I have vertigo. If you’ve never had the pleasure, trust me when I say it’s the highest level of discombobulation, and it’s a 0/10 experience. One minute I’m fine, going about the business of being me; the next-WHAM– the world is spinning, and I’m grabbing anything solid to help stay upright.
The symbolism isn’t lost on you, I’m sure. Our day-to-day lives are turned upside down with no warning while we flail about, looking for anything solid to hold onto. 100% discombobulation guaranteed.
I wish I could tell you that I could provide a handhold, certain and available in all those situations when things get topsy-turvy. Unfortunately, what works for me— my solid ground— isn’t portable or applicable in all situations.
What I can offer you is this: a reminder that the solid ground exists. Whether we feel it or not in the moment, it’s still there. That sense that there’s nothing to cling to feels real, but that doesn’t make it true.
What does it feel like for you when you feel steady, balanced, and two-feet-on-the-ground solid? What are the things you count on when everything is upended? That’s your solid ground.
The same applies in our classrooms. When chaos breaks out (as it can from time to time), knowing what not-chaos looks and sounds like can help us regain our collective balance. Having clear processes to get from confusion to clarity— processes you’ve practiced in advance and know well– provide a reliable road map to get your feet back under you.
This month, I’m sharing a handful of resources for doing that in your own classroom. I hope you’ll download them, use them, and share them.
Warmly,
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