At last week’s community gathering, the Willow Classroom of fourth- and fifth-graders shared the story of The Very Cranky Bear. After reading the book, they asked,
What messages does this story offer?
Where do you see examples of these ideas in your life?
A said, “Think about what everyone really wants.”
R said, “Ask someone’s perspective first.”
E said, “You get new ideas everywhere.”
I was reminded of E’s openness to the world when I came across this tweet:
This month, Opal School teachers have been writing about all the learning that happens when you’re not limited by targets. As you start to put your stack of vacation reading together, I recommend that you add these to your list:
- Hana Hutchings, a teacher in the Cedar classroom of 3-5 year-olds, relates how she let a child teach her how to sustain playful inquiry
- Sarah MacPherson, who works in the Cottonwood classroom of kindergartners and first-graders, reflects on how thinking about who makes a good brain buddy supports appreciation for diversity
- Kerry Salazar, from the Dogwood classroom of first- and second-graders, discusses the challenges – and rewards – of writing a class story together
- Hannah Chandler writes about how one group’s bumps in the Willow classroom of fourth- and fifth-graders taught the class about who they want to be
We hope that these pieces inspire you to live and lead in a way that connects you with new ideas everywhere!
May your break be restful and restorative! We look forward to reconnecting – in person and online – in the new year!