Not Only Is Stratford Beautiful...

Just a couple hours ago, 21 of us got home from our school's 8th annual trip to Stratford, Ontario. It's so refreshing there. It's beautiful: the river running through the town and the quaint shops lining the main street. The economics of the town are what they are because of the theatre. The town is what it is because of the theatre. Its economy is based on art.

But the town isn't the only wonderful part of this trip. The students--when given the opportunity to be awesome--are just that: awesome. Over and over this weekend, I was reminded about the energy of youth--as well as the kindness, ingenuity, excitement, and gratitude.

When students doing something they love--they'll work together to create a wonderful experience. They'll want to show themselves as responsible, caring people--even to strangers.

When we give students opportunities to shine in something they like and want to do, they'll do it beautifully.

Now, how do the same principles work in the classroom? Do they? Can they?