Life With Margins

Ever tried to read a book or article with no margins on the page?  It's overwhelming and confusing.  I'm guessing you've not put a lot of thought into margins. Sure, we take them for granted. But when they're missing, things are a mess.  Those spaces around the edges of the page that are free of text serve an important purpose in making it all readable and organized.


Ever tried to live your life with no margins?  If you're like me (and the rest of the general population in America in 2016), then the answer is probably "yes".  I recently read this extremely impacting excerpt from the book Margin by Dr. Richard Swenson:


"The conditions of modern-day living devour margin...Marginless is being thirty minutes late to the doctor's office because you were twenty minutes late out of the hairdresser's because you were ten minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from the gas station-and you forgot your purse.
Margin, on the other hand, is having breath left at the top of the staircase, money left at the end of the month, and sanity left at the end of adolescence.
Marginless is the baby crying and the phone ringing at the same time; margin is Grandma taking the baby for the afternoon.
Marginless is being asked to carry a load five pounds heavier than you can lift; margin is a friend to carry half the burden
Marginless is not having time to finish the book you're reading on stress; margin is having the time to read it twice."


Does this not hit a little too close to home?!  Maybe not every single specific, but the concept of overextension is one we can all identify with. Now, I have tried for a long time to eradicate using the word "busy" as a describing word for my life. I feel like it carries a bad connotation of just doing to be doing. When someone would ask, "How are you?" and my answer was "Really busy!", I discovered I was subconsciously thinking "I'm important because I'm so busy" . Uh-oh. Not good. I'm happy to say that my M.O. for understanding self-worth has changed. I am emphatic about making sure the things that fill my life are meaningful and purposeful in and of themselves, but....


BUT. Leaving room for margins?  That's taking it to the next level.   I have discovered that although I think all of the things in my life have meaning and purpose, I can still find myself in an unhealthy place, dysfunctional, or stressed out, by not allowing room for margins. It would seem simple enough to leave space to absorb the crisis moments, or the unplanned setbacks, or miscalculations of time needed to complete tasks or travel to and fro- but it's not easy.  Society has programmed us to seek significance in our lives by being booked solid. And yet, we know all of those unexpected difficulties are going to arise!  It's life. But while I'm bustling about between work, school, the boys' sports, church events, and family obligations, I end up being perpetually in a hurry with a packed schedule of overlapping appointments and activities. However meaningful and purposeful my intentions were, the jam-packed schedule and frantic nature of getting all of the people to all of the places because it's all so important is suddenly draining my energy and depleting my relationships. In my experience, overloaded and overwhelmed quickly translate to spiritually overdrawn.  It's pretty hard for the soul to find joy when you're drained and depleted.


Enter another quote that has rocked my world. This gem comes from The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. "Holiness is essentially wholeness- a life that works. Sin is dysfunction or sickness. The number one spiritual sickness of our day is "hurry sickness". We are constantly in a hurry because we have overloaded our schedule. When we lack margin in our lives we become tired and lonely and joyless, which seems to invite temptation. We need margin. Margin restores balance and restores our soul, thus increasing our capacity for joy. Joy is a bulwark against temptation. Margin and holiness are related to one another in very deep ways."


Wow- that just lays it all out there. The reason why we need margins. I see the truth of this so clearly, and that truth is setting me free. I don't have it all figured out, but as I pray and intentionally change my mindset about the precious resource of time and what is truly best for me and my family, I sense God speaking to me about adjustments that need to be made.  Smith also writes, "Remember, God never called anyone to marginlessness. When we lack margin, it is our own doing and is a sure sign we have stepped outside the kingdom. So be honest and be ruthless with your schedule.  Your spiritual, relational, and physical health depend on it."

Being honest with my kids about what is feasible to do in a given day with the commitments that have been made, getting their input on how to make it happen, and/or deciding how to prioritize and how to say "no" are all steps that are being taken in this process. And make no mistake about it- it is still a process!  But it has been very rewarding to begin seeing an appreciation for wholeness over constant pressure to hurry so we can participate in every activity just because it's "a good opportunity" taking root in our family. Nights with no places to go to are an essential part of our lives. Meals together on the weekends to stay connected to one another are a necessity. Going to visit the grandparents for no reason other than quality bonding time instead of racing to the ball field or gym for extra practice is highly valued. Going to bed when there is still work to be done is a virtue... I know my limits...and sleep-deprivation helps nothing! I'll take the capacity to enjoy the best over just trying to squeeze in the good every time.

