from Jennifer Black (sorry I had to split early today!)

Response to "Entertaining an Elephant"

I read this book on Monday afternoon while sitting on the beach with my dog at Lincoln Woods. Though I found it predictable and not particularly well written, I got absorbed in the story and read it in one sitting. It moved me to tears at parts. Because teaching, in the end, is about being human with kids. It's about relationships. That's why I got into teaching. It wasn't out of a passion for content; I simply love being with kids and going through a school year together and resolving conflicts and playing and watching them grow and learn skills. And I love living in the community where I teach, because the kids see me out of context, and vice-versa. That really strengthens the relationships with both the kids and their parents.

The book makes me wonder if there are any beliefs about teaching that I refuse to question. I guess the one that I've been reflecting on recently is that of structure. When I was a young person, I thought of schools as prisons; I couldn't imagine teaching in one- responding to bells and having kids get into lines to walk anywhere. So when I decided to pursue a career in elementary education, I swore my classroom would never feel so rigid. As a result, at the beginning of my career, I was too loose regarding acceptable behavior. In the name of "freedom", I allowed disrespectful behavior. Then I remembered something Mr. Garvey, my 6th grade teacher, told me. I'll never forget it. "Your freedom to swing your arm ends where the next person's nose begins." Over the years, using the Responsive Classroom model as a guide, I've learned to create a classroom environment that feels relaxed, yet respectful. But it something I have to keep an eye on all the time.

Overall, I think what I enjoyed most about "Entertaining An Elephant" was that it provided the opportunity to read for pleasure for a whole afternoon! I rarely give myself that gift.