Today I had the pleasure of once again indulging myself by getting consumed into the world of another incredible audiobook.   I have one more CD to finish and then I have no doubt that my reflections will be highlighted in one of my upcoming posts (or as a result of the richness of this book ~ it may spill into two entries).  So, today’s post isn’t about the book, but about a famous quote that the author uses to support the story line.  At one point in the story, the supporting character recites the famous Michelangelo quote, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free” to the lead character as a challenge for him to create a likeness of his pet from a piece of wood. The multi-layer meaning of this quote goes well beyond physical carving and reaches deep into the heart of inspiration and believing in those things we cannot see yet.

As educators, we believe that every child can succeed, although the results may not be immediate. We see the greatness that every child possesses and knows that there are no limitations to what they can achieve, given the right set of circumstances.  It becomes our job, as the artists, to know which tools to use as we illuminate a child’s talent for the rest of the world to see.  It may be teaching a child to read ~ as we know that all children must be able to access print that is meaningful to them.

It may be supporting a child’s dream of playing an instrument, dancing or following in Michelangelo’s footsteps and becoming an artist.

But in order to truly “set the angel free”, we as educators need to know our students. We need to know what inspires them, what frustrates them, what will motivate them to reach their goals.   Only then, will we, as the artists, know which tools to pull from our toolkit as we begin to uncover the masterpiece that lies within each child.

What are some of the “tools” in your artist’s toolkit that you use to release the talents of your students?

Come write with me….