Saturday, December 6, 2014

Saturday Sayings: Start There



I see how he plays with the bottom of his shoe when I'm reading a picture book.  Or if it's not his shoe, it's something else, while we're doing shared reading.  I see how he barely moves his lips or completely ignores us when we count to 100 with a fun youtube brain break.  I see how he tries to get a spot at the back of the group where he doesn't think I see him.  I see how little effort he gives and interest he shows with most everything we do.  I see how after two years of kindergarten how much he still needs every little concept I'm teaching.  I see how he's surrounded by so many who seem eager to learn whether the content is easy or hard.  

What I don't see is a little eager fire in his eyes.  I don't feel him willingly following me on this journey.  Instead it seems like I'm dragging him along.  He is indeed a mystery, and yet this is nothing new.  Every year I have to ask myself how to engage the one who refuses to meet me halfway.  I know Routman's advice is part of the answer to this ever-present dilemma.  "What matters most to this child?  Start there."

Indeed, I see that he's full of greatness.   


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22 comments:

  1. Thank you for my Saturday morning . . . this is a place to start.

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  2. What a wonderful place to start:)
    Connie Anderson

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  3. Every year I also have a child like that. Such a puzzle! Thank you for reminding me to look for the greatness!

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  4. Thank you for the well written reminder that every child is capable of greatness and it is our responsibility to help them on this journey!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, now if I could just get really good at that!

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  5. You have a lovely way of capturing your thoughts with words!

    Tara
    The Math Maniac

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    1. Tara, thank you for thinking so. Every so often it all comes together.

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  6. What a simple and POWERFUL message. Meet kids where they are. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Janet, thank you, and thank you for reading.

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  7. I love this reminder (which is always how I feel about your posts:) Have you been asked to speak at conferences? You are so inspiring and have so much to offer.

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    1. Lyn, thank you for thinking so. I take that as a huge compliment coming from someone like you who I have such great respect for.

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  8. I know I'm late to this post, but WoW, I'm glad I got here! What an insightful morsel of advice and direction. Start there. I LOVE that.

    I once visited a school whose vision statement simply said: If it's important to you, it matters to us. Consider how different our world would be if that were our mantra.

    Happy holidays, Tammy, and thank you for such thoughtful reflections.

    Barbara

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    1. Barbara, that is an inspiring vision statement. Makes one think. Thank you for sharing. You always add to the conversation.

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