Halloween: The Hidden Spooks of Education (305)

Spooks are universal. They pop out from dark corners. They leap out from behind doors. They turn our hair gray with shock and awe. They creep in, unexpected, placing on us a heavy layer of doubt. A lot of people love scary movies- the adrenaline. They love roller coasters and haunted houses this time of year. The value of a scream, shrill, and flight or fight response is big money. Many pay large sums to be scared out of their wits.

I don't particularly enjoy the thrill of a scare. I like to be scared watching a movie if it is purposeful. But the jump scares and sudden needless violence- not my cup of tea. I also do not like being blindsided. Having senseless rules. I am a rule follower. Sometimes I think about breaking a rule, just a small, insignificant one- but I don't. It's that ethical, value in honesty and guilt upbringing I endured. I believe in being good, in staying positive, in believing in people. Yes, I believe most people are good.

I know that times are outrageously tumultuous these days- and spooks- real life- spooky times are upon us. We are asked to do things we have never been asked to do before- as educator and as human beings. We are feeling those jump scares and ghostly figures as they crouch behind us, waiting for their moment. I feel them. For a long time they are all I felt. But, I have settled into a routine now, and they are at bay.

There are a lot of hidden spooks in education. Expectations have jumped ten-fold and our endurance can't keep up. We are juggling so many things that when we want to lie down and rest- we are aware we can't, no substitutes, no vacation, no time to lose. So much curriculum, so much data collection, evaluation paperwork: expectations, expectations, expectations. And as much as we feel utterly bogged down in the quagmire- I understand the necessity of it all. I just feel overwhelmed by it- its a spook.

The amount of parental frustration and expectation is at an all time high. I know I have two children still school aged. I want communicate- but not too much. I want less homework for my kids- but enough to keep the flow and learning happening (I hate the frivolous).  We are in a constant state of email, phone call and Zoom conferencing, more than in the past. For virtual learning is not just a challenge for us to teach- but for many students to traverse- self regulation and personal responsibility is new to many. Spook, spook.

So as we as educators, duck and dodge the swinging ghostly figures of times past- we must open the door and let the bright, full moon bathe us in hope. For change never happens in a vacuum or a path well-trodden. It is the hidden corners that steer us in a different direction. The haunting howls of ghouls and zombies that keep us running. We have to accept these monsters and hounds of hell as a sign- not that we are failing but that we are succeeding. 

No matter the thickness of spider web or dry ice fog- we always make it out of the shadow and we always end up with a bag of treats. We just have to keep looking, keep asking, keep walking up the various paths to the doors of progress. For they will open. Some may say trick and try to steer us away from our goals- but most will offer a treat of inspiration and action. So fill up your goodie bag and get ready- the season of growth is upon us and its not ending anytime soon.

Not More, Better (304)

they learn not best by words 

but by example

not by more

but by challenging

not by lengthy

by meaningful

not by isolation

but by community

odd and misunderstood

they often feel alone

judged

isolated

so we need to merge them

a collective of odd

thinkers and

creative spirits

we need to give them a chance to

thrive

within 

struggle

and challenge

knowing

it is not about

intelligence or superiority

but uniqueness and effort

this

is our gift to those students

who need us as much

as every other student

not more

better

Are Zoom Breakout Rooms Reliable in the Classroom? (303)

Last spring, when we were thrust into asynchronous learning I was doubtful. I was scrambling to keep lessons coming at a quick pace- and using Zoom was not really a reliable option. Just finishing the year was my only focus. But now that I am in the new school year, submersed in a new virtual world and physical world- a synergy of digital and digits- Zoom provides a lot of inspiration. I am a convert.

I have heard the stories. We all have. Inappropriate behavior- background distractions. If we don't have out students all on screen, all the time, with us staring at them, all the time- something is going to go wrong. Words will be exchanged, cursing, behavior unbecoming- in other words chaos will ensue. But it all comes down to- as everything in the classroom does- it all comes down to behavior management. How you set up for the year, the routines, consequences, and the goals and mindset. 

