Get Real: It's What Your Kids Need!

"​Passing in the hall the other day, I asked my colleague Jane, "Hey, how are you?"

​     "Great! How are you?" she replied - all pep and smiles!

"Stressed, overwhelmed, and moving way too fast!" I shared. In an instant her face opened up and her body visibly relaxed...

     Then Jane said, "Oh my gosh, me too! - I just say 'great' because it's easier."

Ever get honest like this at school? And I'm not talking about complaining or getting negative, just REAL. It's pretty cool how fast rapport grows and how we start feeling more human when we open up. Like it's OK to be ourselves finally...to be imperfect. Once we get real, then we're free to just be us, and to connect with those around us. That's what kids need, us. Well-designed curriculum and a good learning target are great, but it's US that kids crave. And it's being us that's essential if we're going to sustain this crazy life of teaching. Nothing fancy, just bein' ourselves.

So, I challenge you to a little experiment. The next time someone asks you how you are, tell the truth...and just see where it leads.

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