I cannot think of a better way to begin the school year than by sharing this story with you-- A Wish For You. What a wonderful way to celebrate the start of a new school year. It really is full of inspiration. In fact, it is so contagious I bet you'll want to create your own story right-away. It was created by Lyn Hilt. (Her blog is worth checking out).
This creation came from Storybird and it is my first encounter with the site. It is nifty, don't you think? I have hopes to use Storybird with my students in small group counseling. I figure I will create stories and the group members will co-create their own as well. I will be sure to share them. You do the same, too. Happy Storybirding!
You may have seen this already. It is something I came across many years ago. The message still resonates with me and I revisit it from time to time. It also makes for a good lesson to use with my students. I'd like to share it with you:
Fact: As each bird flaps its' wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent greater flying range than if one goose flew alone.
Lesson to be learned: People who share a common direction and sense of belonging can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the strength of one another.
Fact: When a lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson to integrate: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.
Fact: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson to be mindful of: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging, and not something else.
Fact: When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again--or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or they catch up with their flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we too, will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
What lessons have you learned from animals? Please share the wisdom.
