Chapter 8 of Make Learning Magical is less about technique and more about our recurring theme of reflection. Tisha shares her own stories of impact, and challenges us to think from two angles - how can we have an impact on our students, and how have others in our lives had an impact on us?
I love that she mentioned this quote from The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon:
"The best legacy you could leave is not some building that is named after you or a piece of jewelry but rather a world that has been impacted and touched by your presence, your joy, and your positive actions."
As we stew on this idea of "legacy," take some time to think deeply and answer the following questions:
1) What are some ways that you celebrate students in your class, take in their ideas, and/or allow them to create their own legacy?
2) How would you like to be remembered? What is the legacy you are currently working on?
1) What are some ways that you celebrate students in your class, take in their ideas, and/or allow them to create their own legacy?
In class, I hang certifications up on the wall to celebrate student success. Not only are certs good for the school grade but they are great resume boosters for students to earn and have a leg up on competition in the workforce. In the past, I have made Greenhand pledges with my freshmen. They take green paint and a make a hand print on a large poster that hangs in the front of the classroom. This is to remind them that they are working towards their Greenhand Degree. I would like to implement a program where high schoolers come and speak with the middle schoolers and talk to them about their time in Ag, FFA, what there SAE was to encourage the younger generation to stay involved in FFA and to have the older students reflect on their time in FFA.
2) How would you like to be remembered? What is the legacy you are currently working on?
I was to be remembered as someone who cared and was passionate about student success in and outside the realm of agriculture. In teaching urban students, I may not have a lot of students pursue careers in ag but I want my students to remember that I was caring, warm, and inviting just like Tisha's 5th grade teacher with the red hair and sparkling eyes, and infectious smile. I also want them to learn something about agriculture so that they are able to make educated decisions as they become young adults. This is my legacy that I started working on 2 years ago and I will continue working towards past retirement.