Flexability

Today, was a rather unique day. Since we had 37 students, and 3 leaders, we didn't have a coordinator ringing the bell. This gave the day a very different feel. I felt much more relaxed after the initial panic because my wind-up watch seemed to have stopped at the first station. I was able to reset it and wind it more to keep it running the rest of the day. At any rate, because we were spread out with an empty station between us, we could be more flexible. I could stay at the kitchen station longer, also cider could go longer. It felt much less rushed, relaxed. I could respond to their questions, move when their attention started to wander. Technically it wasn't any longer than a normal day, but it felt much more relaxed. I wonder if this is more what a day feels like at school, and that a teacher has the ability to stay on a topic or move as needed. I love the structure of farm craft, I love knowing what to move to next, how the activities tie into each other. This is different than walking out on a trail and never being quite sure what it is you might see or encounter. This also allows me the ability to let the students know what is coming next. To say that we have # of stations prior to lunch for instance seems to help some of the students focus. I am still amazed by the difference that each day brings, and the need to keep being flexible, because that allows us to enjoy the differences of each day.