Through the Wardrobe

I think it's time to get back to blogging, mostly for my own sake if for no one else's occasional enjoyment. It's good to look back from time to time and reflect on what crossed my mind, tickled my fancy, or made an impact over the past year...

Take this Christmas break, for example. It's been rather laid back - we've done some visiting, some church-going, some baking and cooking, some marathon training, and a LOT of reading. When I arrived at my parents' house in Michigan, I remembered that I had left a few boxes of books in the basement - these were books I couldn't bear to part with (even if they would be collecting dust in the basement) when I went from classroom teacher to school administrator last summer. In this box of books was the Chronicles of Narnia boxed set, so I brought that up, started reading, and plan to bring the complete set home with me when I head back to Chicago in a few days. (I've never actually read the whole series, which, as a religion teacher for many years, I am ashamed to admit, as the themes are so rich for teaching the faith.)

But anyways...once upon a time in my early teaching days in Arizona, I used The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a read aloud for my fourth grade class. Now, I know as a teacher you're not supposed to have favorites, but this particular class was pretty darn special. Some of that was due to the fact that I had the most amazing group of parents with whom some, to this day, I still keep in touch. As we read through the novel, I got to thinking it would be pretty incredible to create Narnia for my students, so I suggested it to the parents, and they brought my idea to life. (And this was back before the days of Pinterest!) With an adjoining empty classroom, it wasn't too hard. They must have done most of the set-up during the morning, and when my class went to specials, they put the wardrobe in my classroom. When the kids got back, they went nuts! Cries of "It's Narnia!" rang through our room, and they, of course, wanted to try it out. (Who wouldn't?)

We opened the "wardrobe" (which was probably a refrigerator box, but I don't quite remember), and went next door. The parents had done an incredible job - snowflakes were hanging from the ceiling, miniature houses and cotton balls created a sense of a village, and there were toy figurines representing some of the characters, including Aslan. We even had a lamppost! (That I remember clearly as being made from a pole and two clear Chinese take-out boxes engineered together.) After some looking around, my students settled in for a read aloud - we probably read a chapter or two. And then it was time to leave.

By the time we got back from lunch, the wardrobe was gone, Narnia had been whisked away, and it seemed like it had all been a dream. One student astutely pointed out, "Maybe it only happens when it's a cold rainy day," which it surprisingly was that morning. (In Arizona, imagine that!) But my, what a morning we had. And every time I reread Narnia, I'll think of that class and those parents and the magic of opening our imaginations with the creative help from those parents.

In my ten years of teaching, I know I made a lot of mistakes as a teacher, probably more mistakes than things I did right, and I probably didn't raise as many test scores as I should have, but I'm pretty sure they learned at least a little. Above all, I hope my students remember that they had teachers who believed in them, challenged their creative and critical thinking, and loved them.

It's funny how little things hold such big places in our hearts even years and years later. It's memories like these that make me realize I found the vocation God planned for me...and that make me realize I should probably write these things down. ;)

And then there were tears

One of the seventh graders in the other advisory came up to me in the hallway this morning before the bell, stared up at me and said, "I'm going to miss you next year." Then, she walked in the room.

After advisory, a handful of my students stayed behind to show me a slideshow they had put together (of my smiles and shoes - go figure). The last slide featured a photo of the whole class from the Christmas show, and at the bottom it read "Good luck Miss Foyle."

Some sixth grade students came in and told me they had built me a church. (Really, it was a re-purposed Social Studies project, but it's the thought that counts.) On the roof of the church they had signed their names and written things like "we'll miss you next year" and "Jesus loves you."

At dismissal yesterday and again today a few parents confronted me. One looked at me with sad eyes and pleaded, "Tell me it's not true." She then went on to ask about my new position and said while she would be sad to see me go that she was happy for me. Another parent just kind of gave me the eye, and I just started spilling. She, too, was glad for me, but asked, "Couldn't you have waited two more years till my daughter graduates?"

To say I made an easy or right choice in leaving would be a lie - it's definitely not easy, and there is no "right" choice to be made. But I think the change is one that will be good for me, even if it's particularly difficult now as we are approaching the final days of school. I have found myself packing up seven years of my teaching career into boxes, deciding what comes with me and what stays. (That's been particularly difficult with all of my books, let me tell you!) So many memories...

