My Reflection

I stopped into a couple of classes this past week of fellow teachers that I enjoy immensely.  I really love seeing them in action with their students...it gives me even more of a window into who they are than I already know.

Today, I had a student teacher observing me.  She is not mine, but is checking out other classes to see what else goes on in Middle School classes.

After she left, I had some time to myself.

I wondered...what do others get to know about me when they watch me teach?

For a brief moment, I thought I might video tape myself teaching to see what others see.  I quickly squashed that idea because I know that my view of myself is too biased.  I cannot see myself through the eyes of others.  I would be too critical.  I would not see things that I feel I already know about.  I cannot see myself with a pure reflective view.

I immediately went to a place that got me thinking.  I consider myself a very very reflective person overall.  But...how wonderful might it be if I can get to the purity of seeing myself...reflecting...without bias or blind eyes.

I am not sure of the answer.  What I do know is that I am more aware.  I am more mindful of what I am looking for in myself as a reflective person.  This is a process and quite a journey, I am sure.  But it is one that might help me to see myself as I truly am in my world.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Taking Time for Granted

I get dinner with my father about once a month.  He is elderly and luckily lives nearby.  I really need to make more time for him that these dinners.  I am learning quickly how precious time truly is.

I really enjoy our conversations.  They range from talking about his childhood memories to talking about the status of our society today.  I get to tell him what is going on in my life, my thoughts, and let him know that I am here for him for anything that he needs.

I am very much writing this as a reminder and reflection for myself.

I lost my mother over eight years ago.  I will not have my father for any extended amount of time.  Who know how much time I have?  Anything can happen.  I need to spend more time with him.  I need to talk to him on the phone more.

This is one of those things that I am realizing about myself.



Given to me a few years ago, my wife was referring to my time to start writing.  I now write daily, but I am light on my book writing lately.

I need to live my one-little word, "persist" a little more by spending my time with life, vigor and enthusiasm.  I need more dad in my life.  I need more time with my wife.  I need more time actually IN the books that I am writing.

I don't have the time that I once had.  I can no longer take time for granted.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Write-icide

I had a student tell me that writing was boring.  I asked her to tell me more.  She explained that it is boring because it takes so much time and thought and there really is no purpose for writing.

I asked her to explain what kinds of writing she has done in the past that was so painful for her.  She explained that (in her old school...she just moved here) they had to write for 20-minutes a day about things that the teacher told them to write about.

I asked her if they were called prompts?  She said yes.

I asked her if her writing has improved over the past few years.  She told me that she has no idea.  She would always gets Cs on her writing and that seemed good enough to keep her B in the classes.

Kelly Gallagher wrote the incredible book called Readicide about how we kill the love of reading.



I am wondering if there is a thing that Kelly might call Write-icide?

Without purpose and feedback, direction and choice...the love or even tolerance for writing can be killed.

I am very hopeful and optimistic that my team can help undo this harmless trauma that this girl has gone through.  I haven't even asked her about reading yet.

What we do, or don't do with our kids matters.  Be mindful of the effects of your assignments.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Honeymoon Period

I had a fellow teacher ask me if I thought the honeymoon period was over yet?

I asked why...

Her response was, "because the kids are still engaged and well behaved."

This is a newer teacher that had a rough go of it last year.

I explained to her that I am not seeing evidence of a honeymoon period or the end of one.  It is up to us, the teachers, to keep the class lively and uphold our positive expectations.  We set the tone and need to be well aware of our mindset towards our classes and students.  If we expect students to disengage, we have to ask ourselves if we are doing something to alter engagement.  If we expect our students to misbehave, we need to ask ourselves if we are changing anything that might cause this to happen.

Students read their teachers.  They are professionals at it.  They can feel a lack of confidence in a teacher and that can change the culture of the classroom.  If a teacher doesn't believe in their students, they will perform at the expected levels...high OR low.

Self-reflective teachers are aware of their attitudes and mindsets.

They are always the most successful.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Appreciation for weather

I have to admit, even though winter was wicked last year, I am ready for cooler weather.  I have been holding off admitting it as family and friends are talking about looking forward to Hoodie weather with campfires, but the 90+ degree weather this week has me agreeing with them.  It is time.

Living in the Midwest, we have the luxury of actual seasons.  Sometimes we get them and there is actually a transition period.  Sometimes, we go from 90s to 40s in the matter of a few days.

