This afternoon we spent time discussing the value of the 'Share' component of Manaiakalani's Learn, Create, Share model. Share mostly relates to sharing of our knowledge, our work, our learning and our creations with our peers, colleagues and community, however this discussion got me thinking about share as much more than that.
To be an effective teacher I believe I need to be an open book, willing to share more than my creations and my work. I need to share everything in my life, especially in the Manaiakalani community.
Students value knowing me. Me as a person, not just me as a teacher. Our Pasifika and Maori students value this considerably, which I knew beginning the job, but now I have my own experiences. Willingness to share my family, my interests, why I teach, what I want to do in the future, encourages barriers to go down. Barriers many of our tamariki have when they first meet someone. Barriers that may effect their learning and the classroom environment. Barriers that are present because they are protective of their school, their learning and their friends.
I have enjoyed the barriers eroding over the past ten weeks and some of them have completely vanished, because I am open and honest with the interest students have in my life and my feelings. What is the point in hiding or not talking about things if a student is interested? Of course, there are times when there may be that one student who oversteps the privacy line - but I just let them know that what they are asking is confidential.
The biggest thing I have taken away from this afternoon, upon reflection, is sharing is not only constrained to creations of learning and our work but much more than that. I want to begin to share my work, and my students' work more, so that we are gifting the world with our creations, but this will take time. I am trying to be realistic that the fairies and rainbows and perfection I want, is a long way away, but chipping away a little bit at a time and taking small steps forward will help get there.
I am busy, I am tired, I am stressed and boy I am looking forward to the holidays. I am more than happy to share that! But for now I need to potter through the final week of term.
Doctor Maya Angelou is one of the most influential voices of our time, an important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. I thought her words in the above quote simply expresses how to share, and encouraged me to consider why we teach and give. I am now inspired to read more of her work.
Well done on being brave with this post Georgia - I really appreciate the honesty of your words here and think that you have articulately summed up what a lot of first year teachers in their first term are currently feeling. Remember to reach out when it gets a bit too much and that it is ok to turn the teaching off for a bit. Bring on the break :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Heath, it is tough to admit I am struggling through because I'm giving 110% all the time. But the reality is, as you say, I'm not the only one. Turning off the teaching is, as I'm sure you know, easier said than done because I just put my whole heart and soul into my teaching and my learners. But it is definitely something I need to work on. Thanks for the kind words :)
DeleteHey Georgia, I completely agree with what you have written about sharing information about ourselves with our learners! I think it is a huge part of building relationships with them and in building trust. I also agree with Heath, I think we are all feeling pretty tired at the moment. It's too easy in this job to keep giving and to get burnt out! Fortunately we have just got to make it through one more week before a well deserved break! I hope you rest up during this time and take some time out for yourself, as it sounds like a lot of your time lately has been dedicated to your learners :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Danni - we all definitely deserve a break! If we don't feel like we need it then we haven't worked hard enough I reckon!
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