In the introduction of The Heart-Centered Teacher, Regie uses the metaphor of a cracked plate to convey both the brokenness and the possibility that comes with living and thriving in uncertain times.
“Much of living a good life is in part how we value, tell, and reshape our stories to become the authors of our own lives. Learning is a human experience and a vulnerable one. Both students and teachers need to feel safe and protected in order to tell their stories. While we may feel like some pieces of life are broken, cohering those fragments into a new and promising narrative - much like the cover image of the cracked plate lovingly made whole - is what we strive to do for our students and ourselves.” (p. xxi)
Two questions for you to choose from and respond to:
What other metaphor(s) can you use to connect with and convey a deeper understanding of your experience as a person and a professional?
or
(from the study guide) What are you hoping to learn and be able to apply to teaching, learning, and living from reading and discussing The Heart-Centered Teacher?
(For information about this book club, including how you can participate in live conversations, click here. To receive all discussion threads, subscribe today.)
"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient."
Following this metaphor, I love the language of "highlighting our scars as a part of the design". Colleagues in this community do this so well, embracing humility while empowered in their work.
I am hoping to be able to redefine what it means to be a professional teacher and to incorporate that understanding into my work with new teachers. I need the reminder that both professional knowledge and love are inherent in teaching. How do I convey that when I work with teachers and administrators?
I am hoping to hear other perspectives and learn from the experiences of other educators. From what I have read so far, this book greatly reflects my approach to the classroom; I teach teens, I don't teach a subject (EFL). I educate people as they learn English and provide the opportunity for them to learn.
In response to a metaphor, I love the one on page 14 (the first part of this is in my comment below to Hannah): "Once teacher and our loved ones "see," value and capitalize on each learners' unique talents and strengths, it changes them - and us. Possibilities override limitations. Pride of accomplishment replaces failure. Effort leads to excellence. Joy is a present, the best gift of all."
"Joy is a present, the best gift of all" - and we have the opportunity to live that gift every day!
Oct 10, 2023·edited Oct 10, 2023Liked by Matt Renwick
I am hoping (and am already planting many seeds as I enter second read of Regie's book) to learn how to maneuver the current challenging climate centered around education from all directions. None of us have a guidebook for doing that but I've gaining so much insight from Regie Routman (as I have for the past five decades). Love yourself has always been as much a centerpiece of Regie's writing and this book as love your students and others. I've made my share of mistakes maneuvering these uncertain times and have no doubt that I'll make more but Regie reminds us in so many ways that we musts first love ourselves to truly love others and that's been a big message for uncertain times. Yes, I want to be a better professional but I also want to a better human.... as Regie models in her own life daily!
Waiting on the mail to deliver my book. Can't wait to read and interact in this professional learning space! Thanks for organizing the book study Matt. :)
Repairing broken items as a metaphor for renewal comes from the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
From NBC News (https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-japanese-art-technique-kintsugi-can-help-you-be-more-ncna866471):
"Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient."
Following this metaphor, I love the language of "highlighting our scars as a part of the design". Colleagues in this community do this so well, embracing humility while empowered in their work.
I am hoping to be able to redefine what it means to be a professional teacher and to incorporate that understanding into my work with new teachers. I need the reminder that both professional knowledge and love are inherent in teaching. How do I convey that when I work with teachers and administrators?
I am hoping to hear other perspectives and learn from the experiences of other educators. From what I have read so far, this book greatly reflects my approach to the classroom; I teach teens, I don't teach a subject (EFL). I educate people as they learn English and provide the opportunity for them to learn.
In response to a metaphor, I love the one on page 14 (the first part of this is in my comment below to Hannah): "Once teacher and our loved ones "see," value and capitalize on each learners' unique talents and strengths, it changes them - and us. Possibilities override limitations. Pride of accomplishment replaces failure. Effort leads to excellence. Joy is a present, the best gift of all."
"Joy is a present, the best gift of all" - and we have the opportunity to live that gift every day!
I am hoping (and am already planting many seeds as I enter second read of Regie's book) to learn how to maneuver the current challenging climate centered around education from all directions. None of us have a guidebook for doing that but I've gaining so much insight from Regie Routman (as I have for the past five decades). Love yourself has always been as much a centerpiece of Regie's writing and this book as love your students and others. I've made my share of mistakes maneuvering these uncertain times and have no doubt that I'll make more but Regie reminds us in so many ways that we musts first love ourselves to truly love others and that's been a big message for uncertain times. Yes, I want to be a better professional but I also want to a better human.... as Regie models in her own life daily!
Waiting on the mail to deliver my book. Can't wait to read and interact in this professional learning space! Thanks for organizing the book study Matt. :)