Elements Elementary Teacher reflects on the start of her fourth year
Hey y’all - Robin Mackey, here! I can’t believe it’s already the beginning of another year of school! This is my fourth year with Elements and every year brings new opportunities for growth, change, and new beginnings. This time of year always brings about a bit of reflection - a pondering over the past, present, and future. As each year comes and goes, there is a theme that is colored differently by an all encompassing feeling. Some years feel abundant, others blossoming, and some exploratory (2020, anyone?!).
Although it has only been a month, this year feels particularly unique to the rest. I spent the better part of last evening, fresh off our illuminating first Student Showcase, pondering the word I was looking for to define the swell of emotions I feel for this year. What kept coming to me was a surprise at first, but made more sense as I continued to explore it.
“Refined: remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of a process.”
This fourth year feels like it is the result of our process so far - sifting through the years. We quite literally removed impurities and unwanted elements when we moved out of the Quincy building filled with lead. Though it was a process, moving also helped us weed through our belongings, materials, and things we had collected over the years there.
Refined isn’t a final product or an end goal necessarily, but a state of mind and presence that is being asked of us. Being present in this way is what allows us to continue to meet each student where they’re at and guide them through growth. We refine the way they learn, the materials and environment in which they play, and the energy we bring to them every day.
I’ve spent the past month witnessing each and every student breathe joy and life into our new building. They have been nesting, settling in, and getting to know each other - and themselves - a little better. And while many of them are returning students with whom we were already quite familiar, there are always more layers to uncover. And again, refinement is an invitation to get them to know themselves a few layers deeper; explore the ways in which they have (or have not) changed; and the way in which different students in our community can change the chemistry of the community.
We look forward to what the next month (and months) will bring - exciting projects, field trips, and our 2nd annual Boo Bash!
To share just a few of my favorite moments this school year so far:
Watching a student, who has historically been avoidant towards computers, unlock a new strength and become an iPad/iMovie wiz!
Discovering that phonemic awareness is best learned in the Sensory Room!
Seeing the teens surprised to find themselves genuinely enjoy playing with the youngest students - I don’t think I’ll ever forget those giggles and belly laughs!
Students forming deeper connections to history and exploring a variety of mediums to express their curiosity and feelings.
Just another morning where each student wants a turn getting into a HUGE refrigerator box!
Stay tuned for more amazing moments from us at Elements Academy - and I hope you can open your eyes to the amazing moments happening in YOUR life!
Hugs and love,
Robin Mackey
Elements Academy Elementary Teacher