I sat in the back row… far away from the spotlight of applause, directing, crowd controlling… in the elementary auditorium where I had co-directed the school musical for most of my teaching years there. Returning, I’d come to absorb some “kid energy” from the other side of the stage.
What I received was more than a good show full of youthful zest and optimistic aspirations. I experienced what I believe school is all about: supporting students as they test their dreams. Children stepping out where they may never venture if they aren’t given the opportunity. Finding hidden talents… Celebrating secret fantasies…
The challenges invading schools these days is very real. Inequities, dangers, fear, needless restrictions, and never-ending demands threaten to drive a wedge between the value of education and our children.
These days, when we can’t help but wonder what we can do to make our children’s world a little more positive and a little more hopeful… I witnessed a simple but powerful solution.
Give them space to try.
To succeed. To fall even… in a safe space where they can get back up again.
I watched these excited (ok, hyper), 5th graders, as they were encouraged to keep on.
“You put on two outstanding shows yesterday; however, you have a brand new audience… they have not seen any of what you’ve done! Give them all you’ve got!”
I heard them be held accountable when they made not-so-good choices, and were challenged to do better.
“I surely will do that today!”
And finally, I watched them be empowered.
“If you are having fun, the audience will be having fun”
Kudos to the cast, crew, directors, staff, and contributing community members of Windermere Boulevard School for bringing joy and hope to our tomorrow. As educators, we are the supporting cast!
Striving to live by this mantra: If you are having fun, the students will be having fun… perhaps we can set the stage for hope in these challenging times.