Mel Rainey 2010516 MAC wk2 Readings"Starfish"

Why does the little dancing girl have to throw the starfish back into the sea? Why not place them in buckets and gently place them back into the water? My district used this metaphor a couple of years ago, they gave every staff member in the district a starfish pin to remind us why we joined the public educational arena and what we can achieve. I still have my pin, even though my starfish saving days have shifted in idea. I no long think that I can save just that one, but rather take them all back to the sea and create new worlds for them all.

Games, Structure and a challenge to adapt have always been what I think to be my strong suits. Passing these ideas to my students and family have been something that just comes naturally to me in leadership. I look at some of my students families and even my own, and reflect on statements made,"You Have the Best Job!!!!" And I see in the looks of their eyes they don't play enough, they need less freedom more structure and have little to adapt to for challenges when they end up doing the same thing day in and day out. Teaching is different everyday, that is what keeps me on my toes. So what if it is somewhat chaotic at times but some of those times are the best times to learn or motivate learning. Looking for the passion in my students is what helps level out the days of chaos. Finding these students can really make the day meaningful and worth teaching.

When you really stop to think about how people interact with each other, negative and positive energy is a big factor. listening to the right music in the morning can also shift energy for the day. What do you listen to in the morning on your way to the next day? Attitude in the classroom will change if the leaders of these students environments are shifted in either direction(+/ -). I have observed this to be true, through my ten years of teaching. I also see this in the faces of my nephews and nieces, who expect to play with "Uncle BIG/ Melio", and he is wiped out or under stressful situations that put me in a not so positive light. Coffee and caffeine are awesome. High and Lows.

I think life and education are about communication and understanding each other. When both are obtained in any environment positive energy occurs. Real Learning is achieved in a generative, prolific and creative nature.