Unexpected learning: Professional Development

Sometimes the most pertinent learning happens completely by surprise. 

 School begins for students in the school district I work in next week.  The past week has been filled with meetings, planning, and generally getting ready to welcome students back Tuesday, the 17th.  To get myself back into a morning routine, while trying to pursue some healthier habits, I began a new workout class at the local Genesis where I belong.  Covid has not been my friend and I have definitely gained weight that I want to work at losing to become more comfortable in my body again.  Two weeks ago I started the class, not knowing what to expect.

When I first walked into the gym, at 5:10 am, I walked down the hallway and looked into the classroom.  There were six individuals scattered around the room waiting to begin the class.   Each was standing near a mat on the floor, with step risers and various weights.  I was apprehensive, but opened the door and stepped inside.

The instructor knew right away that I was new, she hadn't seen me there before, so she introduced herself and began to tell me about the class.  Still nervous about beginning a new class, I listened and looked around. What I saw was a room full of fit individuals, athletic and well toned, ready to get started. I looked at myself and thought, why am I here?  

People were nice enough to me but it was obvious that I was out of my element.  One gentleman spoke to me, gave me some pointers and a smile that helped the jitters.  He wasn't quite as athletic as the others but definitely knew what he was doing, a regular attendee.

I could tell as soon as the class began that I was in over my head.  I have lifted weights all summer and attended water aerobics at another local gym, but this class was nothing like what I had done in the past.  There was constant cardio, running, jumping onto the risers, along with the weights and strength conditioning.  I figured out very soon why everyone looked so toned. They were all already friends and attended the class regularly, but this was my first day.

The class meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and as of today, I have attended six sessions, It is a very hard workout, and I am the least able person there.  Yesterday, Friday morning, while making modifications to some of the exercises I realized that choosing to begin the workout class was the best thing I could have done to prepare myself for the new school year.  Reader, you might think I am referring to building endurance and better health for the school terms looming ahead.  However, what I inadvertently had done was put myself into a situation that was uncomfortable and new much like the students that will be entering my classroom very soon, and I have some revelations to share.

I have spent my entire educational career working with students who benefit from accommodations and modifications to succeed in their academic studies.  I have been working either as a paraprofessional or targeted assistance teacher for almost twenty years.  During that time I have become quite proficient at making adjustments to whatever curriculum is assigned for my students to be successful.  Yet I don't think I ever felt so acutely what students must feel walking into a classroom the first few weeks of the school year. Knowing that the work is going to be hard and feeling worried about how they will get through the day.  Now, I think I do.

Walking into the gym class, the first Monday morning was similar to the feeling that I think some students  might feel during school. They may not feel up to the workload being assigned.  They want to be able to do all that is being asked but no matter how hard they try, they just can't do it, at least not the same way that others may be able and must make modifications or accommodations to the assignments to be successful. They struggle ahead with hopes that with more work and perseverance they will be able to make the gains needed to pass or continue the class.

I was really nervous, unsure of myself, and doubted myself the first few sessions of the morning class.  I was embarrassed that I could not do all the exercises, not because I am the oldest there, but because I am the novice and least able. I knew that no one was watching me but in my head, everytime I had to choose to modify an exercise or find a similar one I felt inadequate because even though I was working hard at my present ability, I wasn't able to do exactly the same work as the others.

I know that students who need accommodations often feel this way as well.  When they leave a classroom to take a test, or have work explained more than once to grasp the  parameters of the assignment. It is not that the student is working any less hard, or is learning less, they just need a variation of the assignment to be able to complete the work.  But the student does feel as if they just aren't quite the same as the others and it chafes over time.

Sometimes when we are running in class, skipping, jumping, or doing burpees, I simply can not keep up.  I have to allow others to pass me, do fewer of the same movement, or change exercises entirely.  I can feel saddened that I am not the same as the others there.  My students have often told me they wish they were like the other students, the ones that learning comes easier. I can relate better now that I have experienced something similar.

I did not begin going to the gym class to experience an object lesson. But, I must say it was a timely coincidence. In two weeks time I have learned more empathy and compassion for my students' situations than I could have learned from other avenues.  Putting myself in a uncomfortable situation helped me make some connections that I will remember throughout the school year as I strive to help my kids grow and learn to the best of their ability, meeting them where they are currently and finding ways to help them build skills and become stronger academically.

