Went into Evans class first thing this morning to lead a monster poetry writing workshop for a roomful of grade fours, and was so entranced to see how his teacher begins the day. First, they sit in a circle and pass around a little monkey, and they each take turns to share how they feel (calm, excited, happy, tired, and why - as his teacher explained, it gives them a chance to get it out rather than hold it in). They ask each other questions about how theyre feeling. Then they all go back to their seats. They all close their eyes, feet on the floor, and a student stands in the centre of the desks and rings a lovely bell once. They breathe. Their teacher walks around from one kid to the next, and theyre all given a turn to have a deep inhale of lavender oil, in silence. Then the bell is rung once more. Then the day begins. I think Ive found my new morning ritual. With a big salute to all the teachers who work so hard for our kids every day. Especially given that our kids can be little sneaks and wildebeests and totally non-poetic monsters from time to time. But teachers are always there, caring, and getting them through the day, and showing them things, each in their own way, with or without essence of lavender. It matters so much to so many people, the work you do. Thank you.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Dec 2014 15:15:37 +0000