1,000 Words

A picture is worth a thousand words, or lots of amazing questions from your students.  The following photo is one that I put up as my wallpaper on my computer.  Since my computer is mirrored onto a screen my students are able to see it.  As you know, I spent this past summer in Israel and thought it would be a nice idea to show my students a picture of myself at the Kotel (Western Wall).

Please take a moment and examine what you see.  

Did you see....

• The Kotel
• A mechizta (divider) between the men and women's side of the wall
• My Modest Dress
• Huge Stones
• Lots of People praying
• Shrubs
• Plastic chairs

Here is what my students saw...

• The Kotel
• A mechizta (divider) between the men and women's side of the wall
• My Modest Dress
• Huge Stones
• Lots of People praying
• Shrubs
• Plastic chairs

AND

• That the picture is taken from behind.

This simple yet astute observation lead to a fantastic discussion about why it is custom to walk backwards away from the wall. As well as questions about how I felt when I was there.  For these types of questions and for my students, I am so incredibly thankful.  Their constant curiosity and awareness often leads to lessons that are beyond fantastic. Lessons I could never write or execute in as organic a way as the lessons that are created by my students.

I am also truly appreciative for the ability to recognize and embrace these moments.  For these moments strung together are what make me a better teacher.