I would encourage any teacher to occasionally put themselves in situations that are new and maybe a little uncomfortable. Take a risk, and when you do...think about your students and the way they feel tackling new things as they learn and grow.  It will bring a whole new perspective. I plan to keep striving and going to the 5:15am  cardio and strength conditioning class.  Just as my students can't quit when it's tough, I won't either.  I am grateful for the unexpected professional development lesson I got the last couple weeks before school began again and I am looking forward to using it when I am working with my kids.

No Journey Too Far

 Everytime I read a novel, especially a historical fiction, I learn so much about a time and place that the author felt strongly enough about to create a story, and I am always richer for the learning. Carrie Turansky's newest release, No Journey Too Far, is a perfect example of fiction teaching about history.  I received No Journey Too Far, published by Waterbrook and Multnomah, as part of their launch team in exchange for an honest review.  

Turansky's novel delves into the adult lives of British Home Children and how the stigma of being a home child followed many throughout their lives "From the late 1860s right up to 1948, over 100,000 children of all ages were emigrated right across Canada, from the United Kingdom,  to be used as indentured farm workers and domestics. Believed by Canadians to be orphans, only approximately 12 percent truly were. These children were sent to Canada by over 50 organizations" (canadianbritishhomechildren.weebly.com/). 

Until I read Turansky's book, I had no knowledge of British Home Children in Canada, but I found the information fascinating.  No Journey Too Far caught my attention immediately as I began the book.  I was torn when one of the main characters, Grace McAlister is taken away from the only family she has, her sister Katie, and given to adoptive parents, not ever knowing what happens to her sister, mother, and other siblings.  The story then moves forward to Grace, now Grace Hamilton, as she is preparing for her social debut.  We learn that her parents have kept the information that she was originally a British Home Child secret all the years of her growing and feel that if others knew she would be shunned and not able to make a suitable marriage match.  Grace finds out her true past and does her best to reuinte with her family.

Througout the book, we meet other British Home Children, and learn their stories.  Some are mistreated, used as domestic help and indentured servants.  All feel shame to be referred to as a British Home Child, and are even suspicioned for crimes just because of their status.   Turansky's book is heartwarming story that leaves the reader satisfied with the end events for all the characters.  No Journey Too Far will be released to order on Amazon on June 8th and is a perfect summer read to enjoy.!

He Saw That it Was Good

 Sho Baraka's book, He Saw That it Was Good, is an honest look at some of the tough questions in our world.  Baraka explores how people, created by God, can live in His world using their gifts and creativity to better their lives and the lives of others. I received this book from Waterbrook and Multnomah as part of their launch team in exchange for an honest review.   I really didn't know what to think of Baraka's book when I first picked it up.  I was not familiar with his work and the topic was rather vague.  However, after reading just a few pages I began to really appreciate his concept and the writing.  Simple truths continued to be revealed as I read which inspired me to keep reading. The first thought that hooked me was,  "If our lives are music, stories are the instruments that arrange it." Baraka's words inspired me to think. Stories tell our tales, they inspire and motivate.  Just as music does.  Another quote that spoke to me was when he said, "If we passively float through life, reacting only to the actions of others, our story is likely to be far from its full potential.  But if we believe what God said about us, how we were made in the image of the Creator himself--well, wouldn't that change everything? Wouldn't that set us free to live our true story, our true creative life?" Hard questions like this, ones that make us think are what drive Baraka's book.  For anyone who enjoys spending time questioning the world and God's creation, take the time to read Baraka's book.  You won't be disappointed. 

The Shell Collector

My favorite place in the world is the beach.  This is where I feel the most at peace.  I crave sand between my toes and the sound of the waves breaking against the shore.  Perhaps this is why the latest book, published by Waterbrook and Multnomah, struck such a chord with me. The Shell Collector, written by Nancy Naigle, brought me so much joy as I read the story and connected with the characters in the novel, rooting them on to find peace and renewal as the story unfolded at my favorite beach location, North Carolina. 

I received an advance copy of the novel from Waterbrook and Multnomah as of the launch team, in exchange for an honest review.

The book begins with a poignant farewell, as Amanda and Jack (a United States Marine)share time together, with their two children and new Christmas puppy, Denali.  Jack is leaving for a tour of duty and Amanda is left to care for their two small children and new puppy. Flash forward two years later, Amanda, now a single mother, is working at building a new home for her children on Whelk's Island North Carolina, as she deals with the tragic loss of her beloved husband, Jack.  