Can You Feel the Love?

I love learning. I love books. I love kids. So it won't surprise you how much
I LOVE SCHOOL!
And I don't have to look far to see other teachers that share that love. They exist in the very building I teach in every day. The evidence of this love is seen clearly when you notice the lengths they go to in creating an environment that reflects their beliefs and philosophy of education as well as the hopes they have related to their students.
Every year we as teachers have the incredible privilege to impact the lives of kids and their families. Why not make the most of our opportunity to have an inviting classroom that rises up to meet all who enter? Why not do everything in our power to ensure that our students AND their families have a sense of our purpose and intention to make this a successful and enriching year in their educational experience?  It not only seems like a great idea in theory, but it works in reality! Here are just a few examples courtesy of some fellow elementary teachers that have embraced the idea of branding their classroom. They have developed an identity that communicates their values as educators and a climate in which they feel their students can do their best learning. Check it out!

Kindergarten- Mrs. Jones

Second Grade- Mrs. Grant

Third Grade- Mrs. Wrye

Third Grade- Mrs. Kliethermes

One thing that amazes me is how many different ways these educators are able to leverage their resources and creativity for the benefit of their students. It's a double blessing for me. Not only am I able to interact, brainstorm ideas, and problem solve with these inventive colleagues, but, as their students, my own children have been the beneficiaries of their heartfelt desire to provide a quality, meaningful, and memorable year of learning against the backdrop of positive vibes of potential. Can you feel the love? I most definitely can! It is deeply fulfilling to ADAPT your classroom to reflect your values, take some risks to EXECUTE your creativity and ENJOY the rapport you build with your students in the unique setting made just for them.

How Donald and Hillary Are Helping Me Raise My Kids

It's hard to look at this year's presidential candidates and not have some sort of adverse reaction, isn't it? Something just doesn't feel right. This reaction is certainly not for lack of information. I've heard the large list of qualifications touted by those that support each candidate on their respective sides and the arguments against them from the opposition so much I feel like I could quote them in my sleep. On the flip side, I've heard disillusioned men and women talk about how they are so disenfranchised that they have decided not to vote at all this year. It's time to talk politics without being political.  This post is not designed to try to convince you to vote for one candidate over another. Nor is it designed to persuade you to 'just vote' no matter how odious you feel the choices are. Rather, I'm hoping you'll find that national elections that appear to be darned-if-you-do and danged-if-you-don't scenarios, actually afford real teachable moments in parenting our kids. We just have to be open to seeing the opportunity right in front of us.


Let me say this from the start... I personally don't view either the Republican or Democratic nominee as a role model for my kids. (Can I get an 'amen'?!) But can we learn from the history of their lives? Absolutely! When I talk to my boys (ages 16, 12, 10, 8) about Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, I am honest about the areas of their character that I find are severely lacking. Areas in which I hope that when my sons are grown, they can demonstrate strength rather than weakness. Lest you think that sounds judgemental, let me preface this by saying no one is perfect. We've all done things, said things, or made decisions that we wish we could take back. No one is outside the realm of being forgiven and redeemed. We've all fallen short so we can just stop comparing our wrongs to other people's wrongs and justify ourselves by thinking we're "not that bad". Sin is sin. Trying to make ourselves look better by putting others down accomplishes nothing.


So, where's the teachable moment? It's that moment where we take time to address the issue of how the habits we practice in our daily interactions with others develop a pattern by which the people in our lives- past, present, and future-  determine our trustworthiness.


