As we head into winter break and a much-needed rest, I’m thinking a lot about stories. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be catching up with family and friends, hearing new stories about their lives, and rehashing some of the old favorites from our past. We’ll connect through our shared experiences, reestablishing our bonds, celebrating our triumphs, and pausing to remember those we miss. We’ll explore our differences from that shared foundation, safe in the knowledge that while we may diverge in some ways we can always count on one another. In these settings, we listen to one another as an act of Love.
Years ago, the late Ted Sizer came to speak to a small group of pre-service teachers at AUNE. As he often did, he focused on the big issues in education and what needed to be done. He was brilliant and kind (as always) and at the end of his talk one of the students asked “What can I possibly do about all of this? I’m going to be teaching second grade in a small school in rural Vermont.” Ted paused, and answered, “Bear witness to one another’s stories.” He went on to explain that sharing one’s experience with a willing, interested listener was incredibly powerful when it came to making meaningful change.
I was recently at CASEL’sSEL Exchange and was struck again and again by this same idea- the power of stories to connect us, to provide new ways of thinking about who we are, who we’ve been, and what we could be in the future.
In this TedTalk, Debra Borg explains the power of stories to shape how we view the world. Through a series of stories and examples, she shows that the way we author our own stories sets the tone for our lives. and the power of stories to shape our children’s future
In the newsletter this month I’m sharing some resources to inspire you to keep telling your stories and making space for others to do the same. The stories we tell, hear, and remember- they all play a part in the ways we view the world and the people in it. Let’s make sure we’re really ready to listen. (Also, please don’t forget that we’re here to listen to you! Just set up a time to talk using this link or by emailing me directly)
I hope you have a wonderful break, filled with all your favorite people, places, and stories.
Best-
This is one in a series of letters from Laura included in our monthly newsletter, Connections. Sign up and get these letters straight to your inbox- plus first access to new publications, tools, news, and events.