Creativity Speaks

Last week my daughter rediscovered decorating rocks as a quiet mindful activity. It was something she started in the spring, during lockdown, but was lost in the hubbub of summer fun. Now that we have hit our stride with remote learning she has gravitated back to that quiet screen-free experience. 

Over the past few days I have found myself being drawn into her work. It is calming and I appreciate the creative exercise. I find myself keeping an eye out for rocks as we take our walks. I have realized that the rocks speak to me. This is a phrase I have heard others use but did not give it much thought. The rocks do not really use a voice. Rather, their shape informs me. I see the contour, the color, or texture of the rock and connect that information to what I carry with me at that moment. Maybe the rock connects with a memory, something I just did, or a food I am craving. 

As a teacher of writing I feel the same phenomena occurs with the blank page. The empty space does not talk to the writer. In fact, the vast white space does little for the writer but provide an invitation. It is the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that the writer carries to the page that guides them. The trick is finding one that fits with the invitation of the page. I wonder how I might make that transparent for my young writers?

Our early writing classes are purposefully constructed to allow students to mine their experiences and to build a safe writing space. At the start of a new exploration we build in time for students to brainstorm so that they are armed with ideas before jumping into the new unit. Does this provide enough time and space for the page to talk to the student? Going forward I want to incorporate mindful moments before every class and model my inner dialogue showing how my current reality inspires my creativity. I guess creativity does speak.

Status Of Us

It is the start of a new school year and I find myself in an unusual position of not being in the classroom. This is an odd feeling after spending 22 years working alongside some pretty amazing 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Even so, it is the right decision to make. 

We elected to keep our two children at home, learning remotely. In order to better support them, I took a leave of absence. In doing so we have freed up space in our school system for two children who did not have the opportunity to be at home on a daily basis. After about 16 weeks of summer vacation official classes through the public school have started. In the background I hear a band lesson and preparations for an art class. Even though today is the official first day of school we have been busy learning at home. “Dad School” has been up and running since late August. Our playroom in the finished basement was converted into a classroom, designed by my two children. Since Dad School opened we have spent time practicing habits of mind and exploring our personal values. We all enjoyed building off of Dan Ryder’s Warning Label springboard (@WickedDecent). We also laid the groundwork work on a collaborative website which we will maintain throughout the year and hope to share with every ones soon. We scratched the rust off of some basic skills in writing, math, reading, and critical thinking using puzzles, ding writing, and interactive games. Even though classes through our public school have started “Dad School” will continue so keep your eyes peeled for our progress. 

Though I feel a twinge of guilt knowing my students and colleagues have been at school for the past three weeks I know my family’s decision has been the right call for us. I am very fortunate to work alongside my two children and to partner with them in their learning adventure.