Open the possibility

  “What’s the deepest belief that you think is true? Suppose it wasn’t true. Then it opens the possibility for everything.”
   I've been thinking about this a lot recently. In our work with social justice issues in ELA, it often requires students to examine their closest-held beliefs. To reflect on things that they have seen, or said, or done. To do, as Maya Angelou said, the 'best they can with what they know...and when you know better, do better." Sifting through their written responses in their notebooks, cognitive dissonance is frequent.
   They question the topic at hand.
   They question themselves. 
   They often get the importance of the issue, but then question, "Now what?"
   Sometimes, they question, "So what?"

  There are tiny steps forward. Little epiphany-style lightbulbs popping up periodically. Most days it doesn't seem like much.
   But it's something. 
   .               
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   It's not nothing.
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   And it opens the possibility for everything. 
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   I think about that for myself too. What are our closest-held beliefs about education and learning? Why do we believe it? Is it because that's all we know? Because it's always been done that way? Because that's how everyone else is doing it?

   What is important? 
   Why is it important?
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   How do we know?
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   This week, we gathered all the girls in our school together to acknowledge Day of the Girl. We told them how valued they were to the world and to our future. Afterward, some of them told us how important it was to hear that. We fielded questions from the boys, and it was important for them to hear those words too.
   This week, an 11yr old told thirty grade 12 ELA students of her personal experiences with racism. She told them of the power of those words. Afterward, some of them wrote of how they've hurt others, and how they know they need to do better.   
   This week, a student bared her soul in her writing. A raw and gripping account, she shared it with the class. Afterward, some of them reworked their own stories with more honesty and vulnerability.
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   What’s the deepest belief that you think is true? 
   Suppose it wasn’t true. 

   *Then it opens the possibility for everything.*

   I published then deleted this post. Twice. I lost track of how many different ways I started it. Sometimes the thoughts won't fall into place and the words won't organize. I have a sticky note here that says, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." To model that, this isn't my best thoughts or writing, but it's where I am right now.
   We spent Thanksgiving day at the farm today. I had a combine ride with my dad, and sitting on the little seat beside him, couldn't help but feel like a kid again. Both of our own kids are home from university for the first time since school started, and more family is coming to our place tomorrow.
   Tonight our daughter dragged out old home videos. So many memories. So many laughs. So much to be thankful for.
​   I saw this quote on social media today, and it captures the essence of the day. “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Meister Eckhart (1260-1327)
   Thanks to everyone in my life - I know I don't say it enough, but you make it better each and every day.
   Keeping myself open to all possibilities...kiitos paljon!!
   Edla.