The Cay vs. Apples

Tomorrow I begin a new book club for my reading class and we are delving into the book, The Cay by Theodore Taylor. It is such as an awesome book about overcoming prejudice, survival, and the power of friendship. I have been looking over the end of the book project and I can't help but reflect whether or not this is a meaningful assessment. This caused me to look through the book we are reading, Understanding by Design. I turned to this book for help and clarification as to where I should begin my book club. I want to engage them and get them excited about our upcoming book. I don't want to be misguided by what I want them to "produce" at the end of our book. I also don't want to plan meaningless activities like the unit mentioned in the book about, Apples.

The Rocker

Sometimes teachable moments aren't always about teaching someone else, they are often times moments I need to learn something.

My first son was born almost four years ago in April. I still cannot believe he will be four years old! Oh my, what will I do when he begins kindergarten?

Before he was born a well-respected lady from my church said, "Enjoy each and every moment when they are a baby because it goes by so fast. Even when you are sitting in the rocker late at night, wishing to go back to bed, enjoy it because it won't last forever!" I thought she was crazy when she said this! How am I going to enjoy anything at 3 o'clock in the morning?

Soon after this advice, my sweet and precious Eric was born on Easter Sunday four years ago. The first few weeks were somewhat blissful despite the shocking revelation of what childbirth is really all about! Then reality sunk in and Eric was a typical newborn needing me to do everything for him! Imagine that! A few more weeks set in and those late night moments weren't as blissful as I thought they were supposed to be.

One night, I was especially tired and I was trying hard to "hurry up" the breastfeeding process. I noticed that he sensed my impatience and of course the "process" was taking longer. Then it dawned on me, this isn't going to last forever. The wise words of Barb ran through my mind and all I could do was just hold Eric close to my chest were he nestled in for a nap. His warm body fit on my chest. This was one of those "teachable moments". This was a time when I had to stop and slow down what I was doing before I missed the opportunity of time escaping me. I had to learn that these moments of tiredness were only temporary. Soon after that Eric was sleeping through the night and although I was glad to have my sleep, I also missed the quiet time in the rocker holding him close to me.

Now, I relish the time when I get to hold him, except now he doesn't fit on my chest, he drapes across my body and his legs dangle down almost half of my body.

My teachable moment still teaches me to slow down and enjoy the process even when it seems tiring, nothing on this earth last forever.

TI Notes

A few things to remember as I reflect this semester:

"There is learning going on all around us everyday, we just don't see it."
Dr. Kimberly

"...Open your eyes and look around in search of these learning moments."
Dr. Kimberly

"Do you mean teachable moments?"
Me

I need to to stop and look around for these moments. I know they are not hard to find, but if I go at such a rapid pace, then I will miss them altogether.