Shouldn’t we teach all students as if they were Zach? In #openspokes we have been discussing what is important to teach our young people. I believe Zach’s message of hope is one all teachers as well as students can learn from. At the heart of teaching should be teaching from the heart and Zach tells us what is really important in life. As a school counsellor these are the lessons that really matter to me. Lessons like those from Zach that truly teach.
Zach is an amazing teacher. Here are some of his lessons:
- you don’t have to find out you are dying to start living
- most people live in the middle, but you don’t have to
- be empathetic and compassionate
- always look for the good in people
- things are OK when you believe in something greater
- what makes you happy is seeing someone else smile because you put it there
- what’s awesome about living in this world is that you can help people
- the structure of a family is great
- to be in the same room with your siblings is enough
- it is not the life in your years , but the years and passion you put into your life
- spend time with the people you love
- it’s ok to dream big
- celebrate the life you have
- you can communicate love through music
- music can heal
- releasing feelings through music is helpful
- letting people know you love them is important
- sticking together as a family is extremely important
- be happy no matter what
- treat people the same and everything will be fine
- smile despite what is happening in your life
- memories are essential…create positive ones
- friendships help
- fill your heart up with joy
- it’s ok to have ultimate dreams
- people we don’t really know can change our lives
- the way you live matters
- surround yourself with those people that lift you up
- LOVE makes life BETTER
Zach says it alll better than I could ever do, his message is one that I will share again and again. Thanks Zach for giving us your gift of life.
My hope is that teachers will pay more attention to the students we teach than the content. The lessons we teach can make a difference.
Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections 
Thanks for sharing life lessons Susan! I’m going to go search out my copy of Balcony People to add to my summer reading list!
Powerful post and video about Zach, Susan.
This is why you say, “My hope is that teachers will pay more attention to the students we teach than the content. The lessons we teach can make a difference.” I really liked these two “what makes you happy is seeing someone else smile because you put it there” and
“what’s awesome about living in this world is that you can help people.”
I think our connected communities, our Twitters and Google+ exemplify that — you ask a question, and someone helps out.
Wouldn’t it be great to notice when we, studentes and teachers, do this in schools? It’s why I love Dot Day. We make it “Dot Days” all year because you can never get enough kindness, or help someone learn to care about themselves by caring about others.
http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/get-started/what
Thanks.
Reblogged this on pause 2 play and commented:
Pause to reflect…
What is important in life? Sure, we need to know ‘stuff,’ but it’s people and how we treat each other that matter more. It’s how we communicate and help each other. We can be trained in the tasks we want to learn, but it’s hard work to learn patience, caring, sharing, clear communication, working together.
Play to learn…
So the next time you, as teacher, get stuck in the hard spot where the skills must be taught, but the kids are in need, remember this awesome post by Susan and Zach’s message.
Sheri: If I were in the classroom, I would so be doing Dot Days. I am happy to see you share my passion for what is important. Zach does have a very powerful message that I believe all sudents and teachers could hear and pass on.
I am going to suggest also watching the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
http://www.thelastlecture.com/
Brendan: Have already done so, thanks for sharing as I am sure others who haven’t will enjoy!