“Sy, it’s my goal to break your spirit by the end of the year.”

He didn’t mean it meanly. And I really don’t think he fully meant it, but he said it, and while I like to think he was only joking, I also know that there is nearly always some truth in kidding.

I think my “spirit,” as he likes to call it, confounds him a bit. I think he’s used to “breaking” teachers. I think he’s come to expect their predictable responses to his behavior, and so far my responses have not fallen into line. Most of the time we think it’s incumbent on the teacher to figure out the kid, but sometimes it’s the kid who has to figure out the teacher. And I’m not quite sure he’s fully figured me out yet. So, when I hear “break your spirit,” I really hear “figure you out.” And, I suppose, that’s what it’s really about–figuring it each other out as we daily dance through the human experience. I am honored to have such a skilled partner. He keeps me on my toes.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…demonstrating learning with a Learning Check.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.