Draw them In

   It's no secret: children can be unruly and downright uncooperative. This said, I have noticed a trend among many that excludes the culprit from any and all activity leaving the child to himself with no recourse and no responsibility. That un-nerves me. Sent to their room, a desk facing the wall, standing 'over there', sitting in the hall- what does this do? Nothing at all. Well, maybe it tells them they don't have to do anything; that there is no bottom line; no boundary; no value to their presence.
   Whether among friends, family, or a student body the sight of 'exclusion discipline' drives me to the edge. It's not how I roll. I am one who draws them in; places them right next to me. Unruliness is a cry for attention (even if it is negative), or a cry to be ignored, even a cry to not be held responsible. I refuse to fall victim to these cries, instead valuing the person enough to lead them.
    

   Instead of pushing them away, I prefer to pull them near and 'stake them up' next to someone stronger- a mentor if you will. Drawing them in gives the attention, but offers accountability, purpose, and redirection. Example: a student quite verbally expresses disgust at the demo for today. His folded arms and set jaw accentuate his disdain. Overlooking this, he is assigned a table to work at as we all move on with the process. Continued attempts to be disruptive are causally met with warning, but not given too much address. When called upon to participate (measuring ingredients and stirring them in) he flat refuses. *at this point teachers offer to remove him, placing him in the hall as not to be disruptive* Instead, he is drawn in. Given the task of stirring the skillet as others measure out, he has to assume responsibility or face the consequence of burning the dish, thus ruining it. As we continue on, he begrudgingly takes the task and fulfills it. Mellowing, he later joins conversation.
    Before we get too romantic about the whole thing, it is not an easy, quick fix. I have seen a child throw themselves on the floor for a screaming fit and some stand in defiance refusing to yield. The key is to stand your ground and be willing to let the ax fall. The child who threw the fit- getting him to tell me the problem he had with his task was step one of many. I have more than once said, I need you to be a young man and take care of this. Rarely does it not end well- the Go Lady doesn't send kids away.
    Unfortunately, I have very little voice in the way friend, family, or the education facilities handle situations. They have their reasons, some are quite sound, for excluding. Teachers are overwhelmed with tasks and demands in their day and discipline is devalued and difficult. Before anyone takes this post in offence, let me say it isn't intended to be offensive- but thought provoking. For me, it's about stopping for a moment, considering the soul of this child, and trying to stir a spark.

Just A Moment In A Day

     Up and down and all around; each day is a maze traveled through. The return to my work 'routine' finds me hurrying here and there gathering it all together- trying to find the rhythm. On my way to an unexpected meeting I passed students sitting in the hallway between classes. Much younger than the ones I generally work with, they stare curiously at me as I walk by. One young boy checked cautiously with his friend to see if I was the teacher they were waiting for - I wasn't they confirmed. Suddenly a little girl beamed sweetly- she isn't our teacher; I know who she is.. she's the lady in the garden.
      It was just a moment in an ordinary day made significant by the child who brightened it. I couldn't help but smile and nod, confirming her stand. I am the lady in the garden; the one they see through the window as they pass by. That very morning they passed that place, all lined up in a row, as I hovered over half frozen plants. Watering and uncovering the weak little sprouts, they hesitate a wave- a smile- a giggle.
     It may have been just a moment in a day, but it was a moment I needed to remind me why I run here and there, to and fro keeping the crazy pace I seem to roll at. It was the moment I have returned to as I face the upcoming crazy days of recipe demonstrations, garden clubs, and planting dates. It is just a moment in a day- but it is a moment that makes my day- today and for many days to come.

The Beginning of the Go Lady

      It all started with gardening, no it was teaching- maybe it was cooking. While the true beginning of it all may be hard to nail down, the 'Go Lady' started with a heart for children and a love of inspiration. Joining a research project aimed at combating childhood obesity, I was deemed 'The Go Lady' by staff and students trying to connect who I was with why I was there (go is the last word in my job title, which is lengthy- and have you ever tried to say my last name?).
       In the beginning, it seemed a bit curt- maybe even negative. As we have gotten to know each other, falling into a rhythm of activity and responsibility, the title has become endearing and precious. Students know me by my big red SUV (the Go Mobile) and my extremely long hair. When I am dressed up with all my hair pinned atop my head, they know we are in the kitchen for some hands on nutrition. If I show up in jeans with my long braid swinging behind me, it must be time to get down and dirty in the garden.
        With such a span of activity comes adventure. Join me now and then as we peek into the classroom for a glimpse at my heart and the precious ones who touch it week after week. Sometimes our heart breaks as hardship is revealed, but other times we triumph over the smallest victory. There are days when we just can't stop laughing at the antics a group 3rd graders can come up with.
         Now that we are introduced, let's see where we end up next!