Relationships matter.

Kids over content.

Students over standards.

We “talk” this a lot in education. And, I believe, we generally walk it a lot, too (though I’d like more specific talk and walk). And while such talking and walking gives me heart and hope for kids’ experiences in our classrooms, I find it funny that we have to talk it at all.

Seems I talk it, too. But, of late, I’ve begun to wonder why we have to talk it. Whom are we trying to convince? Why do we have to convince them? Maybe I should wonder if we even have to convince them? Is it already a given? Are we just talking because it’s the “good talk?” Are there still classrooms without fountains? Are there still classrooms where kids are dying from our human thirst for connection? Sadly–seemingly, for we feel compelled to continue the call.

There aren’t fountains in every room from which kids drink daily. As I have written before, relationships aren’t one-time, opening events to break the ice. We can’t give kids a water bottle on day one (ice-breaker, get-to-know activities) and expect that to quench them for the duration. Our kids need to be and stay hydrated for the distance. They need a fountain to drink from.

Okay, big talk, Sy. Where’s your walk? Smiles and Frowns. That’s the fountain. Kids have a chance to drink daily. Some drink deeply. Others sip. Others don’t drink at all. But the fountain flows. Every day. No matter what. That’s my walk. Not bragging. Certainly not putting on airs. I committed my practice to my preaching a long time ago. And I would like to see others do the same. Oh, it doesn’t have to be Smiles and Frowns, but I do believe it has to be something that honors and supports the humans in the room. Every single day. Don’t tell others about the importance of relationships. Show them the fountain flows and flows and flows.

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.