Those familiar with Greg Mortenson's work in Afghanistan will appreciate the reference to "Three Cups of Tea". Although sometimes apparently a time-consuming hassle in our fast-paced western culture, the tradition of drinking tea together while mulling over various matters is one that can greatly benefit the decision making process, while enhancing personal relationships and improving overall health while reducing stress.
I had the great pleasure of taking tea this morning with a colleague in her classroom while the students worked on an independent assignment. The atmousphere was calm and focussed for a moment, allowing the two of us to sip our tea together while discussing various facets of the teaching profession in general, and Grade Three in particular. A valuable but seldom-to-be-had professional conversation unfolded as we exchanged ideas and observations, and I could feel my heart beat and pulse "normalizing" as the calm of the tea-drinking and conversation did its work. (Interestingly, this calm seemed to flow smoothly through the classroom, and students who are typically rather "active" remained focussed on the task they were working on for nearly the full 40-minute period! I guess a calm teacher transcends and shapes the classroom climate - surprise, surprise!)
For those who've not taken a generous (by classroom teaching standards) amount of time to drink tea with a colleague lately, I encourage you to try it out. The rest of my morning was much better for having taken the time to indulge.
I had the great pleasure of taking tea this morning with a colleague in her classroom while the students worked on an independent assignment. The atmousphere was calm and focussed for a moment, allowing the two of us to sip our tea together while discussing various facets of the teaching profession in general, and Grade Three in particular. A valuable but seldom-to-be-had professional conversation unfolded as we exchanged ideas and observations, and I could feel my heart beat and pulse "normalizing" as the calm of the tea-drinking and conversation did its work. (Interestingly, this calm seemed to flow smoothly through the classroom, and students who are typically rather "active" remained focussed on the task they were working on for nearly the full 40-minute period! I guess a calm teacher transcends and shapes the classroom climate - surprise, surprise!)
For those who've not taken a generous (by classroom teaching standards) amount of time to drink tea with a colleague lately, I encourage you to try it out. The rest of my morning was much better for having taken the time to indulge.
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