Every summer for many years, a friend of the family, a retired teacher, could be found hip deep in the cold water of the Rio Grande, his fishing line splayed out into the river, and the sun reflecting off the rushing water. It took such patience to wade out there and cast the perfect arc of his line so that it sunk right where he aimed. And he’d wait, and wait and sometimes reel one in and pocket it into his creel. Sometimes he’d come home empty handed. Every year through Oklahoma winters he’d sit contentedly making flies, and each one was directed to a different kind of fish, and each one was a work of art. This planning and building was important to the process. When asked why he did this: plan, create, practice and perfect his craft—especially since it didn’t always result in bringing home any fish—he’d just say: “Well,you know… they call it fishing. Not catching."
What an amazing thought that is: to think about process, and how sometimes the results are not the point. In education today, the emphasis, we are told, is to be placed on the product – and the results had better point to success. Did we “reel in” our students and teach them what they needed to know so that they can pass the test? I hope that when one comes to visit our school libraries that what they see are teachers who are standing back and helping their students demonstrate their interest, creativity and learning using the tools that we can offer.
I hope that the process is as valued as the product and that one day, someone will walk through those doors, look around and say: “Well, you know… they call it learning. Not teaching.”
Connie Williams is a high school librarian and an advocate for school libraries. Connie loves to read and loves talking 'story' with others. You can contact her via email, or leave a comment below. She also wants to see YOU this week in Chicago!
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