“Routines” usually follows “Roles” as the second of the 4 R’s, and they will when I am with the kids this fall, but for now I am going to skip them (still under construction) and go to the third R: “Rights.”
And though I am presenting them as “rights,” in keeping with the 4 R’s and my love of alliteration, I really do not see myself as “the granter of rights.” I see myself as a maker of promises, and these are the promises that my kids have the “right” to in our community, and I will say as much when I present to them.
I give each kids two Lifelines (see below) for the semester. They may use them whenever and for whatever. Some use them when they need an emotional break. Some use them when they need to get an assignment done/study for another class. Some never use them at all. Some stay in the room. Some go to the hall. Some go to other approved locations in the building. They are not “excused” from the day’s work. They will have to find/make time to “catch up.” They are, though, granted the grace they seek. That’s really the whole point. I cannot think of an instance when a kid abused these last year. In fact, surprisingly, many never used them at all.
Rights. Promises. Either. Both. Just something I do to help create the culture and community I seek in 206. Nothing fancy. Nothing magical. Just humans, together, setting out to find our way.
Seems a word that says everything and nothing all at once. From generalized assumptions to specific expectations, we toss this word around in our circles, using it as we will, fitting it to whatever context we create. And we do create context to a degree, don’t we? Yes, there are some things from the outside that contextualize our rooms, that denote and connote the word “student.” But there are many things inside that bring to bear what the word “student” ultimately means for our students.
For me, in my room, I find the term inadequate: sterile, clinical, impersonal, creating a distance that neither fits me nor the experience I try to create for my kids over the course of the year. So, as I work to create context, to create culture I provide “roles” for my kids to play during our journey. Here is a list of those roles that I will share with my kids from the 4 R’s (Roles, Routines, Rights, and Responsibilities), which I present to them early on. Usually I will do one “R” per day during the first week. We start with Roles.
This is the stage I set. I want my kids to understand that they are here to experience learning in its many faceted ways, that they are not here to be a student in a desk with a teacher in his room. I want more for all of us.
My roles? Many--for which “teacher” seems inadequate, too, but if I were to offer what I believe my two primary roles are, I would suggest provider of opportunity and supporter.
And with this, we set out as the play unfolds with a cast of many.
I have six self-standards for the year, centering on that over which I believe I have power: how kids feel in my room. Everything I do begins, circles back, hovers around, and ends with these.
In my room, I want you to feel connected, empowered, valued, respected, challenged, and supported. I wrote about this approach at length in one of my contribution posts to TG2 (Teachers Going Gradeless), “My Room: Accepting the Mantle of Classroom Culture” (https://www.teachersgoinggradeless.com/blog/2018/09/22/syrie-my-room). For today’s post, I am going to focus on “connected.”
First impressions matter, and when my kids walk in the room on that first day, I want to make an impression. Of course, I want to do this in various ways, but immediately, visually I want the arrangement of the desks to make an impact.
We don’t become connected staring at the back of others’ heads. We become connected when we look into each other’s faces, which I believe is critical for developing understanding and building empathy. And when my kids walk into room 206 on September 4th, I want them to take note that they will see and be seen. Yes, as an introvert myself, I realize the discomfort this may bring to some of my more-introverted students, and I say as much as I try to ease them into their new environment, assuring them that we will all get more comfortable…, well at least less uncomfortable as time goes on. And once we start our daily Smiles and Frowns and monthly Community Circles, we become more comfortable and more connected each day.
It’s a small thing, I suppose. But I have found that this arrangement is a simple but powerful means to connecting people and building community, particularly if it’s a regular part of the room. In 206, it’s our “normal.”
Meet Me
Of course, there’s more to it than seeing and being seen. Kids will also hear and be heard. We talk. A lot. We listen. A lot. And not just during Smiles and Frowns and Community Circle, but in most that we do. Hard to talk to people when you can’t see people. Hard to listen to people when you can’t see people. Well, I guess “sound” actually happens, but it’s more genuine when we can make eye contact, see gestures, and read expressions. So we start talking and listening on day one.
