The two weeks of holidays just past have been a much welcomed time of recharging the batteries for me and a really good time to reflect once again.
It has been great to have some time to read, view, listen and think. Interestingly enough as sometimes happens, four things that I read, viewed or listened to seemed to be all giving me a strong message ... I call this serendipity.
1. I watched the series "13 Reasons Why" in the holidays - I think this is a must watch for teachers and parents everywhere. Obviously it is not appropriate for primary aged students as it is extremely graphic in places but what the series highlighted for me was how increasingly important it is is to teach our children to be kind and to watch out for one another and that we model this in all our interactions. Also how increasingly important it is to make sure we connect with every child and parent.
2. The importance of these connections was again highlighted for me at the GAFE Summit when Marty McGauran from Edutech did his ignite talk on Every Interaction Matters. He talked about making a difference with every interaction - how something that may seem to insignificant to us might be very significant to someone else. I love Marty's mantra that he says hello or gives the thumbs up to everyone he sees when out running - it's amazing how a simple thumbs up or a smile can make you feel.
3. Then into my inbox this post from George Couros on his blog The Principal of Change came into my inbox: Every Interaction Matters; The Experience of School
This is well worth a read - There are a couple of links at the bottom that have made me reflect more on all of my interactions. The message - Every Interaction Matters!
4. Pope Francis delivered a TED talk a few days ago and it has gone viral this week. If you get a chance to read the transcript you will see there are three key messages (much simplified), we need to work together, hope starts with us and try a little tenderness. You can read the transcript on this link and listen to him speak although it is in Italian. I love this quote:
"Quite a few years of life have strengthened my conviction that each and everyone's existence is deeply tied to that of others," Francis said. "Life is not time merely passing by, life is about interactions."
The key message for me - Every Interaction Matters!
Oh my gosh, Monday morning Marty McGauran was on my mind about the simplicity of saying "hello" and just connecting with each of the students that crossed my path. The old thumbs up gesture was working a treat as well. I so agree "every interaction matters." I know this (and have wonderful feedback form ex students years later) but perhaps needed someone to remind me again of how important it is to connect to each of our students. Personally, I rate interacting and connecting with our students as number 1 because if you can't interact or connect with your students then you will never bring out the best in them. What a missed opportunity.
ReplyDeleteAgree totally Vicki - thanks for the comment!
DeleteI agree with your comments Jo. What a huge impact on our outlook, having positive interactions with the people around us can have. I guess we need to be reminded of this every now and then. Let's try and keep on reminding ourselves about this. What an uplifting post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maire - agree let's try and keep on reminding ourselves about this!! It's amazing how far one smile can travel.
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