If you have not gotten a chance to read my blog about my #oneword for 2016, check out Enjoy the Moment.
As I mentioned in my blog, my #oneword is a call to action for me to be mindful of the moments that make up my day. The moments at home, the moments at work and the moments that happen in between.
Day 23! The sports fanatic in me would love nothing more than go incorporate a Michael Jordan theme into my moment for today, but in all honesty, I just cannot do it. Probably better for the both of us, as I am more of a Kobe fan anyway.
Yesterday students and staff at Sigler Elementary participated in the #GSPD2016 which I shared briefly with you yesterday. Embracing the idea of #GSPD2016 was easier for some than others, but as I returned to campus today and spoke with several of the teachers and students about their experiences, each person I spoke with had one thing in common. Each of them shared a smile while they were expressing their reflections. Students were simply excited at the notion they were able to play while others were completely unaware of the fact that they were still learning. Teachers gained insight into into how their students learn during their time playing. They discovered gaps, realized how working memory impacts students and most importantly, discovered that a different approach to learning, while risky, can work! Did I mention the stress levels decreased too?
Each of my moments thus far have highlighted aspects of my day while I have been working. It is not thought I do not have moments outside of the school day. The truth is, I start typing most of my posts before I leave school, long before my moments at home, with my family begin.
The current time is 8:26PM, which means my one and only son, Cooper has just gone to bed, leaving me the entire day to find my moment (I told you I was trying to find a way to incorporate MJ...I waited as long as I could). Although #GSPD2016 is behind us, does it mean we have to stop playing? Easy answer...no. Tonight, in the spirit of #GSPD2016, we decided to play a little bit at our house before bed. Cooper opened up the game cabinet and his game of choice...Chutes and Ladders - Super Hero Squad Edition. Just in playing with him for 30 minutes, it was so clear why students and teachers enjoyed yesterday. Play incorporate so much learning. Students, including Cooper, problem solve, practice number sense, learn to take turns, learn to be observant and respect others when it is not their turn and learn how to cope with losing and winning. Equally important to the learning that can occur, playing is fun. We laughed, we joked and celebrated the victory as Cooper landed his Iron Man place maker on the number 100.
On a day where I returned to campus with a inbox full of emails, a building full of teachers and students I hadn't seen in almost a week I put the people first and the work second. I figured, I can do the work later.
As I arrived home, welcomed by my family, I could have done the work.
I took a moment to play.
What was your moment today?
Labels: #GSPD2016, #oneword, 2016, change #txpvi, connect, Moment