I ask my kids to complete the “Meet Me” sheet below. And then I ask them to share with the class. This, of course, is scary for some kids. Last year, I had a young lady who came to tears just thinking about having to talk. Here’s a part of a reflection from that experience on day 2, “The Lines We Draw” (http://www.letschangeeducation.com/the-lines-we-draw-project-180-day-2/).
But of all the things I learned yesterday, maybe the most important thing I learned was where the lines exist. In particular, where the line for each exists when it comes to sharing, speaking publicly. Of course, and not unexpectedly, most don’t want to share/speak, especially in a new environment, but they get over it and share anyway. A few relish it. I can see the sparkle in their eyes as they volunteer to go first. And another few, shut down. And it is from here where I am first put to the test. Will I budge? Will I see and hear their anxiety? Will I show empathy to the young lady with shaky tears sitting directly to my right, telling me she can’t do this? Of course. Of course, I will. The last thing I am going to do on day one is hold the line on something as scary as public speaking. Such lines are simply scribbles in the sand. They are not hard boundaries that won’t budge. I saw. I heard. I reassured with a pat on the shoulder and a promise that I would never make her do something that she doesn’t want to do.
We start with each other. I begin by connecting the people in the room, and then importantly, I continue connecting the people in the room, all year long.
On the last day of school this past year, Jason shared during Smiles and Frowns that he had scoffed at the day-one notion of connecting with people and building community, that he had “heard it all before,” that “it never happened.” This was his smile.
Smile: I was wrong about this class. We are a community.
It’s still my smile.
Hope this helps. More on “connections” to come. One thing I feel compelled to mention, since I have picked up a few more readers this summer, (and something I hope my faithful readers would attest to) when I share my stuff, it is never my hope to present it as the way. It’s just a way. My current way. Until I find my next. We all have to find our way. Always chasing better.
Good morning, all. It’s August and my teacher brain is in full gear. For me, though days remain, August generally marks the end as I start dreamin’ and schemin’ for a new year. And so, here I am ramping up for the next.
Yesterday, one of my very favorite tweeps, Abby French (follow her on Twitter @awfrench1) asked me to share some of the things I do to begin the year. Too much to share on Twitter, so I told her I would write a post and share it. My initial thinking was a long post (and it would have been long), but this morning upon reflection, I think I am just going to do a daily post now in August, a short post with a singular focus. In truth, it will help me get my own thoughts in order, and so I am eager to think and share as I prepare for year four of Project 180.
Dear Learners
This morning I thought I would begin with sharing the letter I will distribute and read to my kiddos in the first few steps of our year’s journey. I really want my kids to feel as if my room is more than a class. I want them to feel like it’s a journey, an experience, so I try to set the stage from the early moments. Here is the letter.
First Five
Thought about calling it “high five,” but most of you know that I am an alliteration addict, so “First Five” it is.
Prior to my reading the letter, I will distribute note cards. After I am done, I will ask the kids to write me a note, highlighting the first five things I should know about them as people, as students. My hope is that my letter has gotten them to thinking about the context of their new experience, bringing to light things that might be pertinent for me to understand about them as we begin our year. Haven’t done this particular activity before, so we’ll see how it goes. I will place their note cards in their portfolios, and I will later engage each in our first round of learning conferences (likely week 3).
That’s today’s post. Back here tomorrow. Thank you for the nudge, Abby.
Time to start. Well, I suppose it’s hard to start what never really stops. Teacher Brain. I am afflicted with this communal condition, and though I always hope the beach, home projects, etc. will keep it at bay. It’s a constant itch. I am always thinking about my classroom. And now, as we reach mid-July, my condition has worsened, and I have to start thinking–intentionally–about my room this coming year. Time to scratch the itch.
A Glance at the 180 Classroom: Year Four
This fall will mark my fourth start with Project 180. As my mantra would suggest, things will be a little different–hopefully better. So, to get to it, I am going to use this familiar space to start. It’s where I do my most productive thinking. So here goes. In no particular order in no state of finality, here are some things I am planning for Project 180 this year.