I have great classroom management. Of all the things I need to work on as an educator- and there are plenty believe me- ironically technology- behavior management is not one of them. Mindfulness lessons and discussions, Character Strong lessons, community building, modeling respect and listening skills. These all help me day one, to set a tone- a flexible, somewhat liberal tone, encased in a shell of responsibility and respect. 

So venturing off into the world of Zoom breakout rooms was never a fear for me, because of what I worried my students would do. It was a hesitation that stemmed from me not feeling I could set up rooms fast enough, move from room to room with ease, and well just plain old digital phobia. But, I set my main goal this year to overcome my digital phobia and dive deeper into purposeful technology. Zoom breakout rooms, being the first on a list of many.

So I found ways to set Zoom breakout rooms up while my virtual students are completing a sci-starter. You need a seamless transition. Also, by discussing very specific directions and guidelines- very clear assignments, I set the pace and tone. But assigning facilitators (responsible and kind classmates) and making sure that everyone is given a role, a responsibility and a timeframe in which to achieve their assignment- is key. It is all about the pacing. It is all about the questions asked- the format (for me generally Google Docs) and collaboration.

I have been using them a lot these days. The same groups for a few weeks, to make sure they feel comfortable with one another. But next quarter I will change the groups. I feel it is important to give them time to build a rapport. Things go so much more smoothly now, as they have the trust and respect engrained in their conversations. I bounce between them on mute- just listening. It is wonderful to feel the trust and let them experience the freedom.

Breakout rooms need to be monitored frequently. They need to be headed by a student facilitator. They need to be purposeful and meaningful- used for conversation, completion and collaboration. I am so relieved that I have a forum, in which my small groups, on-line can experience the same collaborative groups we do in my classroom. But, it all started with behavior management. With modeling mindfulness and talking about respect and kindness. 

Above all else, it started by- creating a community where voices overlap and laughter gets loud- but ultimately in the end- assignments get completed and learning happens. Learning is personal. But it is a giant web of interconnected sources and references, opinions and breakthroughs, conversations and camaraderie- and this can all happen on Zoom, as much as it happens in a brick and mortar classroom- we just have to believe and trust. 

The modeling is the clay, the sculpture comes from accidental pressure and a deliberate, slick gouge and pinch. The statue- both a beautiful reminder of the struggle and inspiration of that initial blob. That first feel of the clay. That clay, it is us- the statue- that is all them.

Masked Inspirer (301)

Masked are protective. They are necessary these days when a microscopic invader is sneaking past our barriers. We are relying on a piece of cloth to keep us safe, as we try our best to physically distance. Crowded aisles, packed stadiums- there are places where we have to come into close quarters with others. Restaurants and outdoor matches being the ones I notice the most these days. I drive past soccer games and family picnics- mask-less. 

I am always curious as to why. Why open spaces spark bravery. Where many feel a release and take off these protectors. They can feel stifling. They can feel like a muzzle on our personalities. It is a personal decision- it should be a choice. Many feel forced to do something and out of defiance- they curtail the reason for wearing them. So we see increases in cases.

Parties rage- mask-less teens mingling and frolicking leads to school shut downs. It is all so familiar of my youth, in a way. I would hope that back then we would have heeding the warning and refrained from that recklessness- but I am fear we would have done the same. The eternal flame of denial and over-confidence is timeless. But these days- it is so important not to be thinking of want but need. We need to protect all humans. All people.

We need to inspire but being a role model. Be positive and inspirational. You never know if you are a super-spreader, immune or highly susceptible. So why take the chance. Thank you for dedication and respect. Thank you for your forward thinking. Thank you for your compassion. You are amazing.

Words are Power (300)

I write a lot. Sometimes I type into a blog post- others I write, pen gripped in my hand on paper. Both mediums fill me with joy. I go days sometimes, without a thought expression unfolding on blank canvas. The brain is mysterious and magical and somehow it directs my attention to where it is needed. 

