The Present
District leaders, school leaders and teachers, we have been given a gift, an opportunity to awaken our deepest desires and dreams about the possibilities of education. I like to think of it as awakening the freedom of education as an irresistible revolution. COVID-19 has invaded the way we educate. It has stormed our castle and caused us to seek other ways to teach. While this may feel like an invasion, it also is an opportunity to reset. Most states are suspending or canceling mandatory state testing (another gift). Without the looming pressure of the test, we can re-engage with the true essence of learning-curiosity, creativity, exploration, discovery, innovation, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. As I type these words, I am reminded of play. Play creates space to engage with curiosity, setting one’s own expectations as curiosity deepens. Play creates space to problem solve and think critically as one tries to figure out how to achieve their goal. Play creates space for failing and trying again (sometimes failing intentionally so that one can keep playing). Play allows the learner to be in control of the level of challenge involved. Play is the essence of learning.
With the gifts of time and quarantine, we have an opportunity to reset learning, even through distance learning. An important step in seizing the opportunity is to be open to the possibilities of what can develop. This might mean developing a new perspective about what learning looks like, what it feels like, and what it sounds like. This might also mean a shift in one’s beliefs about learning.
Let’s pause here for a moment. How is this landing for you? For some of us there might be feelings of anxiety and stress, thinking that this means you have to let go of what you know. For others there might be feelings of excitement and joy, ready to see what else is out there. Wherever you are with your feelings, take a moment to breathe. Tune into what your soul is saying. Tune into what your inner critic is saying. Stay with those feelings for a moment. What you will notice is that once you acknowledge the feelings, the feelings start to dissipate. You begin to feel calmer. You will want to return to breathing if you notice the feelings returning.
If we just dip our toe into the idea of learning as playing, here are somethings you will want to consider:
Everyone is a learner - Learners are curious. As you play, use your curiosity to unearth patterns and trends. Wonder, question, and record what you are discovering. What will I need to continue to fuel my curiosity? If my curiosity fizzles, what will I do to ignite curiosity about something else? What connections and/or patterns am I noticing about my curiosity?
Everyone is a maker - Makers have ideas. Play creates space for ideas to be nurtured, given attention and worked with. Play allows makers to become friends with their ideas until the maker takes full ownership turning the idea into reality. A reality that could change the world.
If you are ready to seize the present, let’s connect and play together to reset the course of education. On behalf of all the children in schools, let's get this revolution started!