Sparks!

Posted by Nicki Peasley Share Your Voice

Our Leaders as Learners allowed some sparks to fly at Moody Middle School on Tuesday... and it was a beautiful sight!

Every 6th grader was asked to explore the question, "What lights you up?"  In Bounce speak, one's spark is their ignited core, all of one's passions, strengths, and values, lit up and ready to be turned loose on the world.  Peter Benson (www.ignitesparks.com) coined this term and has since become a Bounce hero.  "How can we help a young person fall in love with life?"  We ask them about their spark.  We affirm it. We celebrate it.  And most importantly, we help keep it lit.

Students were more than willing to take advantage of this rare opportunity to openly dialogue about their sparks.  It was wonderful to witness their faces lighting up as they talked about what is good and beautiful about themselves.   And the conversation deepened... "Wow, I didn't know that about you. I thought you just liked to read."  "It's hard to keep my spark lit with all the other stuff I have to do."  "We have to help each other keep our sparks lit." 

In the end, students created clay representations of their sparks, now proudly displayed on table tops and window sills, serving as daily reminders of who they are at their core.

Our question to the leaders, "How will you use your experience in the classroom in your homes, your workplaces, your communities?" Response:  Everyone deserves the chance to share their sparks... and it is our responsiblity as leaders to recognize the 12 year old that lives in all of us, needing to be heard, valued, and kept lit!

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Nicki Peasley I am the CEO of my home, managing a team consisting of a 40 year old, an 11 year old, an 8 year old, and a 6 year old. In my spare time, I am the YOUth development director for Bounce, writing curriculums and working (playing and learning) with elementary and middle school youth.