Welcome to the 6th Words That Encourage newsletter. After a month’s break, this week’s words come to you from Ireland. I am loving the crisp air, the festive sounds, and the warm hospitality.
i) Space for Learning
I begin a great new teaching position when I return to Australia later this month. After a dry season, the river of life has bubbled up with fresh water. I am thrilled to take up this opportunity to equip young people for their lives.
The sky and moon on a fresh Dublin morning
As you know from these notes to you, I enjoy commending hope with my words. This practice gives me life. Being a credible teacher is an extension of this work.
The daily words of a teacher make space for student expression. Teachers create rooms for learning where the person undergoes gradual development (see Vygotsky). With the help of teacher scaffolding, each student can build their understanding.
At the heart of learning are experiences of relating, challenge, change, movement, and life. It is by reflecting on these experiences that a person may uncover their freedom to be Sally, Sarah, Séamus, or Stephen; and to take next steps.
In looking back with gratefulness and a desire to learn from what was, the person can look forward with confidence for what can be. We can breathe in the hope for renewal.
“How are you?” Galway train station sign
ii) The Bar Manager (a poem)
On my first night on the west coast of Ireland, I was very impressed or moved by the approach and skill of the bar manager, and wrote some lines of verse over the next day or so:
The mood of the bar is winning / a peaceful cheer is on tap / each person is enjoying their table / each seat is filled with a grin.
Our leader is bearded and centred / he’s quiet and cares for his team / with a listening heart made for service / he makes the place more human.
Scanning the bar for its people / viewing the needs of his own / he sees what needs to be seen / and does what needs to be done.
The Bar Manager
Those eyes have seen all sorts / those ears are prepared for trouble / he moves to the beat of his own / and sings of a longing within.
From “no you’re not welcome / after your behaviour last week” to removing / the shadow slinking beside women; / he knows these patrons, his kin.
An attentive mind and a steady spirit / he waits for each moment unfolding / responding to a situation uniquely / specific to the need is his way.
iii) Great Irish Music
I share with you a traditional Irish music session I heard in central Galway on Wednesday. View my recording on youtube here.
Irish sheet music at P Powell and Sons Galway
Have a special weekend,James
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