This week I took a road trip to Panama City, Florida. We were headed to Florida for a national softball tournament with my daughter's team. My drive to - and from - Panama City Beach were very different. The plan was that on the way, I would drive down with my 11 year old daughter and her friend. My husband, son, and his friend would fly in mid-week. Since my daughter was going to spend a few extra days with more family, my husband and I would drive back with the two 15 year old boys.
Two. Very. Different. Trips.
Our trip to Florida took two days in the "girl car". We made several small detours - saw a live tiger, drove by a gator farm, took pictures of state line signs, made multiple snack stops, and spent a night in Mobile, Alabama. The girls were very excited and spent the entire trip talking, singing, watching movies (which required more talking & singing), making music.ly. videos (more talking & singing), exploring the hotel (talking, singing & cartwheels), and checking out downtown Mobile. When we finally made it to PCB, we were worn out - but sooo excited that we reached our goal!
After a week of softball (in 100 degree temps) and downtime at the beach, my husband and I loaded up the car and squashed the two boys in the back. (Note - back seats seem to shrink when boys hit 15! They are tall, lanky, and full of energy...) We expected to make many stops so they could run off their energy.
Well...the trip back included two (2!!!) stops. The boys watched 6 movies and virtually never spoke. (True story - 15 year olds just text each other, even when they are sitting side by side.) We made it to our goal (home) in record time, with minimal interruptions, and were fairly surprised at the ease with which we traveled.
Two. Very. Different. Trips.
This was a great "Back to School" reflection for me. Our teachers have very different personalities and instructional styles, and we need to remember to honor them. What counts for our students is that the goals are reached - not that everyone takes the same exact path or trip. Let's set everyone up for success by giving our teachers the tools they need to reach their goals and honoring teacher strengths. Our students deserve it!
Wishing you a fabulous new year!!
ps Here are a couple of pictures from our road trip