We all learn to live with this.  It is the charm of living in the Midwest and builds GRIT while we cope with the extreme cold and humid heat.

I believe the most important thing is that we enjoy what we have.  In other words, if you can't be in the moment and just enjoy what is in front of you, you are taking what the seasons have to offer for granted.  Nothing should be taken for granted.  Not should any person.

I am choosing to enjoy what is, each day, and being mindful and aware of my appreciation.  Let's appreciate what we have!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Mindset Awareness

Mindset.

It is our approach to life.

It is our belief system.

It is our reactions to others and to circumstances.

It is our confidence and self-esteem.

It can hold us back or project us into incredible situations.

I am noticing mindset more and more in my life.  I am noticing the effects that it has on individuals and groups.

I am also noticing that those that  can reflect on their mindset and are honest with themselves about their mindset are the ones that can make intentional changes.  Those that ignore their mindset, are destined to be stuck in the mud.

I see this with adults and kids alike.  I have been paying most attention to the mindsets of my students.  I am seeing evidence that mindset is so much more than Dweck's Growth or Fixed mindsets.

Mindset are beliefs.  These are not black or white mindsets and they are not static.  They are ever changing and fluid.  My students are available (middle school kids) to the change or altering mindset, but they are constantly influenced by the power of home, community, peers, and school.

So, to help students make use of their mindset, they need to become more reflective.  They need to be more aware of their mindsets in the moment.  They need to see the value of certain mindsets.  They need guidance from those that are truly in touch with their own mindset.

We cannot talk our students into a growth mindset, or any other mindset.  We need to bring awareness of mindset to our students and give them patience to understand their mindsets and the negative or positive consequences of that mindset.

Thinking out loud.

Be Mindful.

Peace. 

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Dancing with Care

Last night we had our Back To School dance at our Middle School.  The 6th graders tend to make up the vast majority of the participants at the dances.  I guess the older the kids get, the more cool they get and feel that they are above the middle school dances in coolness. 

Yes, there were more 6th graders than everyone else.  But...I was so happy to see so many 7th and 8th graders having fun and dancing.

I make believe that I am the DJ at these dances.  I get to see the dancing and the interactions between students.  It always makes me feel so good when I see students being positive and taking care of others.

I saw...

Students encouraging others to dance.

Students working together to request songs.

Students clapping and congratulating students that were taking risks in their dance moves.

Students of all ages working together in unison doing the Cha Cha Slide.

It was certainly one of those "feel good" kind of experiences.  Seeing this helps staff to be more aware of what great kids we have and the wonderful quiet things that happen in the name of caring for each other, every single day in our building.

I am very lucky to teach in such an environment.  I am positively aware of what I have!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

What's in a Name

Why do we like when people call us by our name?

I think it makes us feel of value when someone remembers our name?

When I walk into certain stores and shops and people say hi to me using my name, it makes me feel like I belong.  I feel valued by them and a part of their family or community.

I think this is my motivation for learning the names of my 171 students as quickly as I possible can.  I feel so terrible and guilty when I forget a name or if I get their name wrong.  I also do not like mispronouncing a student's name incorrectly.  I have had issues with this lately.

It is almost as if having our names remembered and used by others validates our existence.  It gives us a sense that we are important enough to know.

To take this a step further, I pay close attention to my students.  For example, if there is something written on their T-shirts, I will ask to find out if there is meaning.  If they are wearing a school sports T-shirt, I will ask them about their role on the team.  If they are wearing a Drama T-shirt, I will ask them about the play and their role in the production.  In other words, for me...knowing their names is not enough.

We all want to matter.  We all want to be noticed.  We all want to belong.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Owl on my mind

Last night, my wife and I heard loud "Hooting" and asked each other, "what was that?"  We were not sure if it was the TV or a radio, or ....

I walked around the house and it was LOUD.

I went by the back door and it was clearly outside.

I opened the door just slightly and it was clearly a Great Horned Owl in my trees just feet from my back door.

I love birds of prey!  I love nature!  But my tiny dogs...they are food for animals like this.



We took the dogs out with a huge flashlight shining into the trees.  We watched the dogs like a Hawk!  They were fine.

But...we were NOT!

We individually thought about all of the possibilities and the image of our tiny dogs being carried away by the raptor was not easy to let go of.

Reality...

The nest has been in our yard for months.  I am sure the thing didn't move in yesterday.  It is our awareness that makes us nervous and cautious.

