By Tyler Wedemeier, Student-Centered Instructional Coach
Over Thanksgiving break, my two children (Emmett, 4, and Eve, 1) and I enjoyed a warm Friday at the park. Emmett's newest game is "The Ground is Lava" and the park gave our living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom pillows, and everything else that can be climbed on, a much needed break. At the park, there was a pretty good distance between two platforms. This was the only time he had to come in contact with "lava". He finally decided he would try to jump the distance. As I was making sure my independent one year old wasn't going to fall off anything, I grabbed his hand in attempt to help guide him to the other platform. It was like a slow motion movie where the car jumps the canyon. In this case, the car didn't reach the other side. Emmett's shins met the side of the platform as he came in contact with the ground. In shock, tears rolled down his cheeks and he wailed uncontrollably. After some consoling, Emmett sat up and said, "I want to try that again." Watching Eve learn to move has been an inspiring and painful six months. What started as face-plants while trying to crawl has now become face-plants as she tries to run. Most times, she picks herself up smiling or giggling. I think she is proud of herself for making it a few more steps each time. With wintertime now here, Eve must master being on the move in snow pants, boots, a big coat, gloves, and hat. She is basically a walking marshmallow. While outside in her new attire, Eve fell every third or fourth step. She was not as happy about her face-plants this time around, but she kept getting up and moving forward. I share these stories for two reasons: 1. I hope they bring a smile to your face as you think about young loved ones you know. 2. I found this to parallel the school year. There is no denying this year has been a challenge. Every third or fourth step seems to bring about a new challenge to tackle. T his week, we have entered "snow pants season" with the transition from face-to-face learning to remote. For many it feels like it is the biggest challenge yet this year. Throughout this week and the other challenges that arise this year, may you lean on those that support you and perhaps after some consoling say, "I want to try that again!"
8 Comments
Lizabeth Fox
12/1/2020 08:07:49 am
Thanks for sharing, Tyler! I remember watching a young neighbor (now in 8th grade!) fall in the snow and wrestle herself back up time and time again. Great inspiration for today's learning and teaching environment.
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Vickie Bruening
12/1/2020 09:06:36 am
So very relevant, Tyler! I think we all feel like we've been "face-planting" a lot lately.
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Sarah Zbornik
12/1/2020 09:14:45 am
Thanks, Tyler! It did make me smile. I might add that sometimes I say "I want to try that again . . . but tomorrow." :-)
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Kourtnie Hunter
12/1/2020 10:35:47 am
Your post made me smile and think of my own times as a child where I fell down, got back up, and tried again. Children show determination as they learn at a young age, but unfortunately, children grow into teens that fear failure. This is a good reminder to us adults as well because we all, at times, feel as if giving up is the best option.
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Steve Peterson
12/1/2020 10:49:43 am
Thanks for this beautifully written piece, Tyler. I have done plenty of my own metaphorical "face plants" this year. While I'm not sure I would ALWAYS relish the "walking marshmallow" equivalent for teacher face plants, it would be nice to have that available when I felt I needed the extra "cushion." Well. Maybe more cookies, instead? :)
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Michelle Nesteby
12/1/2020 01:02:41 pm
This was a nice reading break in the midst of a stressful week. Thanks, Tyler. You brought a smile to my face.
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Mary Winger
12/1/2020 01:26:57 pm
Loved it! Thank you! In these uncertain times, we're all trying to find our balance and move forward.
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Joyce Richert
12/1/2020 06:00:07 pm
Thanks for your article. A little humor now is a welcome relief. I believe I have done my share of face plants this year, but like your kids, I keep getting up and trudging on. I like to think of how much I have personally learned through it all. I'm sure there will be more face plants and lava that appears throughout the year for all of us, but we need to keep telling ourselves that it is just a little bump in the road and this too will pass.
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