When the images collide and meld into letters and phrases, my mind brings me to the keys or ink. It lures me and almost, as if I am tethered to the ether, the energy swirls around me. I feel such a deep connection to the words, that they are no longer shapes and combinations- but whole entities, speaking, breathing and expressing themselves.

They shuffle, recombine- they tap me on the shoulder and whisper- "not here, over there." They are oxygen rich, cycling through my vascular tissue- filling me with life. At times they prefer to be hidden, within a bounded page, but others they want to be free, on the digital landscape. I can sense them, feel them approaching. Loud and boisterous or quiet and stealthy- no matter their arrival they find their place.

There are such beautiful words in the world that shape my vision, hone my auditory connection with words and for that I am thankful. For having the gift of words is a magnificent treasure- shimmering with hope and grace. At times they are spoken or written in anger, fear or ignorance- yet every word has its place, for words bring change and transformation- maybe not today as they swirl in negativity- but later when they settle and the dust becomes solid- we can look back and read them and grow from them.

I read such amazing books and inspiring blogs and I am grateful for the time given to the prose and narrative. Each a document of existence and life, of dreams and belief, of growth and magical insight. To every writer in the universe of letters, words, phrases and page- I say thank you. For my ether is entangled in yours. My moments of thought and quiet reflection are a tapestry very much woven into yours.

Words are power, writing is a magnificent exploration of cohesion, crescendo and the collective consciousness of humanity- and I for one am so grateful to be apart of it.

Some Sort of Resident (297)

I am a resident of this place. The parking lot an asphalt corridor- to the hallway, incandescent laden warmth of transition. All leading to this place: a gymnasium, circus, hippodrome of learning. I am a resident of the boards. The theater: the audience and wings, a bit part on the stage. As a citizen of education, I have a presence. I have a connection, I embrace the production value. 

At times the quality of a feature, a blockbuster- and others an independent film. 

Every day a different value, a different budget, a unique perspective. Each day we are bombarded with adverts and trailers. But as denizens we can pick and choose which to be entertained by. We are designated drivers in our own story. We are voices of this place. We write the script. We table read with other actors. We choose our roles. Even when we might not be able to choose the location.

There has been a resurgence of horror flicks. 

A lot of screeching and chases. 

We all feel exhausted. 

We all feel sweaty with the effort. 

But, in the middle- here we live- in this moment, we continue to thrive. Our crops might be dwindled- but our gardens are full. Our cameras rolling with anticipation of a great story. 

We stagger back again- no matter our mindset. This I love. This is why I am in this profession. For every negative voice, there are hundreds of positive ones. We might have bitter moments, but we circumvent- we endure- we take up residence once again: on our flow, our energy amplified.

I am some sort of resident. 

Some sort of tenant in the quarters of education. 

I find it beautiful and vulnerable. Chaotic and comforting. 

In a flux both welcoming and tragic. Edges sharp. 

But within the scurry- a soft, tender middle, where almost all- stand their ground and fight for students. 

This center- louder than any outside distraction. We are hunkering down for the teleplay. The intermission looms a bit out of reach. We might just not get one. 

And that is alright. We have trained for this.

We are residents. We are denizens, citizens and patriots. We are educators.

Reluctant Drip - Eventual Flow (296)

To drip is nothing but a slow, discontinuous, singularity of congregation. A forming, subtle and succinct. Cohesion of a droplet, releasing itself from a permanence. One by one, ker plunking into a sink of used dishes. Even from a room away, it makes its presence heard. Tap, tap, tapping into our brains, the incessant need to clean up. To load the washer and empty the plunge.

These drips seem to appear from the ether. Unprovoked. Yet the result of a leaky faucet. They slowly, if left to their own devices, become a trickle. A steadiness, an eagerness to multiply and congregate. A cleansing process. A stream, a flow, and eventually rapids. With each bombardment on smooth, glistening rock- an idea, an image, a soundbite.