I think we often live life like this.  We live our lives with limited stress until we notice something and then, BOOM, we stress and consider all of the issues associated with our new found stressor.

Sometimes being Mindful, or aware becomes our enemy.  We have to be careful what we let our mindful thinking do to us.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Time for Art

We have this interesting new program at school that includes some extra help for students along with a Social Emotional Learning component.  For students that can afford the time, there is an enrichment piece that allows staff members to come in a voluntarily offer their strengths and talents to teach kids beyond the standard curriculum.

I decided to put together a Nature Photography class that is very detailed in scope.  We are to only take pictures close up noticing texture and patterns and not the object itself.  In other words, if we were to take a picture of a table, we might take a picture of the patterns of the table top.  The objective is to help students realize that the camera on their phones are good enough to photograph art and not only selfies for Instagram.

You might think that I gave my students a priceless gift.  We went outside and spent about 35 minutes taking pictures.  My students said that they felt like they were seeing the world in a completely different way.  They were comparing images and in awe of their new talents.  They were very eager to go home and share their new found artistic talents with family members.

This took me a very short period of time to plan.  About 5-minutes. (I was a photographer in another life)  This experience has impacted my students so much that they were making plans to teach this technique to their friends.

It doesn't always take a lot of time or elaborate plans to reach students and help them to feel the joy in learning.  It just take some awareness of what your students might find interesting.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Ready or Not

So...we had a fire drill today.  Well, sort of.  An elementary student apparently pulled the alarm (accidentally) at the elementary school attached to our middle school.  It was raining out.  This was a complete surprise.  It was NOT warm out.

We had not secured the plans for our procedures for evacuation just yet.  So...no one really knew what exactly to do or where to go.

But...

Staff and students came together in the moment and made sure everyone was safe and well organized within a few minutes.  We all pulled together.  About 75 staff and 600 students made it work in the moment.  We waited for the Fire trucks and until the all clear was given...in the rain.  And we did it together relying on one another and systems in place. 

With such a caring and flexible thinking staff, this was a successful "drill."

I could not be more proud of our staff and students.  Quick thinking and working together, it all came together.

I have to credit the awareness and calm thinking of all staff members.  There was no standing and talking about what to do.  We just did it.  We were in the moment and made wonderful, safe choices.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Caring Teacher

"I don't think I have ever had a teacher care so much about their students on the 5th days of school"

I have very mixed feelings when I hear things like this.  You should have had lots of teachers that have cared that much by the start of your 8th grade year!  But..at the same time, this type of comment lets me know that what I am doing, who I am, my intentions...are working well and students are realizing very quickly that I care about each one unconditionally from the start.

Sure, I am flattered.  But how cool would it be if I heard and knew that my students felt that all of their teachers cared and connected with them as I do?  What would their success look like?  How much farther would they be academically or behaviorally?  How much better adjusted or mature might they be?

Luckily, I teach with many teachers that are as connected with students as I am.  My closest colleagues (and wife who is also a colleague) are very much in the group of the most connected.  I love hearing when these people are my students favorite or how much they love these teachers!

It isn't a competition.  It is a desire to want all students in my building and beyond to feel connected to their teachers and know that they genuinely care about them as students and people.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Keeping the Vibes

The first week or two of school is wonderful.  There are positive vibes from both adults and students.  There is kindness, open-mindedness, and appreciation.  People are helpful to one another.  There is this sense of Hope and Promise in the air.  This is a new beginning and possibilities are endless.

But...  As time passes...  We tend to see these wonderful feelings fade.

Frustrations set in.  Fatigue and too much of the same make for irritability.  This is true for adults and kids alike.

What If-

...we were able to keep the beginning of the year feelings alive?  How wonderful would that be.  Connections, relationships, and growth would grow beyond our wildest dreams.

But how?

This is a huge question and what-if, I am well aware.

I am believing that it begins with being present enough to notice the shift...

Being aware that things are changing and we are losing the Honeymoon feelings should be an immediate cue to all of us to stop in our tracks and make changes.

Maybe we need to find a way to reproduce that "new" feeling in other ways.  Maybe it is up to us, the adults, staff, teachers to keep things fresh and renewed when we feel this downward movement.

It all begins with awareness.  Mindfulness.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Feeling different

I started to consider seating charts for my students this week.  I asked them to show me where and with who they would prefer to sit until I get to know them for the next two weeks.

