October 3

Inktober day three

Inktober Day 03 - #edublogsclub mashup

Inktober Day 03 – #edublogsclub mashup

Today’s #edublogsclub prompt is World Teachers’ Day. Typically the first #edublogsclub/brightinktober crossover post is something I’d find difficult to draw. I’ve written about my favourite teacher, Wendy Ashall, before so I decided to talk more about my early years workshop with Octopus Inc. I took the workshop a week after withdrawing from my HOAD degree.

The workshop involved taking part in multisensory activities and I found it fascinating to think about play as a tool for learning. I originally feared working with babies and toddlers, which sounds odd (I know), because I didn’t think I could guide/encourage them without become some type of leader. I prefer learning without a hierarchy. And I didn’t think that could happen without clear communication.

But it turns out that babies are pretty cool anarchists. I enjoyed working with them and let them guide me with their play. I was aware of their personal space and accepted that we communicated differently. Miscommunication is likely to happen – I don’t need to beat myself up about it. I learn. They learn.

In case you’re wondering about the image, it’s a bunny finger puppet from a chest of drawers in a multisensory tent.

September 26

Affirmations

This post is part of EdublogsClub. This week’s prompt is quotes.

Recently, I read about affirmations in an online forum. I hadn’t heard of them before so I looked them up. They sound like the mantras I use in mindfulness meditation. I also found dozens of affirmations that help me feel ready for the day.

Each morning, I listen to ten minutes of asoftmurmur.com and stretch my body. I focus on my breathing and try to keep my intrusive thoughts at bay. Here are some of my latest affirmations:

I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.

Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.

I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.

A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.

source: huffingtonpost.com/dr-carmen-harra/affirmations_b_3527028.html

September 12

Hundred word challenge


Tilt the screen to and fro
Until you see the spectrum
Beside the glow

Borders cannot envelop what is free
So why do we build a fence
Between you and me?

Reach for the sky
Touch the above
Always aim high

Listen to the sound
Of wind through trees
Caressing the ground

The red-clothed being
Surveys the path ahead
Questioning and seeing

Habitat appears dry
But search deeper
And there’s life

Tousled hair
Prickly grass
Fuzzy air

Hostile earth
Dividing all
Since birth

Writing one hundred words
Prompts me to remember
An old favourite verse…

A Hundred Lovers by Josep