Believe in the Magical, Not Magic

At the heart of every school lies a certain kind of magic. One that isn’t spun from spells or enchantments but from the everyday moments of wonder and connection that make our work truly special. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the "magical" rather than the "magic" in our classrooms.

I believe in the magical, not magic. Forget wands and potions, I don’t need or want them because I am an educator. There is a kind of magic happening in our schools every day that doesn’t require any sorcery. It’s the everyday wonder of learning and teaching that turns ordinary moments into something truly special. Specifically, just take a moment to think about the little victories in your day with students. How about the moment when the light bulb truly goes on inside the head of the student as they finally grasp a concept. The sparkle in their eyes is magical. These aren’t the results of enchantments but rather the product of hard work, dedication, and the belief that extraordinary things can happen in the classroom. They happen because you meticulously plan for them. The trick is to stay motivated everyday and keep the magic alive. I think it starts with embracing the magical moments. It’s okay to high five a student, or just the air for that matter. Pump your fist at the small achievements and you will feel your energy rise. This will also help to build the connections with your students that will ultimately lead to more magical moments. The cycle can remain unbroken with your enthusiasm. It will breed excitement for learning. Most importantly, when the day is done, reflect. Talk to colleagues about the magical things we witness every day. By focusing on these moments, we can find inspiration in the familiar and celebrate the remarkable journey of learning. So, let us all believe in the magical, because we have witnessed it. The next time you experience it, give pause, smile, and perform a little champions dance. It is what inspires teaching. So dance like nobody's watching, and if they are, smile and wave. They just witnessed the magical.

Until next time...