What was amazing to me was the impact this smaller rock had on its environment. It was holding back about half a dozen medium-sized boulders. If that smaller rock was removed, the result would be significant. The boulders would surely fall down the mountain at the very least causing damage to the trail and surely resulting in physical injury to anyone in their path.
Sometimes as educators, we get so caught up in the big picture that we forget to celebrate the "small things." For example, during a RtI meeting, a colleague expressed concern that a student was still reading below grade level. As we looked at the data the teacher meticulously collected over the year, significant growth could be seen. While there was still more work to be done, this child had clearly made progress.
Another colleague had invited me into her room at the start of the year. She had a particularly lively class and she needed some ideas to help support her learners. As we collaborated during the year, she confided she was feeling ineffective. Each time we met, I suggested we start with a celebration of something that went well--or at least not terribly--since our last meeting. Throughout the year, she found she had much to celebrate.
When we focus on deficits, we can easily get discouraged. I have had to remind myself on numerous occasions this year to celebrate small wins. The academic year has ended for many of us. When you reflect on your year what small things can you celebrate?
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