Each year after I leave TMC, I ponder and am always amazed as I realize the theme that ran through our few days together…the similar ideas shared within sessions / key notes / conversations.
connections, relationships, community
When Mary tweeted this – I immediately wanted to make a poster of Annie’s statement.
But then I thought, TMC is about the relationships, but others think TMC is about math.
Then this convo happened last night / this morning about a weekly blogging initiative…
And @druinok’s last statement – building connections.
In my morning session, #cheezyexeter – I was finally able to experience talking points for what they are. A structure / routine that creates a space for each student a turn to talk without fear of judgement or interruption as we used NO COMMENT. With the 3 rounds and each person talking, I was afforded the opportunity to LISTEN, not worrying about jumping in, but knowing my turn would come. Creating a safe space to talk and listen.
I was challenged by @graceachen’s keynote. The moment she shared her question to her grandmother – What did you want to be when you grew up? And her response, Full. And I knew I had never shared those same experiences. Her impression left me to ponder more about stereotypes and their origins so I might have better understanding and genuine compassion.
I have cried many times feeling I was not good enough to share – thinking I am the one seen as privileged and there were moments I felt guilty. I have never walked in many experiences of my students – so what gives me the right to share? What gives me the right to be in a classroom? I am grateful for what experiences my parents provided me and the life lessons they instilled. I should never feel guilty for what they’ve given me. But I am challenged to create a small space in my classroom of what I want to see in the world.
I am grateful for my friends of MTBoS of whatever you wish to call it – because it has tried my beliefs, tested my faith and helped me realize – I am who I am. You are who you are. My experiences have lended to who I have become.
I have never walked through the experiences @veganmathbeagle has so openly shared. But other experiences in my own life – I have learned – we can never judge because her journey could have just as easily been mine. I am in awe of her vulnerability, so much courage. I will print this as a daily reminder for my desk…
To me, MTBoS is just another way to connect – Tweeting and/or blogging have given us a vehicle with which we can connect over the math – but the rich conversations that follow allow us to build the relationships that sustain…
And how we can take an idea shared, and make it our own…
This quote from @math8_teach’s afternoon session… I want to hold on to…
What I love most about TMC – we are all different, so many varying beliefs, abilities, experiences, but the same.
I appreciate @algebrasfriend’s statement – its not a clique, they’re just friends. So true. These people have become my friends. And though I may squeal with excitement and a big hug to follow, I look forward to our conversations and new friendships becoming the same.
And finally, one of my favorites from my friend @mathymeg07 and Auggie in Wonder #choosekind .
the radical rational... 