Chapters 2 and 3

Generosity of the Heart

I loved that this was the reading for tonight, considering this was one of the topics I spoke with my group about today. I feel that it is a constant struggle for teachers to keep up with the times and to keep their lessons fresh. Countless times I have been told by those whom are not teachers that once I finish my first year of teaching it will be easy because I can re-use my material over and over again. I always just smile and say wouldn't that be nice. Although I am not fully teaching yet I do see the amount of work that teachers around me put in on a daily basis. If only it was an easy job wouldn't everyone do it? I loved that chapter 2 brought up that each new group of students is unique. This is so true. The three years that I have been in the classroom not one group of students was the same and I know that my class this year will be just as unique. I always say the thing that I love most about my job is that it changes everyday. Each day when you walk into the classroom you don't know what kind of moods you may be interacting with and that is exciting!

Another aspect of Chapter 2 that I enjoyed was the section on passion. Passion is such a key element for teachers. Without a passion for what we do, we essentially have nothing. Teaching is all about trying something new and experimenting. How boring would it be to have the same lessons over and over again. The amazing thing about teaching is that you are not only teaching to the student you as the teacher are learning as well. With each new lesson you find what works and what doesn't. Each lesson can change year to year depending on the day and mood of the class. I loved that they compared teaching to an adventure, it is such a invigorating way to look at your job. How many people can say that each day they go to work has the potential of being a new adventure?

Chapter 3 was so important for teachers to read, especially those who teach younger ages. Imagination is one of the most amazing things that you have as a child. To watch the imagination of a child work is truly a gift. Something that I find sad in today's society is that kids are losing their imaginations. They are losing their outlet to be creative and think on their own. It is so important that we nurture and encourage the imagination. Creativity is such a healing outlet. There seems to be more pressure now to learn what is in the book and to pass the test then their is to build your creativity. Kids are more stuck behind the screen then running around outside and playing make-believe. Without creativity we wouldn't have so many of the wonderful things that we use today. I completely agreed with the quote "imagination can bring several parts together to create wholes", without imagination we really aren't whole. Towards the end of the chapter Durka said that imagination does not resolve or improve simply it awakens and that is so true. After reading this chapter I hope that when I am teaching one day that I remember to not only teach the basics but to nurture a child's creativity.