Mapping The Forest

My students want teachers to talk more. They also desperately want us to talk less. Even stranger, sometimes the same student wants both. I wasn’t even looking for this. ~~~~~~~ It began in a book store, when, after nearly an hour of discussing my recent book, the moderator turned to the audience and asked what I had been waiting all night for: Does anyone have any questions? I wondered what parts they wanted to hear more about. What concepts needed more clarification.

I enjoy walking the trails in a park not far from my house. When I want to get the lay of the land or plan out my trip, I bring a map. When I want to simply wander letting my interest guide my path, I don't. There are times I focus on the animals: the sounds they make, how they move, where they rest. There are times I focus on the trees: some have interesting shapes, others have fallen from a recent storm. I go for as long as my mood or my body can take me. It means that e