If Clothes Make the Man, Shoes Define a Woman

I must have a thing for shoes. My husband has been complaining and proclaiming that for years as he has stumbled through my side of the closet, tripping over the multitudes of shoes that land wherever I've kicked them off. And once again, much to my dismay, he is right, I am a shoe-aholic.

That is the first step isn't it, admitting an addiction to yourself? My next realization is why I love shoes so much...they set my mood. If I have on a cute, sexy pair my whole day goes better. Yesterday I wore my black loafers for the first time this shoe season, all day long I felt old, worn out, unable to get some vim and vigor in my day. Today I almost bounced into the office, I felt younger, happier, full of vinegar and it was because of my shoes. Today's shoes are a cute little pair of shiny brass colored Mary Janes that clicks when I walk. A pair with spunk. And today I feel energized, ready to tackle the never ending list of loose ends that never seem to get tied up.

I shared this observation with the gals in the office and immediately we launched in to how our outfits make a difference in our day. Anywhere from the wrong shirt or slacks, a pucker here, a odd color there can make a difference in how we act or view our day. The old saying, clothes make the man isn't too far from the truth. How we feel about our physical appearance does make a difference in how we view our surroundings, our productivity and our outlook on life in general.

It's the same for our students. How they feel about themselves can make a difference between learning or just existing. Think how not "wearing" the right language would make you feel. You may be "dresses" with an outfit of language that gets the message across in a simple way but do you really get your deep, sophisticated thoughts conveyed? It's an outfit, it's a covering all the necessary parts but you just don't feel right. It's our job to help our English language learners get their outfit just right.  One way to do that is to work together with other teachers around us, collaborate and co-teach to bring our students the best education possible. Two great authors on this topic are Dr. Maria Dove and Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld. Their book, "Collaboration and Co-Teaching Strategies for English Learners" provides insight to how, who, what, when, where, and the why of collaboration and co-teaching. I recommend a visit to their website for other great resources, http://coteachingforells.weebly.com

So tomorrow when you get ready for your day, think about how you feel walking out of your closet. Do you click with excitement?