When all of the students got to where they were going, I noticed a student that I had in class last year and now, in 8th grade, he is in my class again, sitting alone.

I went up to him.

"MJ, why are you sitting alone again.  I noticed that all last year you wanted to sit alone.  I expected now that you were in 8th grade, you might feel more comfortable."

"No, I am fine."  MJ replied.

"I have to admit, MJ, you don't seem fine.  In fact, you seem sad."

MJ responded, "I would rather sit by myself and have no one look at me like I am weird or something is wrong with me.  I would rather be lonely that feel strange and be reminded that I don't act like the other kids."

My heart hurt for MJ.  I wouldn't want to sit with others if I felt that way.  The others were not bullying him or making fun of him.  MJ just feels different for various reasons, mostly medical.  He also doesn't feel as mature as the other students his age.  He like to play with toys and use his imagination as a younger child might like to do.

Of course, I want to rescue MJ.  I want to fix his problem for him.  I want to make things comfortable for him.  But at the same time, I want him to make the strides needed for him to grow up and mature as he needs to.  The best I can do at this point is be supportive of MJ and make suggestions while encouraging him as the year goes on.  Fixing whatever issue for him will not help him to grow.  Giving him opportunities for taking risks will...

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteacy
@LevineWrites

Tearful Connection

Today was one of those days.  One of those days when you connect with a student and you cannot help but get tears in your eyes in the process.

Edie carries herself with confidence and pride.  She is always smiling and has many friends.  I have seen this for the past two years in the hallways of our building.  When I found out that she was going to be in my class this year, I was quite happy.  I have been wanting to know more about what makes this girl so positive.

Today, as I was walking around, checking on my students while they were working, Edie looked up to me. 

She said, "You know Mr. Levine, I promised myself that I was going to have a great year this year and I really think I can do it."

I told her, "From what I have seen of you in the past two years, you will have no problem with that."

Edie replied, "You don't understand. Last year I got over 20 discipline referrals.  I was always in trouble.  I ran my mouth with teachers and the deans all of the time.  The front office got tired of me.  Even my parents got tired of me.  I decided that I don't want to be that person anymore."

I was really surprised by this.  I had thought that she was this incredible girl that had it all together.  Wow, was I wrong.  But I was very interested in her statement about having the goal to change.

We talked about her goals for this year and I was impressed with how reflective she was.  I asked Edie why she was sharing this with me.  I explained that I really appreciate it, but was interested in knowing why she decided to bring this up to me.

She explained that she knows of my reputation with kids.  That is care about them and help them to be their better selves.

Edie said, "Mr. Levine, I don't want to let myself down.  I really need your help and I think between the two of us, I can become the person that I want to be before High School."

I tearfully replied, "Anything you need, I will be here for you."

Teaching is about so much more than standards and lessons, assessments and assignments.  It is about the human connections and relationships that help to create incredible people...and help students like Edie find herself and become the better person that she wants to become.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Good vs. Bad

Today, I asked my students the following question:

What makes a teacher a good teacher or a bad teacher?

Students gave the following answers to Good teacher-

"Nice to their students"

"Fair"

"Pushes is to learn"

"Cares about us"

"Shows us that we are important"

"No homework"

"Makes sure that we are truly ready for the tests"

"Is an expert at what they teach"

"Makes us feel safe"


Students gave the following answers to Bad teacher-

"Talks down to us"

"Makes us feel stupid"

"Just here for the money"

"Looks for reasons to make us be in trouble with the Deans"

"Reads from the textbook because they don't know the answers by heart"

"Lies to us"

"Texts on their phone while we are working and doesn't have time to answer questions"

"Doesn't make our work seem very important"

What I noticed was that students that were typically successful were quickest to answer the Good Teacher question, while students that struggled in school academically and behaviorally were quickest to answer the Bad Teacher questions.

So, which came first, the student behavior or the teacher that struggled?  I would venture a guess that it started with the teacher(s).  It is always up to us to give the best possible learning experience to our students...all of our students.

Let's see what changes a Good Teacher (me) can make in those that we most knowledgeable about Bad Teachers.

Challenge Accepted!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Students' Truth

About a week ago, I expressed the idea of having my students dig into the idea of Truth.

I asked them, "What is Truth?"

At first, most of my students jumped to expected answers like honesty, what is true, no false, etc.

Then...Silence.

