sols: learning to surf

Slice of Life hosted at the

Two Writing Teachers

Last week, I mentioned a little nugget of advice gleaned from the audiobook The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. In almost the same breath, as I was scribbling down the author's suggestion of the greatest gift, he quoted Jon Kabat Zinn:

Photo from http://monicahaughey.com

I. LOVE. This quote. It has the power to fulfill so many metaphors and obstacles in life.

The waves. We are currently making a huge transition in our teaching and student learning in my district. It's an awesome shift focusing on 21st century learning skills and incorporating the Common Core State Standards. There is so much promise and excitement.

Yet, it can feel like all this new thinking and change is pounding like the waves. Who is doing the talking? Who is doing the thinking? Who owns the learning? Less teacher talk, more student talk. More teacher facilitating learning, less student busywork. More engagement. More thinking. More doing and learning.

As much as I'm all for change -- and for change that is great for kids, it still can be a bit scary. Many questions tumble around like the pounding waves: How will it look and sound different in my resource classroom? What about meeting the needs of our most developing readers? What supports can I provide my students to be successful in their classrooms? How can I support classroom teachers to make these shifts? What about balanced literacy in a 21st century classroom? How can I incorporate technology to enhance learning?

I'm not going to STOP these waves. I might as well learn to surf.

The surfing. I'm taking copious notes during professional development opportunities. I'm reading suggested books. I'm online connecting with authors and researchers. I'm learning and reading and reflecting and sharing and trying and doing more more more.

I'm exhausted. It's only October and I'm feeling like I am drowning, barely keeping my head above the water as another wave pounds down upon me. But I will get back up and try again. Reflecting on my practices, improving my teaching, continually asking questions and searching for those that can provide insight and understanding.

We all have our own "waves" waiting to toss us around, perhaps making us seasick or the feeling of being drenched. Yet, we know there is always more to learn. So, let's learn to surf and ride these waves!

Surf's up, dude! (That's what we say, right?)

Or, perhaps our team mantra will work too: We can do it . . . and we WILL!

{40 reasons} #sol15

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. _____________________________________________________ Today my husband celebrates a big, BIG birthday -- and I'm so lucky and thankful to have spent the last sixteen years learning about everything that he loves the last (almost) twelve years learning about everything that I love about him the last (almost) five years learning with my daughters why we love our Daddy. Created at canva.com _____________________________________________________ Happy, happy 40th birthday Jon!

{#sol15} 10 Tips for the Challenge

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. Last Saturday morning, I didn't need to wake up early. I wanted to go back to sleep. But instead my brain was awake and thinking. Creating this list. Writing this post. Many of us are embarking on an adventure - the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Writing, sharing, and commenting for thirty-one days in March. Want to learn more about the SOLSC? Check out Stacey's post {HERE} about the challenge hosted by the "Fab Six" over at the Two Writing Teachers ' blog. I hope you find these tips for the challenge helpful whether you are a first-time slicer (cue confetti!) or a year five slicer like me. 1. Before the challenge

{#sol15} deeper than beauty 8/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! I have twin four and a half -- almost five! -- year old daughters. I try to be consciously aware of what I say and do in regards to my body image and self-esteem and also with their body image and self-esteem. First of all, because I don't want them to believe everything that society says is true. Even if they don't fully understand it today. In addition, because they are fraternal twin sisters, I want them to understand they are individuals with unique and different bodies that God created for each of them. However, society -- including my loving family and friends -- tell a different story and harmlessly create a comparison war. My girls constantly hear how beautiful, adorable, cute, fill-in-the-blank with any other

Linda BOctober 8, 2013 at 10:15 PM
I actually heard a young boy say "surf's up" into a phone one time a long while ago in California-they really do say it! Love your quote, best wishes for the surfing. So many are saying they're close to drowning-some tough times I think. Thanks for being so up about this, Michelle!
CarolOctober 8, 2013 at 10:23 PM
Love the surfing quote! My district, like yours and many others, is also making lots of changes. It's exhilarating, but also exhausting! Like you, there are many days where I feel like I'm drowning! Thanks for bringing a message of hope!
writekimwriteOctober 8, 2013 at 10:43 PM
Exactly and I am going to carry your thoughts and quotes with me. I am waxing my surf board!
UnknownOctober 8, 2013 at 10:51 PM
I need this quote...learning to surf the waves...a powerful metaphor indeed.
UnknownOctober 8, 2013 at 10:51 PM
I need this quote...learning to surf the waves...a powerful metaphor indeed.
Leigh Anne EckOctober 9, 2013 at 6:33 AM
Wonderful metaphor here. You have described it so well. We are getting pounded by the waves here as well. We need to take your positive attitude and "learn to surf."
elsieOctober 9, 2013 at 9:30 AM
If we don't learn to surf (or at least tread water) we will drown, then where would our kids be? Teachers are great adapters, so we will continue to do the best we know how until the next wave comes along.
Terje October 9, 2013 at 10:36 AM
I love that you have found the inner strength to surf. I hope that you will have days in between to rest and enjoy.
StaceyOctober 9, 2013 at 3:06 PM
What a great quote!

And yes, go ahead and learn to surf.
drferreriblogspot.comOctober 9, 2013 at 6:49 PM
I absolutely LOVE this quote and your connection to all the waves we are riding. I TOO am exhausted and it is only October!
JudyOctober 10, 2013 at 5:24 PM
This quote is so appropriate with all that you have going on in your life. Those waves will continue to pound and come in with a fury, but your attitude and perseverance will help you to tread water and learn to surf. There will always be times when you feel like you're going under, but hang in there (or is that hang10?), things will get better. Love ya, Mom

Literacy Learning Zone

Search This Blog