Ever since I watched the first episode of Sex and the City, I’ve always harbored a deep desire to have a desk positioned by a window where I could write, just like Carrie Bradshaw. This dream has always held a special place in my heart, not only as a woman but also as a writer. Writing has been a passion of mine, but for quite some time, my own writing journey seems to be lost. I couldn’t seem to find my voice. I didn’t know the sound of my own voice and if I did, I could not hear myself. Over the years, I have written about all sorts of things – my thoughts while running, my difficult experience with divorce, and the overwhelming weight of loss and grief. Sine the pandemic, finding my voice became a difficult task. But then, something remarkable happened; it was as if someone had flipped a switch inside my mind. It is as if somebody turned on the keyboard in my brain and said just start writing. And so I did. And I have. The words come to me at all times of the day and the night. People wonder why am up sometimes at 3 AM sometimes. And it’s not my cortisol levels! I mean it might be my cortisol levels but sometimes I get an idea and I want to start writing. The words are there and I can’t get them out fast enough …. I just want to write. It seems that creating a space where I am able write, surrounded by things I find inspirational and beautiful didn’t just open up a door to that space, but it opened up a door to my mind, the door to closet where the words have been stored. I don’t know exactly what form my voice will take now, but I do know that the words are starting to flow….. Like the sun like flows through the window into my brand new office. Peace. #forwardisapace #tutulady
Reflection. As a part of my video creation class we were tasked with writing a reflection at the end of the class. I reflect on my learning journey in this course, I am filled with excitement and a newfound sense of empowerment. Two crucial lessons stand out, which I know will significantly impact my future work as a teacher. Embracing a Growth Mindset: Throughout this course, I learned the value of trying new things and embracing a growth mindset. Learning to create videos and integrating them into my teaching was initially daunting, but I discovered that learning is a trial and error process. The feeling of success that follows after overcoming challenges and frustrations is truly exhilarating. This mindset shift will be an integral part of my future work as an educator. I will encourage my students to adopt a growth mindset and approach learning with a sense of curiosity and determination. By fostering an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, I believe my students will develop greater resilience and enthusiasm for learning. Green Screen Videos for Reading Confidence: One thing I’m eager to incorporate into my classroom is green screen videos. As an ELA teacher, the potential of having students read picture books and create videos for younger grades excites me. This creative approach not only bolsters students’ reading confidence but also enhances their self-esteem as they take on the role of storytellers. Utilizing green screen technology will immerse them in captivating virtual settings, making the learning process enjoyable and engaging. These videos can serve as powerful teaching tools for younger students, inspiring a love for reading while strengthening the bond between older and younger learners. Moving forward, there are still specific aspects I wish to learn to further enhance my teaching and video integration skills. Advanced Video Editing Techniques:To make the most of green screen videos and create professional-looking content, I want to learn advanced video editing techniques. This includes refining transitions, adding visual effects, and improving the overall quality of the videos. I plan to explore video editing software that will help me master these skills as well as explore editing software to make this more accessible for students. Assessing Video Impact on Student Learning: While creating videos is exciting, I want to learn more about how to assess the impact of these videos on student learning outcomes. Understanding how to measure the effectiveness of video integration will allow me to continually improve my teaching methods and tailor the content to better meet my students’ needs. During this course, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could achieve on my own, despite my initial lack of video acumen. Through patience, perseverance, and the support of this learning community as well as an encouraging instructor, I learned valuable lessons about the creative process. I discovered that I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for, which has boosted my confidence as an educator and video creator. As for something I wish was covered more in this course, I would have loved to explore ways to address digital literacy challenges among students. While we focused on video creation, understanding the responsible and ethical use of technology is vital in today’s digital age. Incorporating digital literacy lessons into video creation could prepare students to navigate the digital world responsibly. In conclusion, this course has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and mindset needed to innovate in my teaching practice. I am excited to integrate green screen videos into my classroom and witness the positive impact on my students’ reading confidence. I am also eager to continue my learning journey, mastering advanced video editing techniques, and finding ways to assess the effectiveness of video integration in promoting student learning. Through these efforts, I am committed to empowering my students and fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. Peace. #tutulady #forwardisapace
