I am deeply committed to our Learn Forward philosophy, including the five most important journeys of a child and the Table of Learning.  We are implementing the Learn Forward practice in our school and facilitating a global conversation about helping children thrive.

The dedicated teachers, parents, and students in our school community are working to understand a new way of approaching learning.  It doesn’t begin at the curriculum, but rather positions us all as learners.  We each take the posture of trying to grow and yearning to understand.  It is counter-cultural because our human desire is for answers and quick fixes.  It is a faith journey, particularly when it gets challenging.

I’ll be honest with you, the practice over the past six weeks has been pretty bumpy, far from a ‘dance in the park.’  You see, we are practicing. We don’t do it perfectly.  People step on each other’s toes.  I’ve deeply questioned myself and the ideals to which we are aspiring.  My heart is marred by the painful wounds of feeling deeply misunderstood, my vulnerability exposed.

Then, I check in with the children.  I watch them play.  I visit their classrooms.  I consider the dedicated work of the teacher-leaders on my team.  I consult with our administrative team and my instructional coaches.

I am encouraged.

We are on a journey.  It is a transition into becoming something more expansive and more inclusive.  We are becoming a dynamic learning environment, filled with authentic learning, engagement, and creativity.

In order to be in both a local practice and create an ideal extending globally, we must courageously stand in the tragic gap.

Finding … peace requires us to hold perhaps the most subtle and yet most difficult tension of all—
the tension between reality and possibility. I have come to think of this “holding” as “standing in the tragic gap,” the gap between our knowledge of what is and our knowledge of what might be. If we find ourselves unable to stand in that place, we will be pulled to one side or the other, toward the paralyzing cynicism that too much “reality” can breed or toward the irrelevant idealism that is bred by too much “possibility.”

—Parker J. Palmer

In school communities who are innovating and challenging the status quo, we must be willing to stand in the tragic gap between what is real and what is ideal.  It is a creative tension requiring courage and collaboration.  It is not for the faint of heart.  Being real will include an invitation to solve problems.  We will solve problems at the Table of Learning together.  Being ideal will beckon us to the dance of life.

It is an act of “believing” when we keep dreaming despite the challenges.

It is a nod to thriving and a journey to peace.

What are the “harsh realities” in your child’s learning community?  How can you hold them with a faith that beckons us to the dance of life?

For the sake of the children,

Karine

P.S. Do want to intentionally connect with the children in your life over the winter break?  I’m hosting a free holiday webinar to help us all get creative during this special time of year.  Mark your calendars for December 16 from 4-4:30pm PST.  Watch our Facebook page for all the details or subscribe to get them in your email inbox.  I’m planning a special Learn Forward gift for all who attend!