While driving my kids to school and listening to the radio dj talk about a recent presidential debate, it seemed like the right time to remind them about how all of our decisions have consequences- good or bad. The candidates before us have experienced the reality that each action they have taken, even in privacy, has a corresponding consequence displayed on a platform for all to see. Every single one. When we choose to go against what is morally right and stop listening to our conscience, there's going to be fallout. While we may ask forgiveness when we insult or harm someone, the pain of those words cuts deep and the harm we've inflicted carries emotional scars. When we treat people as objects for our own selfish reasons, we are responsible for their damaged spirits.  And when we mislead, deceive, or lie to someone to cover up our costly mistakes or wrong-doings, and all of it comes to light, we end up alienating people even if we were trying to protect them! Their hurt may be so great, that even if they forgive us, our relationship can suffer irreparable damage. By weaving a web of deceit we destroy the bonds of trust and threads of hope we desire that others would place in us.


Instead of grumbling over our morally and ethically lackluster choices in the presidential race, what if we leaned in on this opportunity to show our kids how very important and powerful their own words are? What if we encouraged them to think long and hard on how to best communicate in a way that builds others up and learn the skill of controlling their tongues? What if we took the daily temptation our kids face to 'look out for number one' as a lesson in how to treat others as equally valuable creations of God rather than using them as the means to our own selfish end? We could leverage this election year as an example of why integrity is an essential virtue if they hope to have strong and lasting relationships throughout their lives, rather than having their motives constantly questioned because of past dishonesty and disrespect. We should strive to instill in them the importance of being a person of moral character so that they don't have to tie themselves in knots over trying to figure out how to appease different groups of people by telling half-truths and lies. We all want to raise happy, well-adjusted kids that make the world a better place, right? If my boys could somehow grasp the concept that their ultimate happiness and self-worth is not in the riches they might gain or in the political power they might exercise, but in the joy of fulfilling their God-given potential to show His love to others and their identity in Jesus Christ, then I have succeeded in my achieving my highest priority as a parent!

Rather than viewing this election cycle as a dismal lose-lose proposition, I view it as an opportunity to guide my family in pursuing character traits that lead to personal peace and satisfaction.  It provides a great example of how much better it would be to have others witness the habit of using our resources and sphere of influence as a force of good rather than leaving a trail of broken relationships, insincerity, disrespect, and doubt in our wake. I'm going to seize the chance I have right now to show how positive choices that come from a spirit of humility CAN and DO make the world a better place. Don't lose heart, my fellow parents! This is our time to prove it to our kids that we really believe it when we say our faith is in God and not in a man or woman. Be released from worry about how this election will turn out. We are in charge of our own personal choices that determine whether we live a life of joy that positively impacts others,  or a life in which we are constantly having to make excuses for our selfish nature and catastrophies of misplaced trust. I hope and pray that we take advantage of all the teachable moments, even when they come about in the most unexpected ways. With God, nothing (not even a Trump vs. Clinton election) is wasted.

Creating Classroom Climate Part 2- Set the Stage with an Open House

Class list is updated- check.
Classroom is decorated- check.
Now it's time to welcome the students and their families with open arms at open house!  This will just be a short little post, but the key things I want to incorporate to set the stage for the year include:


*Providing information about my classroom and expectations so parents feel connected right away
*Introducing students to their new environment and meeting with them to reduce first day anxiety
*Organizing school supplies and registration paperwork




When those things are accomplished, everyone feels more comfortable and ready to embrace the new experience of the upcoming school year.  Here are just a few photos of some ways that I choose to welcome families and utilize branding in a successful open house:

Everyone wants to know where they're going at Open House.
Our school has hanging ceiling signs that are so helpful to
visitors.  I always add a personal touch by my door with my
own sign to welcome them.

Each student gets a cookie from the bakery at their table seat,
because you know, the way to a kid's heart... LOL! I also attach
a little poem that reinforces my brand for my classroom.
There is an information book for each family with my card
listing the different ways they can contact me, if needed.

Folder covers have been personalized using my fabulous downloaded
and editable stationary package from Schoolgirl Style and instructions
printed for all of the paperwork to be completed that night for registration.

Each student sits at a table with a bug mascot marking their
supply bin and name tag just like the other students at their table
 so they know which group they will be in for small group work
on the first day.