Smiles and Frowns. Okay, not new. And okay, it is placed in order. And okay, too, it is in a state of “finality.” I have done Smiles and Frowns for two full, consecutive years now. It is THE most important thing in the 180 classroom. And it is final insofar that it is, would be my last stand. It is the non-negotiable in my room. Every day. Every period. No matter what. As I have said before, I would get fired over it if it ever came to that. Why would I get fired? Well, it takes time. And some people think it’s a waste of time. Fortunately, so far, admin hasn’t deemed it so, and I suspect they never will, but I am ready to die on this hill should that day ever come. Here’s a link to a post that explains the what, why, and how of Smiles and Frowns for those who aren’t familiar with it. http://www.letschangeeducation.com/reflections-reality-relationships-are-not-accidents/
My Learning, My Story. Last spring I began sharing about this, and though a lot of thinking and planning still remain in the coming, soon-to-be-gone weeks, my dream is to have a feedback-only classroom this year. True to its original roots, back in year one when I gave every student an A for the year, Project 180 was initially about rejecting “traditional grading,” in search of a way to better emphasize learning. Over the last three years I have tried, failed, succeeded, and learned much about learning, and it has compelled me this year to give it a go, placing at the center of the learning experience that which matters most: feedback. But there’s more to it than that. It’s really about how kids make sense of and capture their own learning. I am a co-author at most. I want them to write their learning stories, so I am playing around with something I am calling “Learning Stories” or “Narrative Assessment.” Below are some initial scribbles, which I shared earlier and also a digital version my grade-level partner Jenna Tamura created for me. I am not married to the plot line, but for now, it helps create a path. Changes to come. Some have already been made. But this represents the foundation.
Skyward. Hate it. And though I have found ways to make it “work” the last three years, it’s been a thorn in my side. For the past two years, I reported progress using a three-point scale: 3 = Met Standard, 2 = Near Miss, 1 = Far Miss. For the most part, parents came to understand and accept the system, but the unavoidable Skyward-calculated percentage grade created some confusion. A “2,” a near miss that only required some corrections showed up as a D, 66%. Needless to say, that created some issues, despite my earnest attempts to communicate the true meaning of a 2.
So, though I wish I could do away with Skyward altogether, I can’t. District requires I use it. So, I will, but this year I am only going to report using a 1, which will have a simple meaning: Response to Feedback or RTF.
I only put assessments in the grade book. In the past I have called them “Performances,” but this year I am going to call them “Learning Checks.” As the graphic illustrates, the basic learning experience for kids will be practice, Check, feedback, and response. Once the kids complete this “path,” I will record a 1 in Skyward, which is intended to communicate to parents that their child has completed the “Learning Check.” For the RTF, kids will complete a form (still under construction) that will basically capture what they did, what the feedback revealed, and what they did in response to the feedback (revised, retook, corrected, etc.).
Will parents want more? I hope so. If they want to know what/how their kids are learning, then I would like them to see their child’s RTF form, which will give the kids a guide to share what they did, what feedback I provided, and how they responded. All of this will then help inform their semester Learning Stories, which I will share more about later.
As for the percentage, that is not going to go away. In the past, the kids and I have understood that the percentage in Skyward is never their grade. Their grade is what they select and support at the end of the semester in their learning conferences. And that will be much the same this year. However, by design, my goal with the feedback-only classroom is for all to get to an A. I will write more about this later, too.
Enough for Now
Lots more to think and write about as I begin to scratch out my plan for year four. There will no doubt be many changes/revisions and “betters” ahead, but for now this is what I am chewing on. Thanks for letting me talk through my mess. Hope everyone is well.
Another 3:00 AM start, but I got it done: a Sappy Sy Rhyme for each kid, for each class. Glad I continued the tradition. Believe I would have missed an important opportunity to cement and seal the yearlong relationship I have worked so hard to build with my little humans.