They cling, like day old remnants on porcelain, yet they also vanish with a drop of dish soap. Scattering into the suds. A quick bubble of hope here. A lathering expulsion there. A reluctant drip becomes a foamy manifestation of creativity. 

Drip, drip, drip. Clink, clink, clink. The pipes are not bursting. The conduit runs dry at times. Then somehow, a conveyance, a channel a sprout- inspiration.

Follow the drips, for eventually they combine into streams- both cursive and brimming. 

They shape the landscape. Eroding and depositing. They teem and sweep. They open the floodgates. 

A reluctant drip becomes cautious circumspect, and it will evolve into courageous rapines. Some days we need to listen for the dribbles. Listen for the plop, trill, and splash of cleverness.

Allow the flow to rage. The raft to bobble. The imagination to paddle. It will certainly take you places.

Monday CER, Listening Brings Moments of Joy (294)

Today in class we discussed CER. Claim, Evidence, Reasoning in science. How to make a claim based on a question. For instance How do plants make food? Claim - Plants make food by the process of Photosynthesis. Then we discussed how to collect data, evidence and analyze it. How to collect valid data. Unbiased data. For our example, we would conduct experiments, read science articles about the subject etc. Finally, reasoning- the most challenging of the steps.

In this case the reasoning section would be organized around the fact that plants make food by the process of photosynthesis and how we know. A restating of the claim and connecting it with the evidence. So it would be something like, in experiments with elodea, water and a test tube we see bubbles rising if we place the test tube and submerged plant close to light. 

We also know that through observation that stomata open allowing gas exchange to occur, and we can also see through laboratory experiments that plants convert this inbound gas, oxygen into glucose. A complicated yet measurable and observable process. Sounds complicated doesn't it. I knew there had to be a more concise, easier way to demonstrate the process of writing CER's in science.

So I used three television commercials (all shorter than 30 seconds) and had students watch them two times each. Once to write their claim- based on their observations and the second to collect their evidence from the commercial, how they can support their claim.

The first commercial was a Dorito's commercial where a Great Dane is caught in the middle of a crime. He is seen burying a cat collar, the witness compares the collar to a missing cat poster nearby, in a split second, only to be then confronted by the dog. Who is holding a bag of Dorito's with a sticky note that say - "you didn't see nuttn'". Needless to say the cat owner denies knowing where the cat is.

The second commercial is of a little girl, around five years of age, presenting evidence (yes she says evidence) to convince us her dad is a space alien. He speaks a weird language (gargling after brushing his teeth), he drinks green drinks (kale smoothies), dresses weird (a futuristic bike outfit), says he comes from Albuquerque (a nonsensical place) and that he drives a space ship (An Audi). 

This was a fun one- I had them write a CER based on what she would write. Actually, legitimate evidence but of course misunderstood. Then I had them write a CER that they could use to convince her of the truth. There were a lot of funny ones. They got really creative.

The last commercial was a famous one- most had seen it. What happened to Sheryl's She Shed? A husband and wife are talking to their State Farm insurance broker asking if their She Shed was covered. The student's debated a long time on this one- did he burn it down? Did she burn it down? Was it actually struck by lightning as her husband claims. They both acted a little suspicious and no one actually agreed.

But in the end CER's are now understood. They discovered that opinion matters, that we interpret things differently. That evidence can be biased. That eye witness testimony might not always be correct. We see what we want to see. Most importantly they understand that a lack of evidence does not mean evidence. It is important to collect viable data- supported data and keep an open mind.

A Brief Bounce, A Prolonged Ricochet (292)

Chiseling leaves grooves. Yet with enough gouging, edging and sculpting- a masterpiece forms. Smooth and shaped like marble- it shimmers and shines from every angle. Before the first dig, a drawing. A sketch of further artistry. A teachers tools activate and the progression of modeling, molding and abstraction- are simple the means to the structural integrity- the sturdy, statue of both design and spontaneity.

