Their Story...

Each child holds the beginning of their own life story.  Someday they will take this crafted story using it to forge their way in the world.  The people who surround each child guide and influence that story by impacting the child’s life experiences. While some children willingly share their story, others will hold it quietly to themselves.  As we approach each day and each moment, what do we want our children to include in their story?

This past week I had an opportunity to participate in the Xperience STEM conference in Denver, CO.  What an amazing experience!  This “non-conference” involved educators gathering together and participating in various experiential learning opportunities which required us to stretch ourselves and be risk-takers.  Through these experiences, well-guided reflections, and collaborative conversations, we each began to craft a story from our experience.  These stories are not only for sharing but can help us to gain a better understanding of what our students’ experience.

Zip lining with educators
from around the country in Colorado

It is not natural for a person to run off a platform in the mountains.  However, this was necessary to feel the freedom, speed, and explore the valleys through zip lining.  Each zip line brought a different feeling when faced with speeds up to 50 mph.  My story evolved by mustering the guts to run off the platform in order to feel the wind whip through my hair and discover the unbelievable views as the trolley zipped along the steel cable.  Within our group, each educator’s experience brought more than just a simple story.  For some there was a direct science and math learning experiences, while other found the challenge of risk-taking.  One individual discovered disappointment.  For me, it was an excellent reminder of how children feel at different points in their education.  There are days where we need them to be a risk-taker as if stepping off the side of mountain.  There are times when we need them to listen to directions in order to ensure their safety.  There are times when we need to them to keep climbing the mountain even though they feel like giving up.  There are times they need to share their stories based on an experience.  The manner in which we help them through these experiences will craft their story which they will use throughout their lives.

As educators, we each have created our own stories and perspectives based on our own experiences.  It is those experiences which makes us better at our craft regardless of our profession.  In the beginning, it is the practical experience which allows us to effectively operate in the classroom.  However, in order for teachers to grow and become masters, we need to broaden our horizons by expanding our experiences, challenging who we are, exchanging ideas with other around us, and continuing our own studies.   We need to expand our own life stories in order to better connect with our students and create learning experiences for them.

Where do you begin?  Anywhere...begin small and grow from there.  How will you be a risk-taker?  How can you create learning experiences for your students?