The reader experiences the journey of Amanda and her children as she experiences a regrowth of life and love while making friendships and a home on the beach.  One special character in the story is Maeve.  A widow herself and avid shell collector.  Maeve becomes an integral part of the story as she helps Amanda find her way, learning to heal from loss, embrace new life and opportunities and come a full circle that life is about loss and renewal, and it is a constantly evolving circumstance.  

I had not read Nancy Naigle's books prior to receiving, The Shell Collector. However, after. reading this one, I promptly went to my favorite ebook site and chose another.  I was particularly captivated by the way she used her writer's gift to make her characters come to life in the story.  I found myself rooting for Amanda, shadowing her as she experienced her loss, and falling in love with all the people who live on Whelk's Island in the story.  For an author to be able to invest a reader's emotions is a true gift.  A gift I wholly appreciate.

Reader, I heartily encourage you to read The Shell Collector, by Nancy Naigle.  I feel certain you will be pleased with the story and you might just find a hidden treasure of truth to the tale of Amanda and her life's journey, much like finding a special shell as you walk along a beautiful beach.

From This Moment : Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Kim Vogel Sawyer has done it again, she has gifted her readers with another heartwarming story of a spiritual journey that ends in witness and joy for both the characters and her readers.  Every time I hear of a new Kim Vogel Sawyer novel, I get so excited to read it.  So when "From This Moment" was released for early review I immediately requested it!  I received a copy from Waterbrook and Multnomah as a member of their launch team for an honest review. 

Jase Edgar is a new youth pastor at the Bradlyville Kansas Beech Street Bible Fellowship.  Having recently suffered a tragic loss, he goes to his new position in search of a faith he feels has left him and a way to start over again.  

Brother Kraft, the church's senior pastor takes Jase under his wing as he introduces him to the congregation, the students he will be teaching, and the ladies of the church.  In the process, he meets two young women, Kenzie and Lori, best friends who each are walking through their faith journey with different struggles.  

Lori has a verbally abusive father and her mother is deceased.  She binge eats to fill the void of parental love and approval in her life.  She wears a mask of joyful exuberance but inside she is lost and seeking comfort in whatever she can find.

Kenzie is a young woman whose roots run deep in the Amish community.  Kenzie left her family and friends in Indiana to find work and ended up in Baileyville Kansas working for a quilt shop, and making rugs on an antique loom to donate to missions in her free time. Kenzie has accepted Christ and knows the truth of saving through pure grace, but she knows her family back in the Amish community does not.  She wants to witness to them but doesn't know how. 

Through God's healing mercy and grace, all the characters in Sawyer's book find hope, acceptance, and fulfillment and continue to witness to God's everlasting love for his children.

Every Sawyer novel is special to me, but living in Hutchinson Kansas, this book is even more so.  Baileyville Kansas in the story is set near Wichita Kansas, just as Hutchinson is in reality.  I could relate to not only the characters but also to the setting and this brought an even deeper familiarity for me as I read the story.  With each of her novels, there are moments that the story seems to speak to my heart, I make a connection with the struggles of the characters and as they strengthen their spiritual journey, I feel my faith also strengthen.

"From This Moment" will be released on February 23, 2021. Reader, if you are searching for a story of hope and healing, read Sawyer's new release.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed. 

Ink and Willow: 40 days of Intentional Living

 I am so impressed by the product line of Christian stationery, journals, and other creative resources offered by the company Ink and Willow.  The latest item that inspired me from their company is a journal, "40 days of Intentional Living, A challenge to cultivate faith through devotions, journaling, and prayer." I received a copy of this journal as part of the Ink and Willow launch team for an honest review.

When I opened the journal I was charmed.  The format is well organized and easy to use.  The journal offers a bible verse, a devotion and a page designed to journal thoughts and insights taken from the readings.  

I think that I will focus using this journal primarily during the season of lent, beginning next week, but really any time of the year would be a good time to use the journal.  

I appreciate the quality and value as well.  If you are looking for a way to enhance your spiritual journey through journaling, then explore all the products of the Ink and Willow line at www.InkandWillow,com

Centered: Trading Your Plans for A Life That Matters

 Jason Brown is a brave man, not many men could do and make the choices that he did in his life. Thankfully, he shares his life journey with his readers in his book, "Centered: Trading Your Plans for a Life that Matters."  I received a free digital copy of his book from the publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah, as part of their launch team for an honest review.  