Honestly, we know that open house time can be nerve-racking for teachers. I am an introverted person by nature so it takes a great deal of energy and focus for me to be at my best this night. But I look at it this way... FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING. So I go all out. Spend money on the treats.  Painstakingly organize the bins with pictures for new school supplies. Go out of my way to make small talk with perfect strangers. Spell out the expectations and inform about things that make my class unique. I've learned that when I go the extra mile at the beginning of the year to make students and their families feel welcome and informed, there is a greater chance that the rest of the year will go more smoothly than it would if I didn't.  The fact of the matter is people fear the unknown. A new teacher and/or grade in school represent many "unknowns" for students and their families (especially when beginning preschool). So I do as much as I can at this time to take away the fear of the unknown. Fear is the opposite of trust.  Trust has to be in place for this teacher-student-parent connection to work. I will reap great benefits of anything I can do on my part to increase the trust of my students and their families from the get-go. And believe me- families are very appreciative of this.  We are all on the same team...helping kids!!!


I encourage you to set the stage and make it special! I find it very rewarding to ADAPT my classroom to accommodate new students, EXECUTE a welcoming open house, and  ENJOY the relationships that form as a result of putting in the extra effort to connect with my classroom families. May 2016-2017 be a great school year for all of us!

Creating Classroom Climate Part 1- Get Branded!

Who doesn't love a good makeover? For me, there's nothing like a few 'before and after' photos to light the candle of inspiration! When your classroom is your canvas, exciting new masterpiece makeovers can happen whenever the mood strikes. Since I'm a teacher, I am fully invested in making a safe, cheerful, happy learning environment in which my students can enter.  But to me, it's even more than that. I believe in "branding" my classroom.

Branding is such a part of our culture, we don't even think about it. It's second nature to associate thoughts and feelings with products and places.  Certain jingles, catch phrases, and pictures/symbols actually play a part in our decision-making processes (like what to buy or where to go) because of the emotions and thoughts that are evoked as a result of our past experiences. As an educator, I have the distinct honor and responsibility to influence the thoughts and feelings of my students and their families in a positive way. It helps me when I focus on answering questions related to my priorities.  

*What kind of emotion do I want to evoke in students and their family members when they enter the classroom?

*How can I communicate my teaching philosophy?

*What do I want them to identify with when I establish communication?

*How can I create a meaningful connection with them that will be the beginning of a strong rapport between home and school?

It all starts with my brand.

Maybe you're a teacher but the idea of branding your classroom is new to you. Choosing a slogan, theme, and décor are tangible ways to communicate your brand. Of course, it goes much deeper than that. It should also reflect your attitude toward teaching and what you value in education...even your vision and journey as a professional. Ideally, your teaching vision should fuel your brand.

Just today, I put the finishing touches on my 2016-2017 classroom. (The first day of school is one week away!)  I created the slogan Room to Bloom for my Pre-K classroom and that phrase will be shared repeatedly...in weekly newsletters, home mailings, text reminders, my class Facebook group, etc.

 I want my students and families to associate this year's school experience with planting ideas, a nurturing environment, budding friendships, growing as a community, exposure to background building experiences, blossoming with new knowledge and abilities, fostering pride in creativity and accomplishments, and being rooted in confidence and a healthy view of themselves and others. When they hear the phrase Room to Bloom, I intend for them to understand all those goals and values and give students and their families a sense of peace and trust in me as their teacher.

When you have chosen your special brand, the next step is deciding how you will reinforce it.  It was like a game for me to scour discount and craft stores for all the things to make my classroom blossom into a happy place, you guys!  I'm also a big fan of Melanie Rabulsky at schoolgirlstyle.com, so I purchased her 'Garden Party!' and 'Bug Classroom Theme' design packages to help me set the stage for preschoolers in our Room to Bloom. How can you go wrong with bright, cheerful colors,  and cute crawly critters, right?! I just download, edit, and print out the resources I need without the waste of buying prepackaged items from the store that always include parts I don't use. She has so many kid-friendly themes and quality designs, you have to check it out. It's awesome!

