I wrote this article some time ago for the local newspaper. It has great relevance as we prepare to begin another school year. Enjoy!
During our first winter in Sun Valley I spent several days skiing on Dollar Mountain with my youngest son Tully. I was attempting to do my fatherly best to support Tully’s desire and interest without overwhelming him. As an eager beginning skier, I outfitted him with the “Racer Chaser” and the “Edgie Wedgie.” As some of you, know these two contraptions are designed to support beginning skiers and allow them to enjoy the sport without risking the safety of themselves and, more importantly, the safety of everybody else on the mountain.
As the holiday progressed it became clear to me that Tully’s goal was to remove these devices as quickly as possible. The first to go was the “Edgie Wedgie.” This little strip of rubber attaches to the tips of the skis and prevents the skier from crossing their skis and falling face down in the snow. On about the third day out Tully took the thing off while riding up the chairlift and promptly tossed it to the ground below. On the next run down, he survived intact.
A few days later, it was time for the “Racer Chaser” to go. I was admittedly worried about this situation since I had a hunch that once Tully was free of my grasp (this device is essentially a leash for skiing) he might cause a few problems for himself and the other patrons of Dollar Mountain. After considerable debate and negotiation we decided it was time to give it a shot. I am proud to say Tully made it to the bottom of Quarter Dollar without falling and, even better, was actually able to stop himself before crashing headfirst into the lodge.
Reflecting back on this experience it occurred to me that this provides a wonderful metaphor for us as a school. Certainly, there are parts of our program in which it is necessary for us to provide “Edgie Wedgies” and “Racer Chasers” for our kids. As educators and parents we understand the need to provide support and guidance for our children to prevent them from hurting themselves and others. Indeed, these support mechanisms are essential.
That said, the golden moment in all of this is when we can remove the devices designed to keep them safe and let them out on their own. In the classroom, on the stage, in the outdoors, and on the athletic field we see this every day. Knowing when and where the time is right for removing the “Edgie Wedgie” and “Racer Chaser” is a fundamental aspect of the art of teaching -- an art that is practiced here every day.