They stand amidst the gallery, displaying the components of many. The representation of self, mirrored in the faces of onlookers. A crowd gathers, hushes, stills. Awaiting the red curtain to drop and the hidden effigy of themselves to awaken. It is a moment beautiful whether virtual or physical- the realm is identical because the energy is universal.

You feel it. Their understanding. Their acceptance of you. Their appreciation of you. It often goes unnoticed within the unveiling- their attention focused not on expression but on absorption. The view is quite enticing- this is their moment of concentration, expected and awaited. Only after, once they achieve the carve, the edge, the sculpt- that we witness not the shape of our doing- but the grooves and carves of theirs.

The museum is full. Each statue individual- personal. They create them painstakingly, determined, prideful. Us becoming the spectators in their story. They the docent in ours. This exchange is timeless. This intersection of artistry- why we do what we do. It is the meaning of education. The long lasting pattern and tapestry of knowledge.

I can see the lights flickering on and the flair of individualism, the fine workmanship they utilize. The artfulness of their accomplishments. And all of this -their gift to me- not intentional, not deliberate- and that is why it is priceless. 

A Simple Smile, A Quiet Reflection (291)

 This week was a whirlwind- leaving in its wake some successes and a few mishaps. I still sting from the concrete laden scratches of exhaustion. I just didn't prepare enough. I prepared almost enough and that little bit of wiggle room- well that opens the flood gates for anxious, mentally engaged, physically unengaged students. A few hiccups, nothing major. 

Just as reflection sets in, we all have these moments of dread where you know unequivocally that you didn't teach something thoroughly enough. The test is in two days and after checking warm-ups and sci-starters, who almost cry because they just don't get it. Yet. So the only thing you can do is a study session, a review day- which does nothing more than cram details into their already over strained brains.

Then you find out another subject area has a test the same day- a harder one apparently and thus- they study for that instead. Oh, and did I say they also had a writing project due in another class. Three whammy's because it is the end of the grading period? That was my week. Now, almost every student passed my test, a few need to be tutored and retested- but it still does not feel anything near successful. It feels passable.

But then, students smile. They explain. They tell stories of how they did learn- even though I felt my teaching was subpar. It comes in waves of reflection on their progress. Discussions of their accomplishments and new goals. Their simple smiles, quiet reflection- unfolded into honest feedback, less negative than I thought. 

This is why we ask. This is why we listen. Because they will light the way to our next unit- illuminated we will see the changes and the streamline. This is why a willingness to be vulnerable is so important not only to gain insight- but foresight. This is immeasurable.

Look in the Mirror and Really Squint at it (287)

The more we learn, the more messy the picture becomes. Frequently fractious. Unremitting revolution. A dot in the continuum. We are presented with unique circumstances. Unique is terribly overrated. What happens with uniqueness is it has evolved to extract the best scenario. Evolved being the operative word in that sentence.

We all are in a constant state of evolution. Changing our direction with choices- some unbeknownst to us. We make a decision and a cavalcade of new choices appear. Almost like an explosion of options, sparkling and distracting. This glitter storm is often what slows us down- we are afraid of too many choices.

5 moves or less. That tends to be the attention span most of us live by these days. With rapid fire news, Google searches, and fast food- we are not prepared to wait for too long for our next desire. So it is so important these days to pause and look in the mirror, really squint at it. Recognize yourself. Understand your vulnerability and strength. 

Whether your day requires origami, chapter or verse- we must read the pamphlets our psyches are presenting us with. We must read between the lines and sense our need for self-care. We must be willing to walk away from expectations and allow ourselves to rest. We must see the shape of things, reflected.

For when we do- we not only see our worth, our value, our beauty- we also recognize every angle of ourselves. The pimples, freckles and tangled hair. The sharpness of our eye color, the beautiful wrinkles of wisdom. The smile lines we create every day. We are amazing creatures- us humans.