Brown grew up in Henderson, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina where he played football.  Brown followed his college football career by being drafted into the NFL by the Baltimore Ravens in 2005.  Later he became a free agent and was signed to the Las Angeles Rams for 37.5 million dollars.  Brown was the highest-paid center in the league in 2009.  Three years after this amazing feat, he turned his back on his NFL career and purchased a huge thousand-acre farm in North Carolina. His farm became a success and he donates almost all that he grows to those in need. 

What would possess a man who has a dream career in the NFL to give it all up to return to his family's roots and farm the land?   Two words...God and prayer.  He named his farm "First Fruits", the term from the bible that refers to what the people in the bible were to give to God, the first fruits of their labors.  He and his wife Tay intended to give away the "first fruits" of their labors to people in need.  

Throughout the novel, the reader walks the path with Brown as he tells his family's story. He begins with his grandparent's lives, living in the south, and progresses to his own upbringing and schooling.  He explains his passage into the NFL and his exodus into the life of a farmer.  All interwoven with his faith and assurance that in all his endeavors he was following God's will.  

I strongly recommend reading Brown's book, Centered.  I sincerely enjoyed it and will definitely share it with others!

 @wisefarmerbrown, @firstfruitsfarmnc,  #centered

Unforeseen Blessings...so I have a student....

      Sometimes you know what is coming down the road. You purposefully choose a path and make all the plans.  I'm thinking about events like weddings, where there is a year of planning to pull off the perfect romantic day. Or the long-awaited vacation, one that money is saved for over several years, then booked and sweetly anticipated. 

I love those types of occasions.  

But sometimes life springs something "smack dab" in the middle of your path, and you have a choice, 

         - to walk around it and avoid it entirely

         - to check it out but then decide to hop over it and continue on your way

         - or to pick it up and carry it with you, even though you are well aware that your life will change

What do you do?  

It isn't an easy question, and there isn't an easy answer but that doesn't mean the circumstance will not bring as much joy as something that was planned.

I feel like this is an episode of "This Is Your Life" because so many times I have experienced circumstances that I have not planned for but have made my life so amazing.  This December, it happened again.

You, my reader, know that my husband and I are empty nesters.  Have been for the last eleven years, and completely childless the last seven going on eight years after our youngest was married and independent.  

We have become quite comfortable in our ways, and independent ourselves.  But...

This fall something happened.  There is this kid.  One of my students. A foster child.  One who has been through enough in life as a young person, and somehow has found the gumption and drive to break the cycle and strive to make a better life for himself.  He placed himself in foster care when he found himself alone with no family nearby to care for him. And somehow, someway, he ended up in my classroom.

He was in a foster family that was fine, but not a great fit for him.  All young children, with expectations that fit the dynamic of a young child's caregiver.  But not a really perfect placement for an older child.  He considered going out on his own, but still has a year and a half to finish high school and get the diploma.  

And God whispered to me... do it, this kid is special. Offer him your home.  

I prayed and prayed about it.  A major life and home change for my husband and me if we chose to have a child again.  I gathered my courage and asked Scott, actually, I told him...so there's this kid. And he knew. We prayed together some more.   

When I was a child, there was a toy called the "magic eight ball".  It was a black plastic ball with a window in the bottom and dark water in it.  When it was shaken and the person holding it asked a question, there was a polygon (octagon like) shape inside that would rotate and eventually face the window with an answer.  One popular answer was "all signs point to yes."  Well if I had consulted the "magic eight ball" then this would have been my answer.  

I offered, I submitted the beginning of the paperwork, and the almighty agencies have okayed the placement.  As of December 28th, I am now a proud mom of a highschool junior.  A wonderful foster son who makes my days so happy and has brought unexpected joy to our world.

He is teaching us so much, and when he is in my classroom, I work at teaching him too. (Okay, we learn at home too. Yep, I'm a teacher )

 He is reintroducing Scott and me to the joy of having a child in our home.  One who is motivated to succeed and just needs the chance to explore his options to be what God intends him to be.  

It has been a comfortable transition as if he should have always been here.  I am in awe of God's wisdom and power, moving mountains, and perceptions in placing him in our home.  

I have only had him here for 22 days. But I can't imagine life without him here now.  

So I guess this post is perhaps a new years' resolution of sorts to say, always be open to the opportunities and possibilities placed in your path.  My new year's resolution is to enjoy every moment and listen to God's will as he places it before my heart.  Because even when it is not in my preconceived plans....his will is always perfect.