Previous experience has taught me that preschool-aged  boys and girls love nature walks, growing plants, picking flowers and investigating insects. I am excited to capitalize on those interests as I share my teaching vision and guide them to be lifelong learners through my daily interactions in an atmosphere that encourages creativity and wonder. It's essential that kids have an organized place that allows for easy access to different centers and space to display their creations and projects. Hopefully, you will also get a sense of this approach from the pictures I took throughout the makeover process. So without further ado, let's get to those photos!

Before- green cabinets

After- cabinets covered in contact paper 

Before- classroom library

After- Our Reading Garden!

Before- SB wall; After- with our new slogan and posters





Here's an overview of the setup of the classroom. 

*In my next blog, I plan to write about another very important aspect of creating a classroom climate when I post about how to have a successful Open House to introduce students and parents to the exciting year to come!  I LOVE to adapt to my class' needs, execute a successful brand to start the year, and enjoy the opportunities and rewards of teaching!



Unleashing Your Creative Genius

Did you know that you are a creative genius?  Yes, you!


Unfortunately, there's this pervasive myth out there that people are either born with a creative gene or they're not. Those individuals showing musical or artistic talent with a free spirit are automatically labeled as creative and inspired, while others that are gifted as analytical thinkers and function better with structure are considered smart, but unimaginative. The people perceived as inspired, creative souls are credited with beautifying our world. The people perceived as the intelligent, normal souls are the ones that automatically take care of business...boring, but necessary.Let's just set the record straight right now. Everyone is creative. EVERYONE. We are all "makers" of some sort.*  Somehow people have been led astray to believe that if they can't think of an original idea, they must not be creative. Through my journey as an educator and an observer of human beings of all ages and in many settings, I have come to conclude this- creativity comes in many forms and it takes all of these forms to make our world go 'round. Turns out that I'm not the only one that has seen this phenomenon and felt compelled to share about it.


My summer reading material explains the different approaches of creativity perfectly. Through reading LAUNCH by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani, I was thrilled to learn the names that match these creative groups and have the characteristics described in a way that easily communicates the importance of each type. And YOU are one of them!

The authors share that there are six types of creative individuals. They also acknowledge that a person may not be one type exclusively, but can display characteristics of more than one type. It was eye-opening to me to discover how some of the things I know about myself are just different facets of my own brand of creativity. As I summarize the different approaches taken from the text, see if you can figure out your own creative style. Because you have at least one. Trust me.

*1) The Artists- love to design things from scratch. It's all about making something new and they tend to be confused as to why someone would want to stifle creative genius by having a standardized system. They view creativity as natural, messy, and normal. Vibrancy and inspiration are key aspects in the approach of Artists.

2) The Geeks- are fascinated by ideas and find joy in tweaking existing models. They view creativity as a way to bring order from chaos. Information and research are exciting frameworks to be explored. They remind everyone that sometimes creativity happens through systems and structures.
3) The Architects- design new systems by bringing together the individual messiness of the Artist with the system thinking of the Geek. Their creative vision thinks about systems, people, science, and art and can develop a "structure" that has a profound influence on others.
4) The Engineers- are always on the search for a better solution. They find creativity in trying things out, analyzing the process, and then refining for the best outcomes. They excel at divergent thinking and can be very practical and hands-on in their approach.
5) The Hackers- work to tear down broken systems to create something better. Their roles are like  "life hackers" as they find ways to keep things fresh and push innovation. They are attuned to needs of others. By turning systems upside down, they offer new alternatives.
6) The Point Guards- enjoy creating experiences rather than products. They can think differently in the moment to create opportunities for others. Their strength is being able to view different perspectives, think on their feet, and offer experiences that were unanticipated, but beneficial.*


I see parts of the Artist, the Geek, and the Point Guard in my creative approach, especially in my job as an educator.  I THRIVE on creating inspiration-filled lessons for my students and put emphasis on designing a unique setting for their learning (Artist). I do, however, depend on systems already in place, but am constantly looking for how I can "tweak" something and tailor it to meet the needs of my students in regards to the unique personality of the class (Geek). Finally, one of the biggest joys for me as a teacher is when I seize opportunities to bring families and students together in a meaningful partnership for the benefit of the student and the connectedness of school and family in an experience they weren't expecting (Point Guard). I am passionate about making these connections! The feedback I get from parents when I exercise my creativity in these ways is very encouraging. It reminds me of my purpose in life. The excitement that I sense in my interactions with students is an essential part of why I love teaching. It reminds me of the vital importance of my job in developing life-long learners. These results provide motivation to keep loving, guiding, training, investing in, and reaching out to my students and their families each year.

