I did something I never do. I watched the news. I sat there and watched the "world unfold" with its tragedies, its politics and its negativity. I then logged onto my laptop and reviewed all the stories around the world...and I sighed a big heavy sigh.
Where did kindness go? And how the heck do people find the time to berate, "tweet", and put down others? People say they are so busy...so busy doing what? Spreading dislike for others? Judging? Ick. Sorry, I would rather spend my time enjoying life.
Can we isolate ourselves from the world? No. We can always stand up for what's right and for what we believe in, of course. Everyone is unique on this planet. EVERYONE. We have minds and spirits within us and we all...yes ALL of us...have purpose.
At the beginning of the school year, I give my 5th grade students a stern speech about respect.
It goes something like this: "Here's the deal...you are in 5th grade...the big duck in a little pond. You are at the top of your school three times in life so cherish this time! I want role models coming out of my classroom. I want to see respect for one another. Are we all going to like each other all the time? Most likely, no. But we will respect each other, we will listen to each other, and most importantly, we will LEARN from each other."
Keep in mind, I am speaking to 10-11 year-olds. And guess what? They eat it up. We revisit this "talk" several times during the year, and do we have great days? Heck yes we do. And it makes the ugly, drama-filled, tear-stained hurtful days a lot easier. We learn from these days. And as a class, we sit and talk about them.
I haven't blogged in close to a year. My dear friend told me my teaching kids is a "daily blog" - and I laugh and maybe she's right. I write when I am inspired or intrinsically motivated to do so.
Be kind to one another. Regardless of your inside personal opinions, your outward behavior is witnessed by your kids, your family, your friends, your peers, your colleagues, your students, and your spirit. Negativity toxifies our spirits, spreads like wildfire and slows our learning. Strive to learn something new everyday and be kind to one another.