We are amazing educators. For we rise to the challenge, crawl to the tops of mountainsides, dirt permanently under our nails. We have such smile lines and gray hairs (only some of us) but we have the marks of time. We have the memories within our exterior. We have conquered and surrendered. We have ventured to the depth of the oceans, and flown into the vastness of space.

We have traveled further than we knew we could, because we believe.

We believe in our world, our little corner of the professional globe.

We trust in the process- ever adapting it to our venue.

If we look in the mirror and really squint- we can see it, like an aura of colorful energy surrounding us. Always there. Always inspiring us. Even on the darkest of days. It illuminates. We just need to squint on occasion- for it reminds us- luminosity needs nurturing. Fires need stoked. Tea needs steeped. It reminds us, we have the ability to stir things up- sometimes we just need to stay persistent and patient.

We Journey Through Creeps and Jerks, It's a Rarely Smooth Dispatch (286)

We journey through creeps and jerks. Slow realizations and sudden epiphanies. Moment by moment, moving ahead- peripheral, hind and foresight. Distant prediction steering us along. We are in endless looping, steeping, peristalsis ridden existences. Automatic descent and ambitious ascent. With a few flat terrain in our path.

We orbit one another. Now even more than ever, we are witnessing the eclipses, labyrinths, and revolutions of those near us. They are rotating, spinning all around us. All of us in our individual galaxies. We pulsate amongst many and we nova- we shine and dim -shifting in our aura.

We are visible to others, as they are to us, and it is important- it is our responsibility to shine, not to absorb. It is our purpose to illuminate not to converge upon the world. Our voices are plentiful, our energy positive, our gait sturdy as we message the universe with our knowledge.

There are explosions upon which many anchor. The blast carrying them into view. Others shine brightly, unimpeded, unrecognized. Others yet, quietly bring about waves of change, at the depths of space and it might take a millennia in space time to reach the masses. The important thing- is to emanate out positive energy. Create positive ripples.

Space is dark, vast, and void of life. Only an atmosphere allows for the hustle and bustle of nature to occur. These atmospheres generate a level of guard, a level of protection, a level of strength. And from them change is generated. Growth is germinated. Civilizations are born.

It is not steady, this continuum. It is bumpy, harsh, and brutal. It has moments of such beauty that everything stops to ponder. But it is designed around creeps and jerks- sudden stops and detours, some successful other failures. It is this jolt and rattle that keeps the loop intact.

Complacency is believing the terrain will always remain flat and traversable. Optimism is believing the terrain is changing, but we will be able to adjust to its incline and sudden twists. Gratitude is knowing, no matter the pitfall, scrapes and setbacks- that there is beauty abound, that we will find our destination among the stars.

Trepidation leads to a Teachable Moment (282)

 Today we finally conducted our skin sensitivity activity. It was notecards with several tooth picks on each side at different measurement intervals. It was designed to determine the level of sensitivity on the finger tips, back of the neck, and back of the hand. We are discussing the thickness of skin- thickest bottom of feet and the palms of the hand and the thinnest is our eyelids.

I had trepidations because it was our first interactive lab, where students were working together. So I kept putting it off. But, I jumped in and trusted. A few boys thought about getting silly and poking/stabbing their partners with the tooth picks. Before hand we discussed protocol and etiquette.

I walked around a lot, checking in at tables. Having conversations. My 3 in person classes did great. No problems. It allowed me to get to know them better as well. I am relieved I allowed them to do the lab- it showed I trusted them and respect them. AND, it set the tone for future, frequent activities this semester and beyond.

A Wilderness of Overgrowth, Leads to a Necessary Pruning (281)

There are moments I sit back, let students get off task a little. I let them be kids. This is unprecedented times. These children are physically here because they need social interaction. They need to be able to feel a connection, that outside of school may be lacking.

Sometimes pruning is necessary, making topiaries and beautiful hedges. But, mostly I let the overgrowth happen. I seek the vines climbing, the foliage tighten, the insects and birds taking refuge in the wilderness. It is these days- everything seems to make sense.

