Co-Teaching

There's a million things I SHOULD be doing right now, but I've had so much swimming around in my head that I figured I'd just write instead.

This summer I'm doing a camp at our school.  There is play based learning for all grades and enrichment activities (like swimming, art, STEM, etc.), and all day field trips on Friday.  This past week was tough as kids are getting to know us more, and sharing more information...and acting out more.  It felt like I was running around and putting out a bunch of fires.  

It was this week though, that I'm reminded of the verse in Proverbs that says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  It's so true - for every encounter we have with others: student to student, teacher to student, parent to child, parent to parent, and teacher to teacher...the list goes on and on.  I was encouraged to see the team of people I work with work so hard at understanding our students and to love them through their frustrations (both teachers and students).  

It's been reinforced to me how much we can choose to make a difference.  Not just in the lives of children, but in the lives of other adults.  What have you done to show a "grown-up" you care?  When's the last time you wrote a handwritten note to someone saying you appreciate them?  These relationships are ESSENTIAL for children because you are modeling how to treat others; you are modeling empathy.  Take time to get to know your co-teacher, your colleagues, your parents.  Take time to compliment them, and above all, to respect them.  Everyone is different, and some adults are easier to get along with than others, but a little encouragement goes a long way.  Everyone has their own story.  Take time to listen and get to know them.  In the end, I've discovered that we all have the same goal - to help others and love kids.  The path we take to get there just looks different.  

This week, I'm going to be conscious of all the relationships in my life.  I'm going to slow down and listen more; I'll take time to encourage and love those around me, ESPECIALLY the adults.