About yesterday…. Those that know me know that delegation is NOT my strong suit! I like to just do it all myself…. but yesterday I stepped outside my comfort zone and delegated. What a liberating experience! My other Mama Bears stepped up in grand style showing up with a tent, table, snacks, water and HUGS! This is our second year participating in this event and it was a joy once again! I saw people wearing all sorts of shirts and some of my favorites were, “I love my gay child,” “Proud Mom” “Proud Dad” and “Will Trade Racists for Refugees” ! And I hugged….one armed! Boy did I hug! And I listened. I listened as one of my favorite Queens read a beautiful story to children titled, “Families, Families, Families” while children interacted with the story in the sweetest way, sharing what their families look like. I listened as a woman told me how she recently moved her family from California to Evanston in order to continue safe healthcare and an affirming community for her children. I listened to a woman share that she was learning to ask how to use correct pronouns. I listened to a mom share how she was learning to love the adult child in front of her and grieve her own losses. I listened to a man who had gotten engaged in the past year and was planning the wedding of his dreams all while preparing for the longevity of marriage by going to couples therapy with his partner. I listened to a young woman tell me that she attends family events alone as her partner is not welcome and her family does not acknowledge her partner. I listened to a man tell me that his own father got a hug from a Free Dad Hugger last year and it seemed to open his heart a bit to his son. And I learned….I learned from one of my Mamas that the word of the day was “Bashert.” Bashert is a Yiddish word that means ‘destined’ or ‘meant to be.’ I felt that deep in my bones yesterday with each and every interaction. And it did not stop once we cleaned up to go home. I stopped at the store on my way home, yes….in my tutu and FMH shirt! I was stopped by 2 older (80’s) ladies in the parking lot….At first I was a bit apprehensive after my recent encounter at a local fast food establishment, but I stopped to talk to them. They told me they loved my outfit and thanked me for giving hugs. They were both banished (their word, not mine) from their families when the families found out they were in love and more than just friends. They have been together over 50 years and created their own family of people that love and accepte them. I hugged them both together for a long time….and they were so gentle and caring. I did not let go until they did and when we stepped apart….all of us were crying…in the parking lot of the grocery store! What a sight! I watched as they walked away with their arms around each other and thought how lucky they were to have found such love in one another. Another moment of beshert…..and another reminder of why hugs (and tutus) are so important. Love….and hugs….heal. Peace #tutulady #forwardisapace
ABC countdown – Letter R R is for rainbow R is also for rough, respect and report. It was was R for rainbow day. If you know anything about me you know that I am all about a theme day! And a theme day when I can wear a tutu? YES PLEASE! Plus looking silly is my jam! Midday I walked to the local Wendy’s to pick up lunch for teammates (not even my own!). While I was there a man started a conversation with me. I said I know I look silly and explained why. He then became agitated and stated calling me a ‘groomer’ and that rainbows had no place in schools. He then said he was going to take my photo and send to the the ‘school district.’ I kindly asked him not to take my picture and this enraged him. He got louder and the employee asked him to leave me alone and not take my picture……well…he was really angry now. He started to walk out and stated that he was going to wait for me outside. He did walk outside and got into a vehicle owned by the city. When I left he did follow me for a bit until I took a photo of the truck. I returned to school, filed a police report and also called the Inspector General of our city to make a report. I was and am concerned for my students and their families that frequent that Wendy’s. This man may have gay/queer people that work with him! Does he think all LQBTQIA+ people are a walking pride parade like I was today? No. They are everyday people in the community. Please do not comment “I’m sorry.” My first call on the way back to school, while still shaking, was to my son. I apologized to him that this is his reality. And I cried. One year ago we were in the ER getting him stitched because a homophobe bashed my sons face into a wall. This is what the LGBTQIA+ community faces in a daily basis. This is why I am and will always be a fierce ally. Allyship is not easy nor fun. The most ironic part of it all? Look at my hat…. “Be Kind” Peace #tutulady #forwardisapace
Seven years ago I took my son to his first Pride Parade. It was my first in a LONG time so we were both a bit nervous. A core memory was created for both of us that day. This year we were together again, but not as spectators. We walked together for Free Mom Hugs giving hugs throughout the parade route. Watching my son, his boyfriend, my daughter, their friends give hugs and spread love created another core memory. The sheer joy and emotion of the day is something that I will never forget. My son has gone from an unsure young boy to a confident gay man in the blink of an eye. It has not always been an easy journey for either one of us. Along the way he has shown me what fearlessness looks like, as well as grace and tough love when needed. And, most importantly, he has taught me what it means to be an LQBTQIA+ parent and active ally. He is my superhero. Being an ally is not always fun, nor is it easy, however, he has helped me to understand that it is so worth it! Representing Free Mom Hugs in the Pride Parade is an opportunity to give hugs to those who need them most. It is an opportunity to bear witness to those who need love and acceptance as they may not experience those things at home. So for over 3 miles, Free Mom Hugs walked into the outstretched arms of those who needed a mom/dad/brother/sister/ally hug. We listened as people told us their story. We hugged as people cried. We loved as people shared. We affirmed as people needed support. I am always amazed at the sheer number of people who do not feel affirmed for who they are and how they love. It is why I continue to be an ally and a safe space at home, at school and in the world. That journey all started long ago….with a boy and a cape. My superhero. Peace. #tutulady #forwardisapace
Kristine Binder 