It is important to let things go- to nudge and let students fly free every now and again- if you have guidelines, routines, structure, then the overgrowth is nothing other than progress.

White Noise - The Subtle Art of Colorful Experience (278)

She awakens, optimistic, eager to paint the large strokes of life. The car ride, same morning radio show, same dull, half-asleep conversation about recent events. It lingers, this melancholy, like corn syrup consciousness. Thick and viscous- coating the expressive part of her soul, with a molasses varnish. At times sweet and enticing, others a toxic patina.

It sits on the tongue, a filmlike reminder to brush after every meal. To open one's eyes and look around, recognize the minty freshness of observation. She stares out the window, dark becoming dawn. Cars scrambling to and fro, like ants on a hill. Sometimes she feels like the ant, purposefully driven to be part of a pack. Job detailed, relentless instinct to collect and assemble.

Then the giant foot scatters. 

Empty parking lot, she crosses, alone, before noise erupts, she enters. Hallways whispering about yesterday's occurrences. She listens. She welcomes the silence.

She switches on, as the lights do. Springing to life, mind focused. Setting forth. Music easing into the stillness, awakening the motivation. The energy ignites and she begins to bounce, foot taping to the rhythm of a new day.

White noise is contagious. She is often placed within it. Letting the brilliance of opportunity become mired in dots and background. She goes through the motions because it is easier to do so. She lets routine drag her along many days, rather than raising anchor and setting sail on unpredictable waters. Yet, she needs to.

It is important to remember to walk the avenue, remain unjaded, fly in the moment. Every second you are in the classroom, virtual or brick and mortar, is paradigm shattering. It is magic incarnate. You just need to feel it in real time. You have to recognize that the subtle art of a colorful experience- is like a neon dream. You just need to be willing to spill the paint.

It can be messy. Sometimes it may be splatter, others a fine, detailed masterpiece. But most often it is somewhere in between. The important thing is to push out the white noise. Drown it out with a momentum. Creating a soundtrack all your own. Let your students play the instruments, write the lyrics, and sing the melody and at the end of the day you will have an album. Complete with cover art.

The scene is set. She remembers to mute her voice. She hears the footsteps; the energy precedes them. Classroom absence becomes classroom presence. Sanitized and full of life. Bursting with new faces. A passport presented- one which opens the world to exploration. A soundcheck finishes and a concert of learning begins. She smiles.

Daylight leaves. Shadow overtakes brisk. She walks out, leaving the energetic forest of growth and cycle. The parking lot empty, eager for her to cross it. White noise rings. Routine sets in. Template filled.

She drives home. Local radio show. Scenery set. Then a moment of release. She taps her foot and sings the song of her day. The colorful does not wane. She does not fall into the subtle - she listens, she experiences, she discusses.

The art of colorful experience is holding it the canvas tight. Being able to keep access to the brush, the palette, the array of moments that are always near. It is leaving the classroom in the classroom. Welcoming the home into the day, as a top ten hit. It is hearing the music of family.

Singing along to the familiar. Embracing the effervescence of the personal.

The subtle art of a colorful experience is her new chorus. She is finding balance. And it is simply beautiful.

Does this sound familiar? If so, welcome to the colorful experience. If not, step aside from the target and let yourself envision the bullseye. Quiver full, choose your arrow and release.

Your optimism and dedication is your song, can you see the notes unfolding? Take a deep breath and let the rhythm find you. It is waiting for you.

In the Brightest Hour (277)

 By your own pair of scissors- shredding your confidence. Just when you feel you have a handle on things- they shift in a big way. New faces, suddenly some gone, off your roster. You just got to know them and they vanish. It is unsettling.

Work continues, lessons, relationships, safety, cleanliness. Precaution, distancing, muffled laughter- weakened by masks of cloth. Circumstances flexible and expected. Yet, disheartening. The sheer fluidity feels slow and stagnant- heavy like lava. Leaving time for regret.

But this is our brightest hour- our time as educators to shine. So keep shining.