They realized this question was so much deeper than they were thinking.

In one of my class, a sweet, smart girls said, "WAIT!"

"I think it makes sense to me.  We all have our own truth.  We have beliefs that we hold onto and when others try to tell us differently, we debate and argue.  Like religion.  We have a belief and we are led to believe that it is our truth.  But others, they have their own truth based on other religions.  Our truth is a collection of all of the things that we learn and end up believing to be truth.  It is so much deeper than what is simply true."

Other students were finding their definitions while she was explaining hers. 

They all ended up agreeing that they make their own truths.  That it is their job to prove or disprove their truths and others' truths to figure out their world, and what they believe in.

Needless to say, I was proud of my student that I had last year and now, have again for a year.

As they started thinking (on their own) about examples, the idea of truths and stereotypes came up along with the idea of racism.

This happens to be where we will be going on Friday.

I love challenging students to dig deep into what they don't think that they understand, but they find that they are more intelligent than they know.

That awareness is mindful.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Student Space

A while ago I wrote about my space in my classroom.  Today, as I am getting ready for the first day with kids, I spent a lot of time thinking about the best way to use my space for my students.

It is about Balance!

I do not want to much floor space, because it is a waste of great space.  I don't want to crowd the kids on top of each other...I want them to have room to breathe.

I want space for my students to meet regularly for things like mini-lesson, and group work...at the tables.  But I also want my students to sit in some creative spaces as well when they are reading, thinking, or writing.

I added a little more for my students today, while tightening up my space.

I have a LOT of students.  I have 6-classes with an average of 28 students per class.  I have 4 classes at or over 30.  These are my honors classes.  I now I have seating for 44 students if I were to count all sitting spaces. 

I am content with this.

For me, the thing is really that I am thinking about this...reflecting...imagining the students being in their spaces and using them for the best learning possible.

I guess I won't really know how it all will work out until...

The kids get to class and it works...or it doesn't.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Peace

I have admired the native flute for many years.  Since I was 15-years old to be exact.  Still to this day, it is my Go To when I need relaxation.  This means that I fall asleep to Native Flute music almost every night.

My favorite Native American Flute player has always been R. Carlos Nakai.  I was lucky enough to see him live some time ago at a small College.  Celebrities don't really do much for me...but R. Carlos... I was star struck.

I have been thinking a lot about my love for this music and what is has given me through the years.  What is has given me most...peace.  It quiets my mind.  It puts me in a place that is timeless and without any stress what so ever.

Today, I give you the gift of peace.  I ask that you listen to a song by R. Carlos Nakai, shut your eyes, and bring your mind outside to the most beautiful place imaginable.  If you start to think about present life, allow it to become a puff of smoke and drift away.  Just one or two songs, and you will thank me.

Click Here.  For wonderful sounds of Peace.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy

@LevineWrites

Educational Beliefs Podcast- Introduction

Please join me in my Podcast journey as I look at education through various lenses.

This introduction tells a little about me and my vision for this Podcast.

Thanks for checking this out.

Mark Levine

(Please click below)

Educational Beliefs Introduction

The Night Before School Starts

It is the night before school starts.

Teachers are wondering what this school year is going to bring for them...

What will the institute days be like?  Will the mandates be different?  Will they stand in the way of good teaching and learning?

What decisions have my administrators made?  Are they seeing the big picture?  Are they doing what is best for kids or what they are being told to do from up above?

Is my classroom truly ready?  Will there be enough room for what I want to happen?

Am I prepared enough?  Do I have enough plans to get me through getting to know the needs of my students?

Will I have students with varying special needs?  Will I be able to handle them all?

Will my students be kind to one another and not make fun of someone?  Will I be able to redirect these behaviors before they have an impact on my students?

Do I like the clothing that I have picked out?  Do my clothes set the impression that I want to set for my students?

Will I be too mean or too nice?  What will my students think of me when they meet me?

Should I eat something or drink something before the kids get here?  What if I have to use the bathroom?

Will I do well on my evaluation?  Will it be fair?  Will my students help me by making me look good or will they try to sabotage things for me?  When is my evaluation?

With all of these beginning of the year tests, when will I finally be able to teach my students?  Will I truly be able to get through all of this curriculum?

The list goes on....

And this is only day ONE.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Reaching the Lost

As the days get closer until the students show up to my classroom, I am haunted by one thought...