Today, I say goodbye to periods 2, 4, and 6. Yesterday, the farewell was harder than I expected. I got choked up reading the Sappy Sy to period 3, and we all had a good cry. Haven’t done that since I cried at the end of year two, twenty-one years ago. The mixed blessing of connections. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Though tomorrow is officially our last day. Today wraps up Project 180: Year Three. My count got a bit off with snow days. In all, it has been an amazing year, and I am looking forward to reflecting and recharging this summer to get ready for Year Four. Will write some more tomorrow about that. For now, here are the Sappy Sy Rhymes for today.
Sappy Period 2
Up at 3:00 AM
Tryin’ to find a rhyme
Gotta do my Sappy
One last time
But this one’s different
Special you see
It’s the last one
To you from me
So here it is
Here we go
To all the young people
I love and know
First there’s Brady
A quiet fellow.
Bright and insightful
But always mellow.
Philip, my biggest
Regret to tell
“Cause I failed to bring
Him out of his shell
Josh, himself
He generously shared
And consequently
We all cared
Emily our friend
Though she’s cool
Seems a little confused about
The word high school
Mohammed smiles
But only sometimes
On Tuesday and Thursday
It’s Access Time!
Ava, not Ah-Vuh
For her part
Let us see some
Of her great big heart
Oh that Jessie
Her spirit a force
I will miss her dearly
As a matter of course
Addison
A gentle spirit I find
I think there’s more than he shows
In his mind.
Danny boy
Kind and true
I’m so glad
I now know you
Milana so kind
Faced her fears
We’ll never forget
Your genuine tears
Ciera, one thing
I think it worthwhile
Please never hide
Your fantastic smile.
Chelsey, I’m glad
you made it here
Thank you for
A wonderful year
For Jeremiah
A great big thanks
I now know more
About Army tanks
Esteban, I’m sorry
It’s been hard of late
Summer’s near
Not long to wait
Braedon, thank you
For stepping up
You gave me hope
You filled my cup
Beckett, though serious
Has got some funny
And he can run like
The Energizer bunny
Joshua S
Knows what he wants
He shows it through confidence
Neither brags nor flaunts
Ashley T
I know it’s been rough
But through it all
You’ve been pretty tough
Kyle, it’s okay
I think I understand
School doesn’t always fit
Everyone’s plan
Bae, here
Here in the end
I’ve discovered many are proud
To call you friend
Eva, thank you
For sharing your spice
Sorry I ever
Skated thin ice
And now it seems
We’ve reached the end
And for that I’m sad
My dear young friends
I will miss you more
Than I can convey
But I hope these words
Will with you stay
Connections matter
They get us through
Could not have done this
Without you
You shared yourselves
Your ups and downs
You daily shared
Your Smiles and Frowns.
Look around
What do you see?
Not just a class
But a community
So, as you go
As you leave
As you follow
Your path that weaves
In and out
And around
Remember the connections
That you’ve found
And build some more
As you go
For it’s not how far you get
It’s how well you know
I’ve done this now
For twenty three
But more connected
I’m not sure I’ve been
I cannot, will not
Forget you ever
You have all, dear friends
Made me better.
Thank you. I will miss you. I love you.
