handwritten on January 15, 2020
3.2 miles: While I was running today, I was reflecting quite deeply on this idea of constructive criticism and the beauty of moving past internal barriers through accepting criticism graciously. And I was trying to rack my brain when I officially released myself that constructive criticism is not a death sentence. I truly believe children are born perfectionists (this is an innate quality) and I myself was one from birth. I was always a deep reflective individual, and I constantly analyzed myself to the point where I did (and sometimes still do) drive myself crazy. However, as a child, I really hated constructive criticism because to me- I looked at it as something incredible negative that...
handwritten on January 14, 2020
1 mile: I had one of the most humorous but also thought-provoking moments as a teacher today. I asked one of my students to help another student in figuring out an adjective. However, my directions were the following: Make sure you do not say the adjective. Rather, just tell the students what category it fall under and maybe he or she can figure it out. The students was stumbling a bit trying to direct the student without actually telling her the answer and finally the answer just slipped out. We had a lot of giggles from the class, and I made sure to thank the student for trying to direct.
Me: "Facilitating is a bit harder than you think!"
Student: "Mrs. Amoscato. This is why I could...
handwritten on January 13, 2020
3.5 miles: Today was a Monday that was beautiful. What I really reflected on whilst running today was just the importance of recognizing what we have while simultaneously thinking about where we wish to go. I think as of late I have been thinking a lot of what could be. And while I think there is nothing wrong with reflecting on this- I do think it is important for me to recognize the beauty I'm surrounded with every day. My class is spectacular and so has been the ability to create a diverse and global curriculum. I am blessed to be where I am and surrounded by the students and the job I am surrounded with. I am fulfilled everyday I wake up and head into the classroom and this is something...
handwritten on January 12, 2020
2 miles: After this weekend of conversing with others I have never met and reflecting over 18 hours or so regarding goals and aspirations, rivers of hope and rivers of despair, I can with certainty that sitting in discomfort is something I have not pushed myself to do in quite some time. It's interesting because I think sometimes we get in a routine of life where we are comfortable doing what we are doing. I remember entering a new school five years ago, ending school, transitioning to teaching full time and essentially being thrown into a classroom and learning that I would either sink above the waves or fall below them. I think I entered the classroom everyday that year with chronic...
handwritten on January 11, 2020
I think this question is truly worth thinking about. I suppose by the time we are in our twenties, we have claimed that we have read and heard thousands of stories. We have read the picture books when we are younger and then the reports and the research in college and high school. Some of us even claim to be superhuman and read material while also listening to a podcast or a story whilst driving in the car or completing some other task. We tell ourselves that we know how to tell a good story and we know how to listen to one. In fact, sometimes our brain becomes so convinced that it has listened to enough stories that when someone is telling a story we wave our hand quickly in passing and...
