A Listening Walk

One of my favorite books to read to my class is "The Listening Walk" by Paul Showers and illustrations by Aliki. It is a great reminder to me every year that it's important to take time to conduct my own listening walk. Daily routines and busy schedules often muddle opportunities to simply connect with our senses and to take in what is happening around us. After listening to the book in class, I have my students close their eyes and simply listen for one full minute. We are all always surprised how many sounds we heard because we were purposeful in our quiet thinking time. 

As educators its important to use short, quiet moments to reflect and think. We teach this to our students, and we need to lead by example. I realized in my reading and reflection time with my students this year that I need to tune into my senses more and use that time to my benefit. This is often the time where some of the greatest ideas are born. Big or small, these ideas can come from a tiny moment that we didn't realize we needed to generate that spark. 

Whether you choose to walk or sit quietly, bring a pad and paper with you. Think of the sounds you hear, and things you notice. What do they remind you of? What else do you see because of it? Perhaps this is the start of an article or blog you've wanted to write or had writers' block with. Maybe you've thought about something you'd like to change in your classroom, or perhaps remembered a great idea a colleague told you about you've been meaning to try. Or, perhaps, you just took in that one minute for what it was and it caused you to feel appreciative for yourself, your work, and all you've done for your students. Whatever you feel, think, recall, or create, use that time to be present and be open minded. Sometimes, our greatest obstacle is ourself, and a listening walk can help us remove the barriers that stand in our way. 

Final thoughts: Keep sharing with your students ways they can be more present in their day and as learners. Keep being more present as a teacher, by being present with yourself first. Keep allowing yourself the time you need to reflect and listen to the world around you. Keep reminding yourself that no idea is too big or small to use or try. Let your imagination roam free as you give your five senses permission to steer your ideas.