Our high school math seniors and I have been experiencing a time of reflection at the start of each week. We share vulnerabilities, times of being especially authentic, reasons to ask for forgiveness, and the need to take time to be more aware and simply present. Each week, we continue to be humbled by honesty shared, fears revealed, and a hunger for being exceptionally genuine. They claim this "different kind of math class" is helping us learn more deeply, make better connections, ask more questions, and be more vulnerable for the sake of learning. It's difficult to convey in words the depth of communication we're experiencing by having this safe place to just be. Little did I know how much this collaboration helps retention and relationship-building. One of the reasons why I believe this has been possible, is the #BlueMind I'm developing after reading the book of that title by Wallace Nichols. We have four posters in our math classroom of water scenes to help us connect, relax, be aware, and experience serenity.
This past week, I've worked alongside several 9th graders on our Entrepreneurial Team who have attended our after school help. During this time, they've experienced some refreshing moments of learning while I sat closely alongside them and listened to them as they articulated their thinking and questions. During these moments, they realized and I realized their errors and strengths in thinking. This has enabled me to better understand their gaps, how they think, what fears they have, and how to individualize our learning paths.
I challenge you to dare to be more authentic, share your vulnerabilities, and more clearly articulate your uncertainties in order to reach even greater success! I have so much to learn from our high school students.
