Signs of Spring

The 6 year old I live with has totally enjoyed taking walks over the past month seeking signs of spring.



At first you have to look diligently to notice any change.




Then it becomes more noticeable.

Then we can see that the cycle of life is in full swing.

 Then one day we notice in almost a surprised way that there are real plants all around us.








That's how it works in the classroom, too.  We wonder if our students will learn anything this year.  And then we begin to notice hopeful signs of growth.  And then we see that there is growth and change and progress and maturity.  That is when we know that we have done our jobs.

{I don't know of any standardized test that is able to notice these subtle nuances.  That may be the greatest flaw in the current and pervasive thought in how to evaluate teachers.  Please let me know if you know of a test that notices the little signs of change that give us hope as teachers!}