Sappy Period 4
Up at 3:00 AM
Tryin’ to find a rhyme
Gotta do my Sappy
One last time
But this one’s different
Special you see
It’s the last one
To you from me
So here it is
Here we go
To all the young people
I love and know
First, there’s Jade
A little crazy at that
Please be careful
With your tats
Anni, I know
The secret to your art
It’s because you have
Such a great big heart
Jackson lives
And Jackson learns
Please, young friend
No more burns
Kellen I will
Remember ever
Your one true love
Dr. Pepper
Thomas passed
And it’s okay
We’re just glad
You’re in our day
Dom must be
An awesome friend
‘Cause she puts up
That kid named Bren
Danielle so nice
Never mean
And she’s also
The sandwich queen
A.C.’s quiet
Of that no doubt
But just once I’d love
To hear him shout
And then Leonie
Our German friend
So sad it’s come
To an end
Zach’s the man
He’s the start
To Smiles and Frowns
He plays his part
Bren that poem
Was no full senda
Made us say
Dammit, Brenda
Jake our drummer
He plays in the band
No one can do it
Like Jacob can
Ty learned
The toughest lesson of all
You can’t win a fight
Against a wall
Cassie I know
Maybe not well
But thank you for coming
Out of your shell
Jordyn takes care
Of all like a Mom
We tease her a bit
But she’s really the bomb
Caleb I hate
To say “so long”
Take care of yourself
Keep staying strong
Ryan P
A man on a trek
I hope you create
The best Magic deck
Eve the wonder
She shares her art
Eve the wonder
Creates from her heart
Jordan’s got layers
We never knew
She’s traveled a lot
And climbs rocks, too
Ryan R
He’s the man
Not much he can’t do
With a tool in his hand
Germaine’s got style
Not to be dissed
Check out the bracelets
He wears on his wrist
Tarrah your silence
Speaks to me
I understand
I hope you see
Maria grew tall
In front of our eyes
Courage is much more
Than physical size
Mikey the Godfather
The boys in his care
He seems most happy
When they are there
Where is Tyler?
He’ll be a bit late
We’ve come to accept
That maybe it’s fate
And last there’s Shai
Who finally shared
I think it’s ‘cause
She learned we cared
And now it seems
We’ve reached the end
And for that I’m sad
My dear young friends
I will miss you more
Than I can convey
But I hope these words
Will with you stay
Connections matter
They get us through
Could not have done this
Without you
You shared yourselves
Your ups and downs
You daily shared
Your Smiles and Frowns.
Look around
What do you see?
Not just a class
But a community
So, as you go
As you leave
As you follow
Your path that weaves
In and out
And around
Remember the connections
That you’ve found
And build some more
As you go
For it’s not how far you get
It’s how well you know
I’ve done this now
For twenty three
But more connected
I’m not sure I’ve been
I cannot, will not
Forget you ever
You have all, dear friends
Made me better.
Thank you. I will miss you. I love you.
Sappy Period 6
Up at 3:00 AM
Tryin’ to find a rhyme
Gotta do my Sappy
One last time
But this one’s different
Special you see
It’s the last one
To you from me
So here it is
Here we go
To all the young people
I love and know
First there’s Izzy
A truer friend, no lyin
She takes care
Of that crazy Ryan
Brent you must
Be annoyed
That Apple bested
Your Android
Henry won
At least he said
But Emma corrects him
With a shake of her head
Gabby, sweet Gabby
Doesn’t say much
But her words when shared
Our hearts do touch
And then there’s Hannah
Who joined us late
But we’re so glad she did
Because she’s so great
Carl tells stories
Every day
He can’t help it
It’s just his way
Emma I never
Ever knew
Anyone could say “thanks”
As sincerely as you.
Ariana
I just gotta say
Not sure how you put up with
Your friend miss Jay
Karina all year
You’ve made me smile
I respect your strength
I admire your style.
Emily indeed
You may be small
But if courage were height
You’d be taller than all
Peter your words
Speak no lies
Thank you young friend
For sharing your wise
Cade remember
The good ol’ days?
Sorry that Henry
Changed his ways
Lauren a gift
To all who live
Thank you for
The kindness you give
Steven you now
Know how to fly
Glad you made it
Glad you survived
Evelina
Your name like a song
Glad you’ve been
Here all along
Martin someday
Little sis will grow
And life will be easier
Believe it so
Alexis your talents
Do impress
You do so much
Better than best
Clayton so glad
You’ve been in the ‘hood
I will always remember
“Life is good.”