How can I engage those students that come to class guarded and not wanting to be at school.  Those students that are so far behind that they have given up trying and simply show up because they have to.  Those that will work harder at not learning than giving in and taking the risk to start regardless of where they are at academically.

Of course, all teachers struggle with this.

I have been feeling like I am at the cusp of figuring this out, as if the answer is on the tip of my tongue (or mind's tongue).

I know I will figure it out!  I am hopeful that this will be the year.  I know I am capable of finding this elusive answer to the academic riddle that plaques me.

What I know is I care enough to sit down and help these students realize that I understand.  I understand that they feel lost and trying now seems futile.  I understand that they are behind and have allowed so much time to pass that they are embarrassed and to get out of admitting to themselves that they are lost, they act out in other ways..by behaviorally acting out or attention seeking to take the attention off of the fact that they are lost...they are missing what others might have- the experience of learning that they let get away from them for whatever reason.  It may have been their choice, but all too often, it was a disconnect from a teacher in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade that allowed them to get behind.  And...each year, they got further and further behind.

Now they are in 7th or 8th grade, with High School just around the corner, and they are existing at a 2nd or 3rd grade level of learning.

It is not too late!  I need to help my students see this.  They do not have a learning disability as the label suggests... They have been disabled by time and disconnected learning opportunities.

This can be done!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Truth

In just 5-short days, I will ask my students to define the word and idea- Truth.

I will ask them to define it in their own words.

I will ask them what it means to them as a person in this world.

I will ask them to reflect on its importance in life.

I will ask them to filter all of their learning this year in my middle school social studies classes through the word, Truth.

Everything that they learn, I want to them to ask themselves as they reflect on events and people in history...What and where is the truth?

My students often come to me with contrary ways of thinking and learning.  They are so accustomed to thinking how the teacher wants them to think, and ding what they teacher wants them to do, and following the opinion that the teacher wants them to have...that they are NOT capable of creating their own opinions and truths...

I want to help my students to unlearn this habit starting on day one buy creating their own truths through the opinions based on evidence that they find about what they are learning...

This in turn will help my students to truly know themselves as learners and as people.

This is something that I have been innately doing for 18 years.  This year I will be most Intentional about the approach, and have student grow an awareness or mindfulness to what is changing as they become thinkers and create their own truths.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Vulnerability of Writing

Writing is hard work.

Writing is an invitation into your mind and soul.

Writing is vulnerability.

Writing is slow.

Writing takes organization.

Writing take practice.

Writing requires that you take risks.

When I write, I write for myself.  I used to worry about audience and purpose.  I used to feel that writing was only to be published or to make money.  I used to feel that I was being forced to write, only what others wanted to read.  Through practice and reflection, as well as good feedback, I learned.  I grew.  I woke up.

Why do I write then?

I have something to say.  Lots to say.  I have information to get to others about teaching.  I have methods to explain about Mindfulness.  I have stories to tell that are funny, serious, and sad.  I have mountains of articles giving people ideas about approaches in education.  I have brief seeds of thought to offer to others as food for thought.

Also,

I love the writing process.  I love the connections with other writers.  I love getting feedback and hearing what others have to give me as reflections of my work and thinking.  I love growing from feedback.  I love the routine that I have established in writing.  I love all of the people that I have met along my journey as a writer (or on my journey to become a writer).

I recently found out that many of my peers, past students, Facebook and Twitter friends, and even family read my blog.  My first reaction was one of appreciation.  Then...I had to take a step back and think about the things that I have written through the days of this year...thinking about what they are reading and what their reactions might be.  I will admit, I felt naked.  I felt that they knew things about me that only I knew.  I forgot that I was writing for myself, but TO an audience. 

But...  What can I do.  My thoughts are already out there.  They have been exposed and read.  I accept that my words and thoughts will be read. 

My hope...

Is that my blog acts as a mirror to allow readers to reflect on their own lives after reading my thoughts.

Is that my blog acts as a door and opens the world up to readers, allowing them to go places that they otherwise might not have gone.

Is that my blog acts as a window and allows my readers to see other sides to things that may not have thought about or considered.

Writing is hard work.  But once writing is a part of who you are, it becomes an innate habit of expression, reflection, and thought.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Smells of Change

Living in the Midwest my entire life, I have come to enjoy the seasons and the changes that they bring.  In Illinois, we certainly experience the best and worst of ALL of the four seasons. They can be wonderfully mild, or harshly harsh.  It is something that you become used to, but also, something that you come to enjoy.

