Monday, February 17, 2014

Well...despite my best intentions, time has passed quickly since my last entry.  To say it has been a busy year is an understatement.  Thankfully, the recent days off due to weather have given me time to slow down, reflect, and do a little catching up.  I am going to try to remember what a "gift of time" the days have been when we get the news about making them up. :)  Anyway, I wanted to share a recent Project Zero classroom experience.  Not too long after the first of the year, I received a postcard in the mail I had written back in July.  Honestly, I had totally forgotten about it.  I must say, it was perfect timing and I have kept it on my desk to read over and over when things are getting crazy.  Here is what it said:

Wendy,
Remember the feeling you had at this moment...how privileged you are to have been a part of PZC. Real transformation happens over time.  Reflect, revisit, and return to the key moments of PZC which gave you such inspiration and guidance.  I cannot wait to see how all of this comes together for you. No matter what, SLOW DOWN!  Your students need this to become the deeper, creative thinkers you want them to be.

In Project Zero love,
Wendy

I am so thankful to have this constant reminder about what is important for my students and my focus as a teacher.  Though unit plans, common assessments, formative instructional practices, etc. are important aspects of our current educational existence, ultimately they are only the tools by which we scaffold our students towards their future