Achieving Growth in a Storm

The many uses of the word storm: storms of life, thunder storm, stormed out in anger. These are all very familiar but have we ever thought of our students going through a storm. When looking up the definition here is what I found :

1

a : a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually by rain, snow, hail, sleet, or thunder and lightning

b : a heavy fall of rain, snow, or hail

d : a serious disturbance of any element of nature

2

: a disturbed or agitated state <storms of emotion> : a sudden or violent commotion

3

: a heavy discharge of objects (as missiles)

4

: a tumultuous outburst <a storm of protests>

5

a : paroxysm 2

b : a sudden heavy influx or onset

6

: a violent assault on a defended position

Lets focus on 2A... Many times we see students reach this level of "storm". What do we do to lead them safely through? If there's a tornado we protect them with shelter , if something happens at home we lend a listening ear. Above all this what do we do to grow them as they travel through this storm. 

I feel as educators it is important to build a relationship with your students so that we will know what educational "storm" they may face. Just as a meteorologist uses tools for weather , we need to equip our students with tools for education. Check their gauge each day to see how they are, give them boots or an umbrella when the rain comes down. Think of ways they can record data to see their growth. Look for new innovated ways to approach their storm. As a meteorologist we have many available forms of technology to offer learners the best education that they deserve... 

As you walk through the storm leading, protecting and believing in your students they will begin to grow. Just like the beautiful flowers we see blossom after a storm, they to will blossom and be ready to face the next storm, so that the beauty of growing will never end. 

This year I will be amongst many young blooms, that I will equip with tools for continued growth the rest of their lives. 

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Aesop