Today

I found today’s reading very insightful. I like the book Radical Presence. A lot. I could relate to many different chapters in this book. Here are a few highlights. I think in today’s society we don’t stop and listen enough. Sure, we hear what is being said, but we don’t stop and listen. We aren’t always in the moment. We owe our families, our peers and our students the respect of us being present for them. I know that I need to get better at this. Sometimes it is hard. We get busy. But that is just an excuse. Also, our students have not been taught listening skills. They are used to having things given to them in short blips. They want their information given to them about the length of a commercial. Practice is needed by all!
How we create space is a new thing for me. I was not aware what it was. I thought it was just the way our rooms were set up. Space is so much more than this. It is being mindful of the wait time and allowing the time people need to get their thoughts in order or their words out. This is another good reminder for me to take back to school.
On another note, today we heard Cohort Eleven’s presentations. These were so enlightening! I tried to use all of my newly remembered listening skills. I sat forward in my chair and worked really hard to not cross my arms. It was tough not crossing but I didn’t want them to think I was not interested in what they were saying. It was quite the opposite. I came away with good advice from each presentation. I can clearly see that these projects are very much process based and that excites me. Cohort 12 is lucky that we have Cohort 11 to learn from. They have been very helpful and open with us, providing us with information, resources and answers to our many questions. It has been fun to be part of their journey. They have been great role models. Thank you!