Joslyn you let
Us know a whole lot
Your stories of family
Our attention caught
Mer, I believe
This to be true
There aren’t many people
Better than you
Kyla the player
A softball great
Glad you joined us
Even if late
Hannah we will
Remember always
With folded paper
You did us amaze
Nat a deep look
You with us shared
I hope it’s because
You knew we cared
Halle reminded
Us about caring
That it all comes from a word
That she called sharing
Ian proved
To us daily
There’s nothing more
Than one’s family
Ryan you have
Made us all smile
We love your crazy
And Guy F. style
Genn tried
To talk each day
But her crazy laugh
Got in the way
And last Jayla
Not to tattle
But with her friends
She loves to battle
And now it seems
We’ve reached the end
And for that I’m sad
My dear young friends
I will miss you more
Than I can convey
But I hope these words
Will with you stay
Connections matter
They get us through
Could not have done this
Without you
You shared yourselves
Your ups and downs
You daily shared
Your Smiles and Frowns.
Look around
What do you see?
Not just a class
But a community
So, as you go
As you leave
As you follow
Your path that weaves
In and out
And around
Remember the connections
That you’ve found
And build some more
As you go
For it’s not how far you get
It’s how well you know
I’ve done this now
For twenty three
But more connected
I’m not sure I’ve been
I cannot, will not
Forget you ever
You have all, dear friends
Made me better.
Morning, all. Started extra early this morning. Decided at the last minute to continue “the tradition” of writing a sappy sy to each class, each kid. So, I got up at 2:45 this morning.
Today, I am going to share Periods 3 and 5. We are on a block schedule, so they are the only periods I have today. Sharing this here was not my original plan, but as I have spent my morning writing this, I do not have time to write a post. Tomorrow, I will share 2, 4, and 6.
Sappy Period 3
Up at 3:00 AM
Tryin’ to find a rhyme
Gotta do my Sappy
One last time
But this one’s different
Special you see
It’s the last one
To you from me
So here it is
Here we go
To all the young people
I love and know
First there’s Evie
Who made our hearts full
When she shouted to the world
“‘I’m beautiful.”
Faith comes next
She’s pretty hip
She even pierced that watchamacallit
On her lip
Seth is cool
He’s a music man
Rockin’ that bass
As best he can
Dusten B
He’s no bummer
We all know
He’s living for summer
And Ms. Emily
Ain’t no fake
She really does
Like all things snake
Sweet Sofia Voice of honey When she sings She makes it sunny
Don’t forget Will
He counts it down
Reminds us when
Santa’s coming to town
Ian Frazier
Is his name
Family-friendly
Is his game
Gabe once
Took a dive
We’re so glad
He’s still alive
Ms. Moriah
She loves food
Eats tacos like a boss
She’s no noob
Skyler’s name
Was planned it seems
It perfectly fits
His sky-high dreams.
Colbie H
Speaks with no fear
She’ll speak the truth
Into your ear.
Jason’s humor
Makes our day
We never know
What he might say
Haruka or Chicken
Take your pick
Wonder if the name
Will forever stick
Isaac always
has a smile
Ear to ear
Wide as a mile
Where’s Elissa?
Someone look
Or there she is
Writing a book
John’s kindness
Is without end
Anyone would be lucky
To call him friend
Kayli shoots
Behind her back
Shooting garbage
She’s got a knack
Marion imagines
And shares her mind
If Narnia exists
I think she’ll find
Marlena went first
Took the dare
Went in the middle
And danced on air
Lauren’s bravery
Is a wonder
When it comes to facing a challenge
She’s got thunder.
Duncan
Beats on the drum
He’s full of life
He’s full of fun
Anna runs
And Anna rocks
I think she owns
A million socks
Alex eats
Dinos for lunch
He roars their names
With each crunch
Hope lives up
To her name
Her message on body image
Takes true aim
Jamie’s heart
Is pure and true
A nicer person
I never knew
Avery, Avery
What did you do?
Trying to play volleyball
Without your shoe.
Corrina’s real
She shares her heart
She values all
It’s her art
Jennifer dances
Through life and day
She shows her grace
That’s her way
Cam is leaving
He has to part
But he’ll live on
In our hearts
Rylan leads
The music show
It’s her passion
We all know
Skyla dreams
Great big dreams
She destined for great
So it seems
Sarianne’s sweetest
Maybe of all
But she’ll fight for justice
When there’s a call
And now it seems
We’ve reached the end
And for that I’m sad
My dear young friends
I will miss you more
Than I can convey
But I hope these words
Will with you stay
Connections matter
They get us through
Could not have done this
Without you
You shared yourselves
Your ups and downs
You daily shared
Your Smiles and Frowns.
