply an existence of personalities, perspectives and persona's. Each with their beautiful kite wavering in the breeze behind them- anchored and protective they inspire and bring comfort.

The Bell Assembles

I believe in these 13 year old humans. I see their potential. I expect their brains to make decisions I wouldn't- but probably did when I was 13. There is more to all of us than our mistakes. We don't hesitate to work past them. We need to let our students do so as well, without judgement. We need to listen for the synergy- it picks up on the clues and cues we miss. It directs the flow of energy. If we listen, it will be our voice of reason. Guiding all the kites in unison on the gust of imagination.

I am on the verge of synergy. Finding the more, the different, the challenging, the rewarding. It's swirling, shuffling- arms outstretched, whispering. I have to turn my head, look past my demon- lock eyes with it and let it lead me to an idea. These demons are in abundance within this room, each student carrying their own. While our ideas and imagination float above us, kites glistening in the sunlight. Our demons are the sand we sink into as we walk the shore.

We accept the sand in our shoes most days, make deals with each and every grain. We often knock our shoes on the ground to force them off our heal, but we accept their presence. The synergy helps us tame them. As I watch my students giggle, design and create puppets, I see the sand becoming less heavy. They are on the verge of synergy- I can see them fall into the groove of imagination, they are collaborating. This is a beautiful sight.

The Community Soars

They are leaning in, welcoming it. Sometimes they have to let go of the kite string. They love the kite, its been tied to their wrist for so long. They have struggled to keep it assail. They have created uplift on their own, to keep it soaring, but its time- time to let it drift to its next owner. This way their hands are free to grasp onto the upcoming deluge of inspiration. They are releasing the kites of hindrance and they are watching them float away with the breeze.

There is a moment of loss but then with the increasing bombardment of conversation, hot gluing and googly eyes- from the empty comes the full. Puppets, extensions of themselves- excited to find a voice and be a character in a puppet show.