Evidence of Growth

Have you ever planted seeds with a young child? Perhaps you’ve even done this with your students. You plant each seed, cover it gently with a layer of soil, give it a little water, and place it in a good spot for sunlight. Then what happens? About every five minutes, that child will have the urge to check for evidence of growth. They almost can’t help themselves! It’s like waiting and watching for magic to happen. And, to be honest with you, I feel the same way as an adult. I get so excited for springtime and planting and watching and waiting for growth. 

When we are excitedly anticipating growth, we will most likely see it sooner. Our eyes are conditioned to look for the tiny specks of light green or the slightest changes in the soil. The same is true for our students. At the beginning of the school year, we are often looking so closely for any evidence of growth or progress, and we celebrate those breakthrough moments! In March, the energy to look expectantly may have diminished a bit. This is understandable! We have been through a lot this year. 

Today, I’d like to invite you to begin with fresh eyes again. What might March reveal that September didn’t? Look expectantly for evidence of growth. You could even ask students what evidence of growth they notice! They may see their progress differently. May you be surprised by sweet glimpses of forward momentum and expansion in your midst.