Too Close to See Clearly

Today my eyes were opened to new ideas, new possibilities and opportunities to help a student in our class. As teachers we put our all into our classes. We spend our days searching for the just right way with our students, always working to push kids forward, to find their best.  

Some kids make this easy they respond in predictable ways, they almost point you in the direction that works best for them. Other students are crafted in layers. Some students hide behind these layers, avoiding the cause of their struggles, hoping we don't expose what's hiding behind these carefully constructed coverings. 

I have been teaching for many years and still I find students I struggle to uncover. This year I have a particular student who puzzles me, have conferred with parents, previous teachers, and colleagues in hopes of discovering just what is just beyond my reach.  Each conversation ends with renewed hope. Despite the conversations and new ideas I feel like my efforts are just shy of the target. Somehow I continue to miss just what it is that causes the student to sit idol. 

I am fortunate to work with colleagues and families that are always looking for ways to support our classroom. In one conversation a colleague suggested I ask another staff member to observe our classroom to help me see beyond my perspectives. Sometimes it takes a neutral party to open your eyes to what is right in front you. 

Tomorrow I will walk into our classroom with fresh ideas and my eyes open wider to new a perspective. I am hopeful to peel back yet another layer and discover the magic. 

Fingers crossed!