Learning about politics and truth in the Media

 My poor children! This is the third Presidential election of their lives... and it is the ugliest, most awful thing I have ever seen in my many long years of life.  But they are learning a lot about 'Truth" and the American Media.  Indeed, I think that they are better about checking sources and verifying information than many of those who have the right to vote in this election.  Indeed, from what I can tell, it is the youth vote that is amongst the best educated... which may be why certain Political factions are doing their best to stop that vote. My eldest, who is male and 15, asked "Why is it that they think 18 is oldest enough to be a soldier but not old enough to vote or drink?" I have no good answer for that.  I can only hope that the outcome of this election is such that my sons and the children of this country -- whatever their color, religion or sexual orientation -- is not made to suffer for the bad choices of their elders.

Catching up the days

February 5, 2016

Yesterday was a full sort of day: Jason had his first driving lesson, Xander had a wonderful adventure, and I found out I have pneumonia...

It is hard to believe that Jason will be 15 in March. To me, he is still my baby, my little boy, the child whose soul shone out through his beautiful blue eyes.

I miss him. But I am fascinated by this young man whom he is becoming.

I am interested to see what he does. He is infinitely creative and insightful.

I will always love my baby.

My love for my growing son knows no bounds.

Go forth, young prince. The World awaits you. Do wonderful things.

And know: You can always come home.

Teaching the teacher

May 14, 2016

The longer that I am at the 'teaching' game, the more I learn. My teachers? My students.

I have learned that other people learn differently than I do.

I have learned that trying to 'force' learning into a pattern that is comfortable to me will result in struggles and tears -- from both me and from my students.

I have learned that learning happens -- even when I don't notice it. (and that the lessons learned are not always the lessons intended!)

I have learned that 'intelligence' is not the same as 'experience'. The first is a natural state. The latter is gained through time.  That being the case, I have learned to RESPECT my students' even while I seek to guide them with my experience.

I have learned that the best teaching needs to be adaptable, molding itself to the situations that will, invariably, arise when students become enamored of the learning process. Students, it turns out, are often their own best teacher.

I have learned that if I TRUST the process, my students LEARN and the learning is joyous.

There are lessons which are harder to learn -- sometimes I think it is because I, myself, am still struggling with those lessons: Self-discipline in doing those daily tasks that can seem so arduous when the sun shines after the rain. Sometimes I gather up my students and we run out into that sun and revel in the joy of simply being.

And then, we return, refreshed and emboldened to begin again.

And again.

And again.

Yes. There are times when I have to 're-learn' lessons. And in learning that about myself, I am taught to be more patient with my students experiencing the same process. Learning does not end.  And some lessons need to be repeated.  And that, as they say, is life.