Look around
What do you see?
Not just a class
But a community
So, as you go
As you leave
As you follow
Your path that weaves
In and out
And around
Remember the connections
That you’ve found
And build some more
As you go
For it’s not how far you get
It’s how well you know
I’ve done this now
For twenty three
But more connected
I’m not sure I’ve been
I cannot, will not
Forget you ever
You have all, dear friends
Made me better.
Thank you.
I will miss you.
I love you.
Sappy Period 5
Up at 3:00 AM
Tryin’ to find a rhyme
Gotta do my Sappy
One last time
But this one’s different
Special you see
It’s the last one
To you from me
So here it is
Here we go
To all the young people
I love and know
First there’s Anthony
A talented chap
I’m quite envious
Of his rap
And Alexxis
For her part
On her sleeve
She wears her heart
Rachelle’s honesty
Hit us true
But she found community
In me and you
Lexi started
Us off each day
Truly a leader
In so many ways
Ez stayed
And we are glad
But when she’s gone
We’ll all be sad
Malea’s kindness
Shined on through
She may be quiet
But her heart is true
Quiet Cam
Listens here
And when she shares
We give a cheer
And then there’s Lindsay
Whom we admire
Her foster work
Does inspire
Dawson’s story
His ouch from flame
Did not affect
His soccer game
And Bre’s big smile
Full of fun
Even when down
She brings us sun
Another John
I never knew
Who’d miss a chance
To debate or argue.
Marisity
Our circus friend
Of surprises, it seems
There is no end
Andrew’s drive
To work and learn
Will take him far
Success he’ll earn
Bella
Loves everything sport
She knows the score
As she oft reports
Mr. K
Our music fan
He’s got layers
Like an onion, man
Callie
Our hallway gossip queen
But it’s all for fun
Not really mean
Can’t forget Chloe
Our friend of cheer
Hard not to smile
When she is near
And Leah
Who let us in
About her sight struggles
She fights to win
And Dre the brother
A quiet lad
But he laughs a laugh
That makes us glad.
Dylan of course
Is also here
And when he shares
We give a cheer
Wesley, my man
Is legit
We’ll always remember
When he said, “Oh, $h!t.”
And Mayah always ready
With a joke right quick
Also taught us how
To give one frick
Jasmine, Jasmine
Smart and able
Turned herself
Into a nutrition label
Jaela T
Here’s a fact
Girl gets it going
On the track
Veronica
We call her V
Wish she’d share more
With you and me
Anna. Who?
You know Xinyi
The name I pronounced
Incorrectly
Cole
Who showed us his heart
Gonna play a new role
The guy who’s smart
And J. Winner
Who always kept pace
He even taught us
How to Jase.
And last there’s Brayden
A smile that’s pure
I’m so glad that she
Has been here
And now it seems
We’ve reached the end
And for that I’m sad
My dear young friends
I will miss you more
Than I can convey
But I hope these words
Will with you stay
Connections matter
They get us through
Could not have done this
Without you
You shared yourselves
Your ups and downs
You daily shared
Your Smiles and Frowns.
Look around
What do you see?
Not just a class
But a community
So, as you go
As you leave
As you follow
Your path that weaves
In and out
And around
Remember the connections
That you’ve found
And build some more
As you go
For it’s not how far you get
It’s how well you know
I’ve done this now
For twenty three
But more connected
I’m not sure I’ve been
I cannot, will not
Forget you ever
You have all, dear friends
Made me better.
The joke is as old as homework. It’s been passed down from generation to generation. It’s part of our collective conscience; it’s rooted in school culture. “My dog ate my homework.” Code for “I didn’t do my homework.” We nod. We laugh. We know.
But, what if we don’t know? What if it really did eat it? I mean lots of dogs, lots of homework…it is possible. Ya never know. And that’s worth considering. And, even if it’s unlikely that a canine actually made a meal out of last night’s assignment, we never really know. Turns out, that there’s a lot we may not know. I didn’t know.