But, you know, it isn't "goodbye." It's more like "see you later." It's not like last time where I picked up and moved across the country from Phoenix to Chicago - that was more like "goodbye." (And that, in all honesty, was one of the hardest things I've ever done.) I know I'll find my way back to cheer the kids on at a basketball game or go to family Mass or see the school play. I told the seventh graders that I would do my best to come to their Confirmation (and hopefully graduation) - and they all smiled and were excited about that. There's a fine balance, though - I know I can't hold on too tight. If I do, I risk not jumping in with both feet to my new community, and I can't bear the thought of not being present for them even though I don't even know them yet.

So, hand me the box of Kleenex and give me a shoulder to cry on. Help me take a step back and realize it will be all right. Help me be grateful, and help me have courage.

Change is natural and it's necessary. With change comes the opportunity for challenge and growth. And, to paraphrase Coach Taylor from "Friday Night Lights" (which I have been binge-watching these past few weeks), with clear eyes and a full heart, I can't lose.

Open House = Open Heart

Monday will mark the beginning of my 8th year as a classroom teacher. Though no year is ever exactly the same (in terms of the classes and/or content I teach), one thing does stay the same - each year is an opportunity for me to open my heart (and my door) to a new community of learners.

And that's exactly what happened at Friday's Open House - students came by to see if they needed any books (which, the older ones know, I never give out - I like to think they came by to say hi), and parents new to the middle school were both anxious and excited for the changes that will present themselves to their children this year. Parents are ready to send their kids back to school, and students are, for the most part, ready to come back and see their friends (and maybe learn a little too).

Do I have any goals for the year? Sure I do. I have BIG goals focused on helping the students develop personal relationships with God through regular prayer and through Sunday Mass attendance. I want to get to know every child and help find activities that meet their individual needs. I want to strike a balance between school stuff and my personal/for fun activities. And I want to empower the grade level teams of teachers to discuss and use data effectively to improve instruction and student learning. Don't worry, I have some smaller goals too... ;)

Here are some of the final touches to the classroom - although, my "Just Finished" sign will need to change, as I literally just finished "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" today. (It was a pretty phenomenal read with lots of clues and twists at every turn of the page.) -->

Monday morning will be here very soon. It's time to start the next chapter in my time at this school.

Unexpected (heartfelt) Validation

An unsuspecting little me was going about my business, hanging student essays in the cafeteria in between classes, when a parent (who had been doing a presentation for a social studies class) came up to speak with me. We first talked about the high school application process (which, by the way, is crazy in Chicago!), but then our conversation took a turn, and he wanted to make sure I knew how much my teaching and guidance in his daughter's eighth grade Religion class had shaped his daughter's faith life this year. He said it was so important for his daughter to really start to blossom in her faith, as much of today's culture points to anything but Christian values.

I was taken aback. After just discussing last night with my faith-sharing group about how often I feel like I am failing, this man came along and said I should never feel like that because teaching the faith in such an earnest, anything-but-fluffy manner is what kids these days need.

Sometimes God sends people our way to lift us up when we're too hard on ourselves, and for such people, I am so grateful. Thank you, God for the thumbs up and pat on the back today - it was much needed and also much appreciated!

2 Wednesday Take-aways

They're back...the class that just keeps talking...

And I'm the one at a loss for words.

I've already solicited advice, tried different tactics, waited until I was blue in the face...but some continue to do their own thing. (Yes, they've been this way as a group since at least 3rd grade.) I think I may try parent phone calls next - not to be negative, but to get everyone on the same page. They've already heard the message about respect (for their classmates, for me, etc.) from me, but they need to hear it at home too.

In speaking with some fellow teachers at dinner last night, it seems that part of the problem with respect in the classroom is that a lot of children aren't expected to show respect at home - parents seem to be more concerned with being a friend to their kids (and to their kids' friends) than being the parent. Now, please know that I'm not judging any parents or saying how parenting should be - trust me, I'm not a parent, so I have no place in doing so - but it's just an observation.

And it's going to be a tough conversation to have with some parents, I'm sure. But I think I need to do it...

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On an otherwise classroom-related note, I read Because I Love You with my 7th and 8th grade Religion classes.

Yes, I still read picture books to 13 and 14 year olds...and the results are awesome! Students engaged in beautiful discussions about "the hole," sin, and free will. Many students slowly began to understand that God didn't create us to have us be puppets or to force us to want to one day be with Him in heaven - it's our choice...but every time we fall away, God is already coming to us to bring us back. He's (actively) waiting with His arms wide open.

Oh, we have plenty of other picture books lined up for the year. Let's see how the kiddos do...