This introduction is primarily designed to explain the method of presentation to a potential teacher/facilitator of the six-session workshop. Regardless of whether or not you are considering running an actual series of workshops, the Overview, Process Learning Circle format, and sample discussion questions will provide a context for understanding the why, what, and how of the program.
[Note: This workshop format is based on the work of Geoffrey and Renate Caine. It is explained in greater depth in their book Strengthening and Enriching Your Professional Learning Community: The Art of Learning Together]
OVERVIEW
Before I begin, I want to make it clear that in order for this program to be of value to yourself and/or to others, it is important that you feel free to take from it what you can use and leave the rest. Anything is fair game! I would appreciate being credited as appropriate – but much of what is contained in these sessions has been gleaned and adapted from a great many sources. Over the years I have come into contact with a great many wonderful teachers who have influenced my own journey. Even when I have created something entirely original, the inspiration has most likely come from another source – sometimes even unconsciously!
That said …
As the first three sessions developed in my mind, I came to realize that they fall into a category that I think of as “ON BEING.” In the first session, a simple template is used to help the participant (or yourself) to focus on their own passions, talents, roles, and support systems in order to begin to consider what they feel is their purpose … both on the planet as well as for taking the time to devote to this process.
The second session is designed to be fun. As we flesh out some of our own passions and desires for the future, we begin to realize that the decisions we make on a daily basis really do shape our future … hopefully for the better. During this time, and in fact, throughout the course, the template from the first session is kept handy as we remember more passions and talents that we can sometimes forget we have in our day-to-day lives.
The third session is where this all started for me. When I first left classroom teaching, I realized that burn-out due to stress was the single greatest problem for teachers. After retiring I further realized that stress is not confined to teachers! The world is simply moving too fast for most of us to stop and consider what’s happening to our minds and bodies. Emotions are experienced and dealt with in ways that can sometimes be detrimental to our own health and at worst, actually destructive to our relationships. Several tools are presented that, if used consistently, will help participants understand and channel their own emotions in ways that will bring health to their own bodies, minds, and relationships.
“ON DOING”
Session four was the direct result of an experience I had in a single moment on a single day over a decade ago. I was in that very familiar place when I was moving way too fast and the thought in my mind was “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME!” (Yes, that happens even after retirement!)
I still remember the feeling I had as I was literally running out of my bedroom, thinking “I don’t have enough time,” when I caught a glimpse of my own eyes in the mirror by the door and stopped cold. The words were my fathers: “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???” … Followed by … “You have 24/7 – just like everyone else on the planet!” That’s when I realized that I DO have enough time … it’s just a matter of consciously and intentionally deciding how to use it.
Session Five
Session Six
* This workshop format is based on the work of Geoffrey and Renate Caine. It is explained in greater depth in their book Strengthening and Enriching Your Professional Learning Community: The Art of Learning Together
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