For me, I love the smells of the changes of the seasons.  To be a little more focused, I love the smells within the seasons that also represent beginnings and ends of things.

For example...

The new school year has a smell.  It is the warmth of the summer as it begins to transition to rainy, cooler weather.

American Football season (and World Soccer season) have the smell of turning leaves.  It is an earthy smell that lets you know that hoodies and campfires will soon be the norm.

Halloween has a smell.  It smells like crisp air and apple cider.

Thanksgiving has a smell.  It smells like food...lots of food, family, and friends.

Winter break has many smells.  My favorite is the smell of the preparations for spring.

There are so many smells that represent change.  It is so interesting that smells are cues that life is about to change.  These smells are not to be taken for granted.  These smells are part of the awareness and details of the experiences of life.  They have purpose...for us to enjoy and created memories within them.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Possibilities

As I walked into my classroom this morning, I turned on the lights and stopped.  I looked around and realized...I am ready for the school year to begin.

My classroom is set up exactly as I intended it to be this year.

My class rosters are on my desk on my favorite clipboard.

My laptop has everything that I need set up to start the teaching process.

My Google Classrooms are all set up and ready for the daily work.

My notebooks and information for two days of institute and meetings are on my desk with my favorite pen.

It is such a great feeling to be set up and waiting in anticipation of the new year, new students, new goals, new challenges, and new successes.

It is an interesting feeling and experience to stand at the front of the room and dream.  Although I know about 50% of my students that will fill my classroom this year, they are different.  They are a bit older and have gone through physical and emotional changes (7th grade to 8th).  So...my day dreams of my room filled with leaners and all of the possibilities are not tainted by issues of the past, but dreams of the future.

This will be a great year.

This year will happen day-by-day, and moment by moment.  It will happen success by success and challenge by challenge.

It will happen and I will savor the minutes, the moments, the experiences, the memories.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Favors

What is a favor?

It is a gesture of goodwill, hope, or maybe help.  It is something that the asker or needer knows and acknowledges that the doer has gone out of their way to accomplish.

Recently, I have seen the exchange of favors in so many corners of my life.  My father lent us his car while one of our cars were in the shop.  My niece picked up some scrap metal to bring to another friend so they can bring it in for some cash to help with the bills.  The list goes on...and on.

Favors are shared.

They do not have to be reciprocal in nature.  They are done without strings or expectations.

We see favors happening all of the time.  We are doing favors for others all of the time.

Are we aware?  Are we mindful?

What a shame it can be if favors that are directly related to us or we are witness to go un-noticed or taken for granted.  Favors and the love behind them should be celebrated!

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Shared Memories

We hosted a small family gathering today.  I noticed a couple of things...

I noticed how small our family is.  At my age, so many family members are passed, are hospitalized, or have moved away.  It made me think about what our summer family gathering used to be like.  I loved them!  I got to see so many people that I only got to enjoy once a year.  Then, the crowd was 40-50 people.  Today, it was 15.

I noticed how the older my family members get, the more they like to share old stories and memories.  I found it comfortable to be one of the sharers today, making sure that my nieces felt like they knew me when I was just 30-months old.  The memories that my uncle and father had to share were stories that I have never heard before.  They were so real.  They were of a different era.  They were stories that I wished that I knew sooner because I would have had so many more and different connections with them.  Their childhoods were so different, but yet similar to mine.  I can say the same for my life as it compares to my nieces'.

I noticed how I felt less like a kid, or simply part of the crowd.  I felt as though I was a part of the foundation and the glue that holds what is left of the family.

These are happy-sad times.  Happy that I get to have these experiences with the people I love as I get older.  Sad that so many have left us and so much time has passed.

Maybe I was NOT mindful when I was younger and was not able to appreciate the wonderful moments that still exist, but the awareness and mindfulness that I have now allows me to savor each moment as if they were droplets in a rainstorm.  One. At. A. Time.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

Slowing down

I have noticed far too many people rushing in life lately.  They are all in a hurry to get where they are going.  I know we all have deadlines, appointments, and much more on our plates than we care to admit or acknowledge. 

Rushing through life is not healthy in any shape or form.  Sure, you might get to where you are going early, but at what cost?

I am sure it is logical that if we are always stressed and rushing through life, our physical self is in trouble.  Our diet suffers, our heart suffers, and that is only the beginning.