Maybe you've never realized that when you endeavor to try to get rid of an outdated or poorly functioning system at work or in your home, you are demonstrating your creativity by being a Hacker. It could very well be that you have never realized how your perceived outlandish solution is actually divergent thinking functioning as an Engineer-type and very much needed to solve problems in a practical way. What about the fact that you always seem to know how to collaborate with different personalities and are able to develop a network or event that helps people because you brought them all together as an Architect?  Lay claim to your creativity. Exercise it. And watch what it can accomplish while bringing you fulfillment in the process.


Consider the title of this blog. You CREATE the joy. It is one of my core beliefs that in order for us to achieve fulfillment and enjoy life to the fullest, we must create. It's who we are. My belief in this is so strong, it was a driving force in starting this blog about eight months ago. If you look at it through a spiritual lens, I can explain it like this: God, the Ultimate Creator, made us in His own image. If we were made in God's image as a creator, then we also have as part of our being the ability and compulsion to create. Isn't it exciting to think how God our Father designed us and empowered us with the capacity to make this world a better place as we exercise our capacity to create in all these wonderful forms? Your world- your family, your work, your friends, your church, your causes- they all need your approach, my friend.  Adapt to the situation, execute your special brand of unique creativity, and enjoy making a difference!


*These descriptions are either paraphrased or directly quoted from the following source:
LAUNCH- Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani; published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., 2016

Creating Family Memories with Mid-Missouri Day Trips

Summer, how I love thee!  Let me count the ways.


Devil's Icebox- Columbia, MO

Oh, wait...that would take too long because there are just so many reasons to celebrate summer!  By the time school starts in the fall, everyone wants to look back at the past couple of months and be able to say, "Now, THAT was a great summer!" 

Besides summer school, working part-time jobs, and attending camp, our family has made it our mission to enjoy one day trip PER WEEK this season.  One big reason we've dubbed this the "summer of fun" is knowing how close we are to launching our oldest into the world (only 2 short years and he graduates-yikes!) and deciding to really make the most of our last two summers together. It doesn't have to be super expensive to make memories and enjoy shared experiences!  My partner in chaos management (a.k.a. husband Mike) excels at planning trips and vacations and has completed the list of prospective attractions that appeal to Team Edinger.  Most of these locations we've visited before, but there are a couple of new ones we want to try.  Lots of these places are free admission (not all), but you may have to pay for parking. If you have a family and need to "get out of Dodge" for a change of scenery and some family bonding (notice I did not say anything about relaxing- day trips take energy for a one day execution) with less than a 3 hour drive, you should check out some of these fabulous family fun spots on our Destination To Do List:

Elephant Rocks- Belleview, MO

Fugitive Beach- Rolla, MO

*Deanna Rose Farmstead-
Overland Park, KS

Grant's Farm - St. Louis, MO

Onondaga Cave - Leasburg, MO

 

Powell Gardens Jurassic Gardens-
Kingsville, MO

Lake Ozark State Park- Lake Ozark, MO

 

 

Ha Ha Tonka - Camdenton, MO

Runge Nature Center - Jefferson City, MO

 

 

For some added fun, we like to do a little trip critique and all of the E boys get to give their opinion on various aspects of the attraction/trip and give a 0-5 star rating. Their commentary and viewpoints are hilarious and good feedback from a kid's perspective.  It honestly helps us as parents know how to make the next trip even better and what is most appealing to our boys as they grow and change. As I consider it, their ratings would probably make a fairly entertaining blog post at summer's end! Now, it's time for us to gas up the minivan, stock the cooler, and head down the highway towards our next memory in the making!

*I realize Deanna's Farmstead is in Kansas, but it is too good not to include in our list!