What is your "Real World Connection"?

A  great man shared the other day how we want our students to go to Penn State, not the state pen @Principal El. As I visited my younger (21) brother in the State Jail this weekend, this thought ran through my head over and over again. We visited for two hours and as he talked about the things he did on the outside , even though they were not good, I listened. 

Looking around at what he lives in contact once a week, no air, crappy food and the complete loss of freedom I was deeply saddened. It then came to mind that he talks about the things he did on the outside because it connects him to his real world, this is the only real connection from where he is at. 

Many times we talk about connecting learning to the " real world" to help our students learn. My question is, Do we know their real world? As educators have we taken the time to build the relationships needed to connect with the " real world " of our students. 

It is great to connect learning with things that students can relate to but do we know them well enough to know what that might be. We must build our relationships around each child's real world, for each world is different. Many years I have taken students on their first trip ever to the zoo. Without this opportunity would they know what a lion is, of course they would, but would their connection be " real world"? 

Although we may not always be able to change the path of every child , we must work to connect with their "real world". Principal El I will be leading my kids to Penn State , not the State Pen. My brother will be there another year and I encourage him daily to get his GED. He is very intelligent, made some wrong choices, no one took the time to connect to his real world. Educators are you ready to make those connections? 

Thanksgiving 2011-he was arrested two weeks later. 

When One Door Closes....

Today as I was spending time with my family at NASA,I received a message that something I wanted was not happening. Immediately I became discouraged , frustrated and decided I am done. I know longer wanted to further my education , develop my leadership skills or even return to the classroom. This may sound totally crazy but I felt as if these are battles I must fight continually and I am tired. 

As we began our tour the tension in my neck continued to build until the pain was excruciating. We traveled through NASA listening to the guide my mind was filled with many thoughts. We entered the mock training facility and as my girls observed asking questions , I took a deep breath and let it go. Instantly I felt relief and began enjoying time with my family. I realized I am in education for the students , I love their inquiring minds. I love to teach , lead and care for them as I guide them on a successful educational journey! 

Although I feel a door was closed today, I also feel many have been opened. I do not have to lean on someone to help me grow into the educator and someday leader I want to be. It's time to take flight and be noticed for who I am and what I can offer. Thank you to my great husband and my new twitter friend Rafranz Davis for helping me see this. I must look into the doors that have opened through the development of a great PLN! The chats and the ideas from those of my PLN has helped me grow in many ways ,ways I could never imagine! Thank you Brett for support,Rafranz for inspiring , Ninja Todd and Ninja Stacey for augmented reality( that I had fun with today) , Matt and Sammy for showing me that there are things out there I know about and should share! Maybe by October I will be brave enough to do that @MBG! Doors are flying open I must step up and enter. 

The will to win,the desire to succeed,the urge to reach your full potential, these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. Confucius