Week 3: The Art of Possibility chapters 1-6

First, I must tell you that I was and am the luckiest person in the world. If I could have chosen my parents, I probably wouldn't have been able to pick ones as perfect as I got. I was raised in a family where most of these practices were experienced daily. I saw the struggles of my parents to follow their moral and ethical beliefs concerning the way to behave and react in certain situations. The practices that I might not have enveloped while living with my parents have become a part of my life and teaching career as well throughout the last 31 years.

With that said, here are my comments on the reading for week 3.

1. It's All Invented


I learned early on in my life that making assumptions can "be the death of a person" both literally and figuratively. I still make assumptions on occasion and that seems to be the time when I am most disappointed.

In relation to education, I guess my greatest assumption is that many teachers are reluctant or slow to embrace technology in the classroom as I have. I know that this may be a narrower idea than the authors intended; however, I had to find a starting place to practice. I would then need to invent something that I haven't yet invented. I am still pondering that particular query.

2. Stepping into a Universe of Possibility


Taking a step and actually looking at my world and attempting to look at it through other eyes is a difficult and challenging task. When things seem to be the worst is when most people (including me) attempt to practice this. When one actually accomplishes the task of looking at their world from another perspective, it does open up a new world of discovery and realization.

3. Giving an A



I have been practicing the "giving an a" procedure for years in my classroom (but I never knew it had a name). I do find it more difficult and exacerbating to attempt it in everyday life as stressful days and situations arise. It is a total shift in attitude that amazingly brings about a shift in the attitude of others especially in this day and time where it seems there is more criticism than praise. A refreshing approach that everyone should try and sit back and observe how life and attitudes and success changes right in front of your eyes.

4. Being a Contribution



I have been a participant in the contribution practice since I was in the 8th grade and decided that I wanted to be an 8th grade English teacher. I also am a contribution in my neighborhood, community, and family. I think I was born this way; it is way people praise me for being for caring and giving. I take no credit for this; God granted me this quality from birth.

5. Leading from Any Chair

Oh, my goodness. Leading from any chair is a marvelous practice. I was reminded of the many times I have admitted fault or a mistake in front of my students and had them stare at me like I was an alien from another planet. I also take input from them on lessons and activities and how they would like the class to be conducted. Amazing too I have actually sat down and asked students to take over the lesson and finish it for me or actually asked the students in advance to prepare to teach the class the next day. When thinking about the musicians working together toward a purpose, my students are asked to do this daily through peer editing, evaluation, and working with peers one-on-one or in groups to accomplish a task or activity. Giving ownership to their own education makes it more valuable and accomplished for students.



6. Rule Number 6

Lighten up! Don't take yourself so seriously! Laugh at yourself and others will laugh WITH you! No better way to "break the ice" during conflicts/arguments/disagreements. Not an easy task, but I have done and do it!

Zander, R. S., & Zander, B. (2000). The art of possibility. NY: Penguin Group.