So I went for a long run the other day through a park close to where I live. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and hot, and while I was in the park it felt like the entire neighborhood was out enjoying the sunshine. I saw families having picnics, people looking for frogs in the ponds, runners, older men and women doing Tai Chi, but most of all I saw children, of all ages, laughing and playing. I decided to sit down on one of the little benches to take it all in for a few minutes before I continued on. I started to focus on all the kids while I sat there, and it was impossible not to notice the genuine joy and happiness that oozed out of them as they were running around flying kites, playing badminton, kicking balls, blowing bubbles, riding their bikes and scooters, trying to catch butterflies, playing tag, and all the rest.
After a few minutes I was overcome, and a little overwhelmed honestly, by the beauty and the innocence and the purity of those kids. I began thinking about how lucky I am, about how lucky we all are for that matter as educators, to be surrounded by children each and every day. There is nothing in this world more beautiful than a child at play, there is nothing more inspiring in this world than a child learning, there is nothing more profound in this world than the lessons that we can learn from children, and there is nothing more pure in this world than a child laughing, and imagining, and creating on a beautiful sunny day.
Oh to be an educator…to be able to marvel at a child’s beauty each and every day, and to play a part in the learning and growing and becoming of these developing humans. To have the privilege of being a searchlight soul for kids who are looking to find their way in the world, and looking to find their sparks. To inspire and mentor and love and advocate for these children as they pass through our lives. A more important, meaningful, and purposeful profession cannot be found, and as educators we have the power to unlock their potential and shape the future leaders of our world. Think about that…the opportunity that we have…the responsibility…the gift!
So, as we all begin a new school year and prepare for an amazing year with our kids, I’m asking that we all make an effort to purposely slow down and be inspired by the children that we see each and every day, all our children, authentic and unique as they are both inside and outside of the classroom. Let’s find ways to make their day, engage them in conversation, laugh with them, listen to them, smile at them, teach them, mentor them, and truly get to know them. Let them inspire you too, and let them re-energize you and rekindle the educational light and fire that brought you into education in the first place.
I love education and I love educators, and I love children of all ages. What a life we lead and what a vocation we’ve chosen. I honestly think that the second most beautiful thing in the world, other than a child, is a great teacher. Great teachers are change agents and difference makers and searchlight souls, and who they are for young people is beauty personified. With that in mind, let’s commit together as we begin the year to keep this love for what we do front and center. Let’s all commit to taking a few moments each and every day to appreciate the gift of our kids, and to purposely finding a minute or two to be reminded of why we chose this path as professionals. Let’s ground ourselves this year in a collective “why”… around finding joy, purpose, meaning, and love in our daily interactions with our students.
The days are soon to get busy, and lord knows we work in fast paced environments. It will get very, very easy, very quickly to let the days roll by invisibly without stopping to marvel at our kids, and to allow their beauty to fill our days with joy and our hearts with love. So, as we begin the year let’s use this purpose to reconnect with our love of education and teaching, and our love of kids, and the meaning and purpose that we get out of our daily interactions with young people. In my opinion, there isn’t a better way to begin a brand new year. Have a wonderful week ahead everyone, and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.
Quote of the Week –
No one should teach who is not in love with teaching – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
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