We collected leaves. She instructed us to gather different colours, shapes, and sizes, to listen as our rubber boots crunched over them. Next, we sat in a circle along the trees with our treasures in our laps, and oh-so-beautiful Mrs. Pochipinski smiled, then invited us to smell our autumn leaves.
This morning's episodic memory experience has me wondering. What prompted this memory? Why was it so sudden and so vivid? Science teaches that our senses are linked to the brain's limbic system and those neural pathways are responsible for memory, thus our senses can trigger time-travel, especially smell as it connects more directly to the limbic system.
Yet, while walking this morning, I don't recall any particular smell. Perhaps today's falling leaves unconsciously evoked that same smell from Grade 1? Or was it the same time in the morning, the sunlight and colours just so? Or a combination of all?
I'd like to think there's only one answer to my questions: Mrs. Pochipinski.
It's clear to me my grade 1 teacher designed an engaging lesson about the human nervous system, one that employed ALL our senses. Revisiting it felt like happiness. But, did Mrs. Pochipinski—hired and entrusted to lovingly exercise and build our brains—intend for this to happen? A first-year teacher, did she intentionally aim to not only engage us in the novelty of Fall's beauty, but also fast-track our new sensory knowledge into long-term memory? And wouldn't it be fantastic if she knew that someday, somewhere, she'd also be responsible for a little morning hike time-travel moment? Yes, yes, and I'd like to think also yes. For my low-key obsession with trees, and for my straight up obsession with description, thank you, Mrs. Pochipinksi.
Dear friends, teachers make magic. Please support the important work they do.
32 comments:
It is strange how memories pop into my head, things I haven't thought of, or even remembered, in years. One of the perks of an aging brain I guess:)
The UCP is the worst government that I have ever seen in my lifetime. The latest offer for the teachers is no different than the last, with the exception of adding the cost of the covid vaccination.
It is pretty interesting how certain memories are triggered at certain times. Our brains are amazing!
Stunning memories. Good teachers are underrated.
Good teachers and great friends. Makes for wonderful childhood memories ❤️
It surprises me what lies seemingly buried but slips out every now and then. My gr1 teacher was slightly crippled, but I remember kind of hanging around her during some recesses.
Yes, the free Covid shot (which everyone else in Canada already gets for free) was some bitter icing on that bargain rack cake, wasn't it?
I'm a big fan of brain science too.
True.
Codex: Did she intend it probably not but she prepared you to appreciate it.
Do you remember this too? Maybe Sharon does? It's my first clear memory of grade 1. Miss ya, friend.
They are with us our whole lives.
Well said, Codex. What was little Codex into?
Codex: Memory is still poorly understood. One breakthrough recently was that it's stored all over the brain not just one area as previously thought.
Codex: Huh? In terms of what?
Codex: if that was your question; collecting and exploring, but that was me not my teachers.
Yes, that's what I meant. Maybe there are more little Codex stories? When did you fall in love with science and art? Why?
I had some wonderful teachers. The ones I remember with great fondness were the ones who encouraged me to approach new experiences and skills in my own way. Those teachers provided some of the reasoning and love behind what I do. We may not be academic in my program, but we learn all the time.
News to me...maybe blog about this too? (I like learning from you.)
A good teacher can really help nurture a child’s love for learning. A bad teacher can stifle it. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful teachers, and I suspect that most people who get into the profession do it for the right reasons. I know 2 people, 1 is my brother, the other cousin…1 in his early 60s, the other in his late 20s, who had their teacher tell them they were stupid, when the real issue is that they were dyslexic. Neither one of them ever learned to like school, though thankfully they both still love to learn. And thankfully, they both had sone wonderful teachers along the way as well.
Discovered in the last decade. Then takes five years to make it into a book for scientific discoveries and years to make it's way to the public. It's actually incredible and will help in treatment except you know who is slowing it down.
Good teachers leave their imprint on you.
Codex: It's revolutionary. The more activities you do, the more neuronal growth, the less likely to end up with dementia.
Learn from you too *high five*
Codex: inate. It'll come off as conceited. Don't think there's an interest right now.
I remember a few things about my first grade teacher. Can't for the life of me remember who my fourth grade teacher was. Vaguely remember the rest of them. Interesting!
Count yourself as one of those wonderful teachers.
Count yourself as one of those wonderful teachers.
Yes, either way, a teacher can have a huge impact. My worst teacher was in university. I was struggling in his class and after a few meetings together, he said, "there's nothing more I can do for you." After many years with terrific teachers, this was a gut-punch moment, so I dropped his class dejected and disillusioned by my inadequacies until I realized he taught me an important skill: how not to teach. It also took me years to realize that his statement was more about his limitations than mine.
Love this word-choice, Bill. Insert fist bump here.
Among them influence can vary from student to student but hopefully everyone has at least one really great teacher. I had like five.
The world needs more Mrs. Pochipinksis, whether or not their intentions were so fully fleshed out.
Codex: The good ones mentor you into life. The bad ones and I've had a similar experience project their failures onto you.
A good teacher helps you know that you're even better than you think you are. I won't brag, but I've been lucky enough to have many of those teachers in my life.
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