As I was grading coursework for the Best Practices course that I teach, I was inspired by one student’s submission in which they reflected on teachers stepping out of their comfort zone to implement an emergent curriculum. It made me pause and reflect on just how true that is, for every aspect of living as a human, not just as an early childhood educator. In order to evolve into our future versions, we really do have to find the courage to shake things up and dip a toe into the unfamiliar.

What’s the last thing you did that was scary? Not haunted-house-scary, but rather in the context of trying something new and unfamiliar. Tell us about your experience.

I’ll go first, to break the ice.

I am an extroverted introvert but it’s really hard for me to talk to strangers, especially when I’m out in public. I was approached by a friendly neighbor while waiting at the bus stop and I participated in his chatter. While this happened, another neighbor approached with her pitbull and joined into the conversation. I jumped at the chance to pet this beautiful puparoo and got to chat with her for a bit before the group disbanded.

This weekend, she stopped by and asked if the kids would be out trick or treating — because if they were, she would run out to get candy. She seemed excited about the idea of having young children in the neighborhood again. I’ve yet to see children in our neighborhood though one has a grandson I’ve seen riding a PowerWheel once. She also invited me over for wine & this was exciting because I’m still awkward about making friends.

Okay then, who is feeling brave enough to share their experience?