"Your work is to discover your work and then, with all your heart, to give yourself to it."
(attributed to Buddha but disputed)
At first we just wanted them to stop,
really, enough with the paper airplanes!
Everyday, more and more planes…
paper,
cardboard,
popsicle sticks,
cardboard,
popsicle sticks,
plastic,
fabric,
re-purposed materials.
It seemed like every time they went to the studio, they came back with an airplane.
fabric,
re-purposed materials.
It seemed like every time they went to the studio, they came back with an airplane.
Finally, we realized it was like the
superhero play, you can’t just turn it off.
Then we remembered,
remembered, remembered:
go where they are,
in their enthusiasm,
take a chance,
and try to fly.
in their enthusiasm,
take a chance,
and try to fly.
I love it! I really appreciate reading your honest description of your process.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jacqui, we smacked our own foreheads when we finally got it. Sometimes our reactions to things are so automatic they keep us from seeing the deeper levels. And sadly, for boys especially, so much of their interests get shut down in schools because they often involve big energy and big noise. We really believe that there is something worthwhile in every endeavor, if we can give the attention to find and support it. We don't know where the plane investigations will lead, but it has certainly captivated them whole-heartedly.
DeleteIf you need more, my living room and kitchen floors are covered with them as well.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet they are!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy! this post is a reminder of why I am so grateful to work in our school...a pursuit that absorbs me, challenges me, and gives me a sense of meaning, joy and passion.
ReplyDelete