Back to the untethered soul.
**This is your life — reclaim it.**You stay open by never closing. It’s really that simple.
You can learn to stay open no matter what happens in the world.
Closing your heart does not really protect you from anything.
On Sunday, May 22, I sent an email to my team.
No more lack of empowerment
As you know, we are having a substitute shortage and I will need to be available over the next three weeks. There is a chance that I don’t get pulled but I won’t know until the mornings. Therefore, I am no longer having formal groups.
Monday, May 23
I took these photos on Monday, May 23, when I was the art teacher.
This time, when I received the email that I would be the art teacher, I was ready. No urgency to cancel classes or frustration of unused lesson plans. Instead, I cut and glued. I prepared for my classes.
Tuesday, May 24
I took this photo on Tuesday, May 24, when I went into classrooms and facilitated Writing Workshops.
I love going into classrooms for Writing Workshop. That is what I did on Tuesday.
Wednesday, May 25
On Wednesday, I was an enthusiastic substitute teacher. After seeing some not-so-healthy snacks coming out of backpacks, I was inspired and became the recorder for a class Healthy Snacks chart, followed by students making their own with an option to illustrate and ask me for more information about unfamiliar foods. We all laughed at the idea of someone confusing the kiwi bird with the kiwi fruit.
While car riders waited to be called, I learned about Lost Kitties. I might need to start collecting.
On Wednesday afternoon, I took time to mourn another school shooting. I am looking into ways I can be part of the change — when it comes to gun laws in this country.
For now, I will come to work each morning with a smile, ready to embrace, encourage and motivate — to foster a love of learning.
Thursday, May 26
I was expecting to sub, but that morning, I received an unexpected email. I was able to read with students, one-on-one. It was nice.
Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29
A much needed break.
Monday, May 30
I am ready for tomorrow. Nine more days, and then an eight week vacation.