I have been retired from the teaching profession for several years, but it seems I haven’t left it completely. Some things I did still resonate with me and are relevant even today.
One thing I consistently did, and still do now, is account for how I spend my time, and whether that time was spent in a useful manner.
My style of teaching was ‘learner centered’ a method which gave students a great deal of autonomy in the learning that was to take place. The method involved a lot of stuff and took hours and hours to set up. I was a ‘hands on’ kind of teacher, who believed kids needed to interact with many props and media as I could dream up. Every time I opened a new topic, I would go hunting for more material to support the concepts I was teaching, and then I would arrange the various materials in a ‘learning center’.
I had accesses to two 4 by 8-foot tables, lots of room on which to display the myriad of materials and objects which my students could manipulate and move about as they explored the questions and problems that were presented.
I knew how important it was to allow my students to have some sense of accomplishment every day. Each learning center focused on an important skill I wanted them to learn. They could do research, experiment with science materials, make a presentation, or simply explore through reading. At the end of each learning session, and especially at the end of each day, I had them answer the question, “What did I learn today?”
Looking back, I marvel at what I had to do to succeed at a style of teaching that was innovative and somewhat risky. My supervisors frowned at a classroom setting which involved children milling about the room, interacting, and solving problems for themselves. I had to justify my methods with proof that learning was really taking place, in the absence of a teacher-centered curriculum. The fact that they could answer the all-important question, “What did I learn?” was my ticket to acceptance.
It still applies
Now, decades into retirement, I still do the exercise I drilled into each student, and, consequently into my own brain, “What did I learn today?” or “What did I accomplish today?” Sometimes, it takes a different tack and becomes “What did I enjoy today?”
Those are important questions. What is involved is an accounting of how I spend my time. The mere act of doing this exercise assists me in living each day purposefully, to make my life count.
Keeping in mind my current status, I have added a few more that are suitable for someone who is retired from a working life, but not a meaningful life. I constantly ask these questions of myself as I move through my day:
Did I read find an article or news bite in the daily paper that would teach me something, or elevate myself in any way?
Did I meet someone for coffee or a visit, someone who would add something positive to my life? Or, failing that, someone who gained something from our visit?
Did I go for a walk and marvel at a beautiful scene that I could write about, or simply capture on camera?
Did I do a small task which I have been putting off and, once completed, gave me a sense of closure?
Some parting thoughts
Evenings are my time to relax. If I did anything worthwhile that day, I have a profound feeling of satisfaction. Here are some thoughts that guide me in my search for a meaningful way to spend my time:
“Learn all that you can about happiness.”
“Let your talents lead you to new opportunities.”
“Make connections with people with whom you share interests.”
“Set goals that are challenging but clear.”
“Follow your internal compass when making decisions.’
“Help others when you can.”
For some people, purpose is closely connected to their vocation and finding meaningful, satisfying work is paramount. For others, living up to their family responsibilities defines their sense of purpose. Others seek meaning through spirituality or religious beliefs. And some people who need a broader focus, find their purpose expressed in two or more of these aspects of life.
I fall into the last category, with work being my primary concern and responsibility to my family a close second. If I have spent my time focusing on one or both of these areas, it has been a very purposeful day!
Well said, Diane. I share many of your thoughts and ideas. If I can say I learned something or did something productive at the end of the day, it has been a good one. Lately I’ve been struggling to achieve something worthwhile each day (aside from the usual housework) – maybe it’s gray skies and cold weather – but today I made myself a promise to go into my sewing room and do something useful. I did that (cut out the pieces for making a vest) and it feels good. Sometimes I need to give myself a nudge to get going, but it always feels good to have accomplished something each day.
My standards for productivity have changed lately. I’m always pleased when I complete anything, no matter how insignificant! Sadly, I no longer sew—unless someone else threads the needle for me!
Luckily, my Bernina threads itself, but I know what you mean. Everything is more of a challenge as we get older.
What a wonderful post! It’s great advice to remember to ask these questions. What a gifted teacher you were and are. It’s so maddening that you were asked to justify your methods there is still not enough respect for educations who train, grow and continuously learn and improve their skills.
Those were the days, Alexandra! I really enjoyed so many aspects of teaching. Kudos to all the teachers out there. It’s hard work, but very gratifying!
I share similar thoughts. My time of retirement has been just over a year however, I have continued with my life long learning and stay focused on keeping a scheduled that is healthy and productive. I am finding more balance in my day as time goes by and at the end of the day do a review and a gratitude list. Thanks for sharing.
Life long learning—I can’t think of a better term for the day to day learning that we are faced with from morning to night. It seems that we are presented with challenges that keep us on our toes and continuing to consistently explore and learn. I like your idea of doing a review at the end of the day and being grateful for the things we are given. You have inspired me!
“Learn all that you can about happiness.” I made that decision when I was in high school. I had been looking for my philosophy/basic purpose in life and decided that was the one that resonated the most. It didn’t sound very noble or inspiring, but I wanted my folks and loved ones to be happy and couldn’t control that. The best I could do was work on myself and understand what happiness was all about. Needless to say, it was a good choice.
Now my main job is to be as healthy and happy as I can so my daughter doesn’t have to worry about me. It’s going great.
It’s a big ‘aha’ moment when we realize that significant truth—that we can only work on ourselves. Once we get there, things seem to fall into place. At least that’s what I’ve found. I’m glad that it’s going great CM!
PS About the need to feel productive. I don’t have to worry about that because I’ve been posting on my blog every day for 9 1/4 years now. That ticks that box.
Wow, that’s quite a record! I’m impressed.
Diane, interesting post, lots to think about! I like to keep busy, and luckily for me necessity takes care of that aspect of life for me, I don’t have to do much intentional thinking about it, I just have to keep getting things done as the tasks present themselves. When I begin to feel I haven’t done anything in a day, I write things down as I do them, and that feeling goes away.
Writing things down as you complete tasks throughout the day is one way to prove to yourself that your day has been worthwhile. It’s a good plan—I like that approach! Thanks for that, Maggie!
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