Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

“Trying things that push us out of our comfort zone…” (pg 58). Ugh! Who wants that? That feeling of knots in my stomach and breaking out into a sweat…. no thank you!

About 5 years ago, I had an experience where I had to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” At first, I resisted; I dug in my heels and tried to stay with what I knew.  However, when I pushed myself to be uncomfortable… and just feel it… and flow with it… and continue on, it made all the difference.

When I tell you that “get comfortable being uncomfortable” was my daily mantra, I’m not exaggerating.  It was on post-it notes all around the house and on my desk at school.  It took a good year of resistance, but I was pushed, and I pushed myself. The improvement in my life was remarkable.

I learned that being comfortable kept me from growing and learning. I was stuck in bad habits and old routines.  When I let myself be uncomfortable sooo many doors were opened -- ones that I couldn’t have imagined before.  Now, I need to push myself do that more in the classroom. I want to be psyched to go to work each and every day! I KNOW that I need to be more innovative. Having a cute classroom with “fun” activities isn’t enough. I need to learn to actually create lessons (not repackage what’s already out there) with an innovative mind. 

I want to learn how to 1) be more innovative with the knowledge that I already have and 2) inspire the kids to be more creative so that they LOVE learning.

The Innovator's Mindset - Week 1

After watching the YouTube interview with Jo Boaler and reading the introduction, I started thinking about a few things.  Most prominently, the comment in the video that you "can't make the kids feel free if the teachers don't feel free to be creative with their subject matter..." 

I wonder how we can create a balance that works for the kids, as well as the teachers. The scripted programs that we have been forced to use frustrate me. Same thing, different package, more money spent. Using a scripted program (Reading Edge, ARC) totally takes away ALL creativity and autonomy.  How can I be an innovative teacher when I'm told exactly what I need to do?  I feel as if I am put in the position of following the script & not being innovative, or breaking the rules and being innovative and creative to best serve my students. Honestly, I opt for the latter, but try to find a balance between the two -- follow the "idea" of the script, but in my own way, letting the kids' needs guide me.

I love that we are being given technology and the support to use them in a fun and engaging way!! I'm inspired to look at all of my old lesson plans and make them better. It keeps the boredom at bay too!

We are teaching kids who are experiencing things that I never, ever imagined - incarcerated parents, homelessness, being given adult responsibilities such as watching little ones at home (at the expense of going to school), exposure to addiction, etc.  How can using a scripted program get these kids interested in learning?

We need to find what serves them... what engages them... what interests them... to be better and strive for better.