Sanctuary

Yesterday our classroom officially became a sanctuary. The comfort with which we were able to write and reveal our "I Am From..." poems affirmed that we have a safe place not only in class, but also within each other. We reached a new level of comfort and respect.

I am fascinated with the idea of sanctuary and how it can take many forms. I used to only envision a sanctuary as a religious structure, such as a church or a temple. Maybe this was because I never felt that I had sanctuary elsewhere as a child. The idea of such a place being anything else but a structure was an anomaly.

Now, the bigger question is this: how can I make my future classroom a sanctuary, both literally and figuratively? How do I build community of respect and openness among children? Zalika has successfully guided us, as we have guided each other, to a place of trust. I am hopeful that as my classroom becomes a sanctuary of its own, my students will reveal themselves as who we know they already are: compassionate beings, individuals tolerant of differences, big thinkers, artists of the mind and body, and above all, beautiful, loved people.

Thank you, Cohort 1, for making me comfortable while reading my "I Am From..." poem. I haven't felt quite so "heard" in a long time, and you encourage me with your goodness.