The Importance of The "Pause"

Sometimes I work my own nerves! If we all are honest, I'm sure you could say the same thing.
"Why did I do that?" "I hate the fact that I'm this way!" "Something TOLD me to do such-n-such, but did I? NOOOOOO!!!"

There are also times when I pat myself on the back and say things like, "I'm so glad I ________!"

One thing that I can say about myself is that I love learning. I love to see my growth as an educator. I'm in my 9th year in public schools, but every year I yearn, learn, and love to grow!

One thing I've learned is to simply.......pause.
I pause when I feel I'm getting angry with my students, collect my thoughts and reflect on whether or not there was something I could have done better. Sometimes it's me. Sometimes it's them. But the pause gives me time to quickly ascertain. I'm still growing and don't mean to suggest that I pause all day, every day. But I am learning and growing.

I'm also becoming really patient when my students and I are engaged in some deep discussion. These are discussions that involve them unpacking some truths about the literature, science, history or some concept, regardless of the subject. To see their little lights brighten because I paused, that makes me and them very happy!

They'll tell you that every so often I'll just stop after saying something. Somebody will whisper, "he's letting it sink in!" And that's the company line, "Boys and girls, I'm letting it sink in." And. We. Wait. We. Pause.

The room grows still.
Their thoughts and reflections racing a mile a minute.
You can see it on their faces!

This can be a lesson for all of us. I'll even say it to the kids, "push pause!"

Just stop.
Think.
Let it sink in.
Be patient.
Take a chill pill.
We're not in a rush to go no where! (In my finest vernacular)
Woooo saaaaa!!
Pause.

The Power of Words!!

207 is different. Their teacher is different. The experience is different. Everything is just....different.
Different is good. As long as they are learning and as long as the 207 is more than just a room number, but an experience, I'm good with that. I said the same of my former room, 105, when a colleague said, "Flem, YOU are 105! Wherever you go, that's where it is!" So now 207105....

Back to the post...

I love words and I believe I've passed on that love for words and word choice to many of my students. I offer the following two anecdotes as proof:

#1
We've been reading up on and watching Ruby Bridges clips throughout the school year. I taught the kids what federal marshals were. I've also taught them what "truancy" meant and the importance of coming to school and the importance of bringing in notes when they are absent. A kid married the two ideas.

Flemming: So-n-So, do you have a note for your absence?
So-n-So: No. Are the marshals going to get me?
Both: giggle

#2
Earlier in the year, we learned the word "undaunted" as we were ascribing character traits to.....Ruby Bridges, I believe. Ha!

Today, our volunteer librarians provide an interactive read-aloud experience for the kids before they are released to check out two books from the school library. Reading an account of Henry "Box" Brown, one kid offered the word "undaunted" to describe him. The librarian was very impressed. A few kids looked back at me. I grinned from ear to ear in my head and the grin may have escaped out onto my face too. Nicely done young 207er!