It has been a while. Tea?

 Where have I been?  My last post was December 2016.  May of 2017 I found out that my position had been cut and I was moved to first grade in a different school in my district.  I both, needed the change and became buried in the task of learning a new grade level, a new team, a new school and a dizzying array of new web formats.   I forgot about my blog and, if I'm honest, I didn't feel like I had anything worth sharing anyway.  I was able to complete an accelerated master's program (Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Environmental Education).   Then COVID threw us all on a giant rollercoaster ride.  By the end of each screen filled day, my eyes were so tired and my body sore from sitting that any extra computer time was painful to consider.  Now I am at a crossroads again.  Like many school districts, mine is facing major funding cuts.  I don't know what I will be teaching next year, maybe first grade, maybe Kindergarten, possibly a combination of 1st and 2nd grade.  I do know this, I am weary of trying to "get through" the curriculum and failing.  I know that kids will focus and spend far more time and energy learning about a subject of their choosing, rather than following my/the districts/the curriculum's agenda.  I have seen the power of taking kids outside and letting them explore, question and discover.  I also teach in a community next door to Minneapolis Minnesota.  The issues of racism are very real and I am trying to be antiracist and learning how to have authentic discussions with my students about embracing our differences and caring about each other.  So begins another journey.  This spring I am stepping into the unknown and planning an outdoor immersion, inquiry unit.  I hope I can learn enough to teach this way going forward.  Thank you to Mrs. Meyers at Inquiring Minds .  You reminded me that I have a blog and blogs are a great way to share what we do.  Thank you for introducing me to inquiry with young children.  Thank you for reading this!  Please share with me how you are and what you find that sparks joy in teaching for you!