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Monday, July 7, 2014

The Power of Proximity


Ok, I know...I'm supposed to be unwinding during summer, taking my mind off of teaching.  I can't help it that teaching stuff just keeps popping into my mind.  So, there I was this morning, taking aqua aerobics class.  (By the way, this is not a real picture of us.) I'm in the pool with a buncha grandmas, which is a ton-o-fun.  They went CRA-ZY when a Tom Jones song came on--not kidding!!  I take this class because it feels so good on my aching feet and knees.  It's a great workout and a great way to energize.  Anywhooo, so there I am, rocking out to Tom Jones, feeling proud of my cross country move, doing it exactly as the instructor is demonstrating on the side of the pool.  I'm in THE ZONE, feeling pretty good.  The grandmas around me were moving along at their own pace as well.  Then, the instructor whips her shorts off, and jumps in with all of us.  She's moving around, weaving in between all of us, shouting out new moves.  I've never...repeat NEVER...seen the power of proximity work so well.  These grandmas {ok, ok, me too!!} started moving SO much stronger.  We were trying much harder whenever the instructor was next to us.  We all had a better workout because she got involved with us.  This, my teacher friends, was a gentle reminder to me to get up and move around more during the school day.  Sometimes, I can get trapped at my reading table or in front of the class.  What kids really need is the power of proximity... the teacher moving around to motivate and help children see that what they're doing does matter.


2 comments:

  1. HA! I love it!!! I have an affinity for little old ladies. My sister took me out for my 30th birthday (let's just say several years ago) to dress up like old ladies and get PROFESSIONAL pictures taken! It was soooo much fun. In fact, I'll text you a link to my FB page and you can get an idea. :^D

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    1. I get a kick out of all the grannies in my aqua class. They are a happy bunch!! :) I found your FB!

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