Envelopes of Inspiration

Last week, I spent some class time with the 6th Graders at Rolling Hills Country Day School (RHCDS). This time, I was asking the question, "Why does the moon change shape from night to night?" And from there, we launched into an exploration for an answer - into the motion of the Moon around the Earth, the effect of sunlight on both and an understanding that how the moons looks to us is really just about point of view. Judging by the questions and comments I received, I felt the lessons had been a success, that the students left the room with an understanding somewhat deeper than when they had arrived. In short, I was satisfied, but didn't think much more about it.

Today, however, I received an unexpected package when I came home from work - a manila envelope labelled Mr. Newton!!! - that could mean only one thing. I had to smile, for I knew instantly it contained notes from a host of 6th graders. I knew this because I've been blessed with similar packages in the past. The entire grade had written me thank-you notes for my lunar lesson. Some were simple words, some included elaborate drawings. Some made me laugh out loud, all thanked me for my time and effort, all warmed my heart.

Sometimes when I'm putting a lesson together, I catch myself wondering why I'm doing it. Sometimes I think it would be so much easier to not bother, to not arrange time off from work on a weekday, to not make another trip to the school. Luckily, those moments are quickly eclipsed by memories of manila envelopes stuffed with notes from appreciative children. At those moments, it's so very clear to me that a little enthusiasm rubs off so very easily on inquisitive minds - and their enthusiasm rubs off on me.

Thank you, children, for your attention, your wonderful questions, your enthusiasm and your imagination. You inspire me - once again - to listen, to answer, to imagine and to dream about the magic of the cosmos all around us! Most of all, you inspire me to teach again. So, get your pencils ready, get your minds thinking big, and we'll journey forth into the heavens again very soon!