To say that I learned a lot while in the Adirondacks is an understatement. As a lifelong learner I enjoyed my time with a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. As a teacher (we are all teachers even if we don't have a classroom) I found myself learning all I could so that I could one day pass that information on to others. As a student, colleague and friend I found myself inside more than I would have liked but I also found myself enveloped in an awesome environment where I truly felt I could fail at things and it would be okay. That was the very first time I've ever felt that and I'm doing my best to remember that feeling so I can keep on taking chances and learning as much as I can from them; whether I fail or not.
I'm not exactly sure who's going to be reading this, but I want to say thank you from my whole heart to Karl, Beth, Tim and all my friends (new ones included) who made this trip 100 times better than I thought it would be! I was actually sad to leave and two days after we had returned home, I wanted to go back =)
Thanks to everyone! Tim, Beth and Karl, you all did a great job and I appreciate everything you did!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Reflecting on the Adirondack Classroom
This past week I have been thinking a lot about the time we spent at Raquette Lake. I had a really good time overall. What I learned about myself is that I'm afraid of many things but I need to trust in myself and others in order to overcome those fears. The team building we did (along with the ropes course and zip line) was very challenging but I proved to myself that I could do it! I knew if I hadn't done it, I would have regretted it. Tim, Karl and many others were there to give me words of encouragement, talk me through things as well as give me some sass (which always helps!).
I'm actually looking forward to being a teacher now which surprises me. I used to feel there were so many challenges and red tape that I already failed my students even before I met them. Now I realize it's the little things I can do that will make a difference. Big achievements are great but slowing down and spending more time outside and letting my kids see my own joy of learning will make a world of difference to them and me.
All the ideas we shared were interesting and I hope to implement some of them into my own classroom in the future. Outdoor education is important for tons of reasons and I will be making sure my kids have the time they need outside.
I'm actually looking forward to being a teacher now which surprises me. I used to feel there were so many challenges and red tape that I already failed my students even before I met them. Now I realize it's the little things I can do that will make a difference. Big achievements are great but slowing down and spending more time outside and letting my kids see my own joy of learning will make a world of difference to them and me.
All the ideas we shared were interesting and I hope to implement some of them into my own classroom in the future. Outdoor education is important for tons of reasons and I will be making sure my kids have the time they need outside.
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