Rushing is also a mindset.  If our hurried nature is started to effect the way we see or don't see the world, then you physical health and stress is not the only thing being effected!  When we are in a hurry, we go through life with a narrow vision, thus missing out on life.  If our focus of on where we are heading, we are not paying attention to where we are at...at this moment in the journey.

Who wants to rush through life?

Who is in a hurry to be done?

I have been intentionally reflecting on my "speed" of body and mind several times a day lately to make sure that I am doing the living and not the rushing.  I feel more attached to life.  I appreciate those around me more.  I am much calmer.

We can only go so fast to get to where we are going.

When possible, leave early with the intention of enjoying the journey and when you get to the destination, do something to take care of yourself.

As a teacher, I never find myself clock watching.  I want more time, not less.  I never want to rush the day (unless I am obviously not feeling well). 

Being present, in the moment, without rushing leaves us calm, energized, and ready to tackle the unexpected...

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

A taste of ready

Yesterday was a day spent with incoming students and their parents.  It was Middle School registration day for our school.  I love volunteering to help with this day as it is my first bite or taste of being ready for the new school year.  For me, it has become the kicking off point of the new school year.  Seeing students and their parents, talking about their schedules and school supplies, watching them purchase locks and PE suits for PE class, seeing the lines for new Spirit Wear.... It all means excitement for me.

Unfortunately, for many students, it gets them mourning the loss of summer, sleeping late, and a sense of freedom.  Also, for many students that have yet to find the love of learning, it is almost a painful realization that in a little over a week, school will begin whether they are ready or not.

For me, it is a taste of school and the excitement of the new year.  It also gives me a special appreciation for the few days that I have left of summer break.  These days feel like found days and allow me to have some last minute fun as well as getting some last minute things done at home.

For school staff, parents, and students...this is a reality.  The school year will begin shortly.  We can mourn the loss of summer break, or we can celebrate the wonderful things to come.

It is all really mindset.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

New Year Anticipations

The beginning of the school year is an amazing time!  This time of year is filled with anticipation from students, teachers, staff, and parents.  This is a time of new beginnings and inspirations.  It is a time of new clothes and school supplies.  It is a time of hopes and clean slates.  This time of year is filled with promise and expectations.

For many students, this is the year that will define them and make a difference.  This is the year that they will be successful in academics, sports, or socially.

For many teachers, this is the year that they will right the wrongs of the past.  Make new strides in becoming the educator that they really want to be. For some, this is the year that they re-invent themselves in many ways.


For parents, this may be the year that they get organized and get their students to school on time.  It may be the year that baby-sitters are no longer needed.  It may be the year that one of the kids are driving and they will have more time to do the things that they have been putting off.

The beginning of the school year is a time for changes.  It is a time for new goals for all.  It effects us all that are involved in so many ways.

People who are not teachers are not privileged to see and feel what we, as teachers, get to experience.  Most of them are living this life through their children.  Many are so busy that the only thing that they will notice is that their children are back at school.  Life moves on as scheduled for most non-teachers.

What an interesting life that we lead.  We get to feel this each year of our career.  We mark the years of our lives by the school year's beginnings.  We count our years as teachers based upon how many times we set up our grade books and seating charts.

What a shame it would be if we didn't stop to reflect on this wonderful time and let it slip through our noticing.  Let's be aware of the wonders of our world.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites

My Space

I often think about the spaces that I create for my students so they feel as comfortable as possible and take ownership of their learning environment.  I think about the table space, the room for their stuff, and walking room.

I also think a little bit about my space.  It is the room in which I will spend about 8-10 hours a day for the next 8.6 months.I want the space to feel comfortable for me, inviting for my students, and interesting to visitors.

When I first started teaching, I have a few Native American artifacts in my classroom representing the history of our country and my appreciation for Native American Spirituality.  By the end of the school year, two of my students added to my collection with dream catchers as gifts.

Fast forward 17+ years and the gifts kept coming.  This has certainly become a collection.  It is interesting to visitors.  It is also a tribute to my past students, especially those that have contributed to the collection of dream catchers.  I am not sure how many there are and this picture does not include all of them.  I put them up each year to honor many things.  I want my students (past) to see that I still have included their gifts in my collection when they come to visit.  I have many past students that visit me throughout the year.

I feel like this allows my space to be "our" space.  This includes past students that felt the need to be a part of the legacy.

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites