Last week, I had the privilege of teaching an ELA Summer Institute for graduate students at Molloy College. During the four days, we engaged in discourse on student-centered learning, created an interactive digital notebook, and filled it with wonderings. Words became our tool to power up conversations and activate new pathways to learning.
I take the time now to reflect on the power of words, the foundation of conversations, the conduits for our actions. They can be inspirational or destructive. They can lead to bonding with others or entanglements. Words are the superpower of educators. With positivity, they encourage students to collaborate, think critically, and ultimately to create as learners.
An early morning Twitter conversation among global friends inspired me to reflect upon an important quote from an inspirational leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. 'With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair the stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood." In a post that I wrote last year, I used MLK's words as a call to action question. "Are we ready to hold the stone of hope in our hands, open the doors to positive discourse, unite as a brotherhood of peace, and never lose infinite hope?" I revisit this question again considering the timely events in history.
As educators, are we ready to have courageous conversations? My class discussed this topic last week as their call to action. It is my thinking that words should be used to promote inspired thinking and create plans that encourage students to collaborate as a harmonious group of learners. We must listen intently to others and be mindful of the words we use to express our thoughts. Let's model this.
Are you ready to use words as your positive superpower?
It's Slice of Life Tuesday, so I am joining the Two Writing Teachers' community of writers to exchange words that encourage positive conversations.
Courageous conversations with colleagues are challenging. The vulnerability that comes with the process scares people. At the same time I consider how vulnerable children are in the classroom daily and most at my level don't consider it risky. Words can damage us and make taking risk so much harder. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLynn, thank you for your comments. Taking risks is the mark of a connected educator but it is a big step for many people. If we as educators become the risk takers, we can help our students move past their comfort zones.
DeleteInspiration as the preparation for the next school year begins in earnest, with our first day back approaching fast. How will we use our superpower as teachers? With words flying in negative and hurtful ways in public discourse, it is so important to model the positive.
ReplyDeleteDiane, you are so right. Educators must remain positive to impact teaching and learning in a world full of flux. Have a wonderful day.
DeleteI want to keep your words in mind as my summer break winds down and my thoughts turn to preparing for a new school year. Not only do I want to direct my words outward as a positive superpower, but I also want to remember to have positive conversations with myself.
ReplyDeleteI think I might write this question - Are you ready to use words as your positive superpower? - on my classroom wall this fall. What a powerful phrase. And yes, as educators we have to model this. Thanks for this thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda, for stopping by. You gave me a good idea for my PD presentations: to start the programs off with the question I posed. If students write on your classroom wall with responses, please send me a photo to share in a post. Have a great summer.
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