I didn’t know I’d find an email this morning from one of my students from 8:00 PM last night telling me she just got kicked out of her house, fretting over not being able to finish her presentation, worrying that she wouldn’t even be able to get to school, wondering where she was going to spend the night.
Suddenly, my class, my assignment seems small. Really small. In fact, it seems nothing at all compared to the bigger lessons, the bigger consequences at hand in this young lady’s life. At this moment, I am not worried about the assignment. I am worried about her. With only a few days left in the year, will I even see her again? I don’t know, which makes me wonder, what else don’t I know?
In this instance, she let me know. But as I think back on instances near and far, I wonder how often I didn’t know. I mean really know. A younger Sy, didn’t buy. Even a story like this, I may have thought it a dramatized, pathos-infused “dog story.” Fortunately, I have become what I believe is a better person, trading my cynicism for empathy–because I may never really know the whole story. So, I default now with empathy and flexibility. I have to own my view–right or wrong. And if I am wrong, I would rather it be from a place of empathy and flexibility, not cynicism or rigidity.
The dog ate the homework, or not. If so, then let them do it. Dogs do things, and it’s conceivable that it did really happen. If not, then still let them do it. It’s a missing assignment. It’s not a personal affront to us. It’s not a sure sign of one being destined to now live a life of irresponsibility. It’s a missing assignment. And how we react is everything. And, importantly, our response is our choice. We can choose flexibility. We can choose rigidity. After all, it seems we are responsible for the excuse. If not for fear of punishment, then kids would not have had to create it in the first place.
I have to make a choice. I have to put my head together with this young lady to figure out what we are going to do. And instead of my considering what I am going to do to her, I will go into the conversation with the mindset of what I am going to do for her. And then, once we’ve decided, that will be the path we follow.
But what about the other kids? What about the other kids who got their work done on time? Is that fair? What about them? Did they get kicked out of their home? If they had, I would have brokered them the same deal, or at least the same response: empathy, for no two situations are the same. Rigidity in the name of fairness is a farce. It is often sold as a high-minded, righteous response out of consideration of others. Please. Fairness is born of empathy, and it is considerate of all, for it recognizes not that all are the same but rather that all are different, and we need to respond accordingly.
The other kids? The other kids won’t know what I decide. It’s not their business. It’s not their learning. It’s not their life. It’s hers. I just happen to be in the same class as her. I showed up on her schedule, and in a year, we have shared time and space. How she lives in, learns from, and leaves that space is largely up to me. And that adds some weight to the choices I make. As such, I have to live with my choices. And though it wasn’t always so, I have learned I like living with my empathetic mistakes better than my cynical ones.
Not sure what it means in the grand scheme, but over the weekend, Project 180 finally hit 100,00 views. It only took 763 posts and 3 1/2 years to get there, but we got there. Of course, when I started back in January of 2016, I had no idea, really, that “there” would be here. Not sure what I expected at all. It all simply started as a good-natured dare by one of my students Megan Lavin.
So, I started blogging about education that first spring, which led me to launching year one of Project 180 in the fall. And as I wrap up year three, I am proud of the work behind me. Lots of early-morning musings and finger fumbling (I am a terrible typist) to get to here. But, it has made me a better teacher as I have come to intentionally reflect each day on my experiences in the classroom. It has also connected me with the education world at large, where I have become connected to, inspired and supported by so many amazing educators around the globe. Thank you, all, for the continued, kind support of the work I do. Could not have gotten “here” without you. Thank you.
Do I have another 180 in me? I think so. A lot of work remains, and I think I still have some fumble left in these old fingers. And, in truth, I am excited to share my work around an attempt at a feedback-only classroom next year. I feel like my work is evolving, like I am on to important next better. So, stay tuned, please. Project 180 will be around for at least another year. Thank you again for your support.
Today’s Trail
Along today’s trail we experience…
…scrambling to get all presentations done this week.
