Coming Home

Many kids have been graced by a peaceful and loving home life. For them school may be an extension of what is already an agreeable lifestyle. However, for many others home may be a place to escape from. Some kids come from places which do not nurture or are possibly abusive. For them, school is a safe haven where the world is predictable and caring. It may be the place where they have a chance at feeling valued and successful. As you return to work this fall, please be mindful that you are largely responsible for helping to make a childs' school life rewarding, encouraging and even inspiring. No matter what you think you know about your kids, you can never be sure where they are coming from. Remember this in everything you do with your students.

No Ego

If you think of the times when you felt the most at peace, the happiest, they were probably times when you were involved in something that you loved, were totally engaged in. Most likely you had no agenda, no expectations and no personal needs. When you are with your kids, how much of what you do involves a sense of urgency, need and validation? Are goals and expectations foremost or is the time spent with your children the most important? Take stock of your motivation when you are in the classroom. Choose your target, plot your course and then put it all on the shelf and enjoy the time you spend with your kids. Involve yourself totally in what you are doing and release yourself from the burden of aims and objectives. If you have done your own homework, be confident that what you do will be considerately more effective if your heart is totally in it and you are not cluttered with personal agendas and self importance. Then the experience will clearly be more meaningful and joyful.

On The Other Side Of The Window

Why do kids gaze out the window when they are in the classroom? The reason is simple, most of the time they would rather be outside than in. Now it's pretty difficult to move our entire inside world, outside. But there are many things that can be done in nature, just as well as in the class. Most of our kids don't get out as much as we maybe used to, and that means there is a huge connection with nature that is being lost. When they get older most of them will work in climate controlled offices and other establishments where their borders are four walls and a ceiling. So when you can, go on as many nature trips as possible, take advantage of every out education opportunity available. But in the meantime, whether it be sun, snow or rain, whenever you can, for goodness sakes get your kids outside. Pick out the different kinds of leaves, see how snow falls, watch how the clouds skid across the sky. There are a million simple lessons to learn and they don't require a desk and a pen. Be creative with it, have fun. You and your kids will be glad you did.

Re-creating Every Day

The universe is not static, it is constantly recreating itself and changing. Try to remember that when you are teaching about the world and universe around us. Many of the laws that we considered immutable have been shown to be outdated and irrelevant today. Take the time to make new discoveries and explore the endless possibilities of existence. Avoid teaching old worn out ideas simply because they are in the textbook. Creation is a mind boggling and wonderous process. Remember that in everything you teach.

"Out there beyond the ideas of right and wrong doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there."

Rumi

We teach our kids to form their own opinions and to be able to take sides on issues. However, when doing this, we need them to know that they do not need to be married to their views. By trying to see both sides of every argument they can avoid the trap of always making judgments and constantly seeing everything as right or wrong. They can then look at situations with compassion and understanding rather than intolerance. And when they have looked at things from all sides they are ready to decide, and when they act on their decision they will act justly and skillfully.

The Value of Service

When I first told my kids that they would be volunteering at an animal rescue mission they thought that I had gone completely mad. They wondered why we would be cleaning animal cages and washing dog dishes for no pay. After the first visit, they could hardly wait for our monthly outing. Kids love to help, but often don't know how. This year, get your children involved in helping out in the community. There are people in nursing homes that would love company or someone to read to them. There are kittens in shelters that need to be played with and cuddled. Be inventive. Once your kids get into the happen of being of service they will likely volunteer all their lives. And they will enrich their own lives and the lives of others.

Time To Wake Up

Most people walk around half asleep, plugged into various devices, checking their texts or simply with their minds on other things. While this is happening, much of life is passing us by. Wonderful and beautiful moments are lost while we are absorbed in other things. Our kids are starting on that path because that is what they have been taught by example. However, we have the chance to help them unlearn these habits by becoming mindful and returning to the moment. A simple bell rung occasionally in class, or a clap of the hand, can be a reminder for all of us to stop for just a moment and return to the present. Slowing our pace down and truly enjoying what we are doing is another way for kids to learn mindfulness. Think of other ways you can help bring your kids and yourself back to the moment, brainstorm with your students. Allowing youth to develop the practice of mindfulness is something that will give true meaning to their lives and help them to savour much of what many people miss.