Growing
up, I wouldn’t say that I was a picky eater, but there were definitely foods I
didn’t like. Mostly foods from the vegetable family, or foods that included
vegetable medleys. Green beans, peas, broccoli, squash, and tomatoes topped the
list. My mom was a pretty good cook growing up, but I can’t say that I liked
everything.
 |
| The Devil
We
usually ate dinner as a family, and the clear expectation was that we ate what
was put in front of us. This often times meant that my green beans “fell” into
the floor vent, it also exposed me to trying different foods whether it was at
our dinner table or someone else’s. If you put a new food in front of me, I
will try it, but no promises on if I will like it.
|
Armed
with this “mantra,” and with my taste buds changing over time, I have learned
that even some of my most hated foods could be good if approached from a
different angle. I still don’t like cooked peas, but throw some fresh peas in
an overnight salad or serve up a close relative in steamed edamame and I’m in.
Steamed broccoli still reminds me of rotten mayonnaise, but give me a stem of
fresh broccoli with some veggie dip and I’m in. My dad once cut green beans in
half and added these to the pancake batter before serving us “breakfast for
dinner” one night when Mom wasn’t home. I didn’t like it. I tried sautéing
various cuts of green beans in bacon grease (after all, who doesn’t like
bacon?). I didn’t like it. Nonetheless, when my wife and I serve green beans at
our house, Daddy has always mysteriously “already eaten” his before dinner even
starts!
Why
am I telling this story? Who cares about what Justin Miller shoves into his
face and what he doesn’t? I thought it was a good analogy to my life as an
instructional coach. I will try most anything at least once, including different
teaching and learning strategies. We can try new things together. I am willing
to play the role of cook and make some minor tweaks to something you already
do, much like offering fresh peas as opposed to cooked. I can be a fresh set of
eyes for an idea you have and help point out the pluses and pitfalls you might
not see. During dinner, my parents always eventually looked away, and little Justin dropped beans
down the floor vent in the kitchen. My parents didn't discover my deeds until years later when
they had their vents cleaned before listing their house (they may have
appreciated an extra set of eyes). I can help tweak an already good lesson, and
possibly make it great. Much like the #5 Vito sandwich at Jimmy John’s is so
much better without tomatoes.
 |
| Home of the 4 Star! |
Ask
us for help with just about anything, it’s our job. My mom could have mailed it
in and ordered Other Place pizza every night and I would have been perfectly
content. Instead, she chose to put different things in front of me. Some I
liked, and some made me gag. I have yet to find a way to like green beans, just
like I have yet to find a way to ensure every kid hands in every assignment on
time. I will keep trying what is put in front of me.
Is
this a challenge for you to line up at my door, with a jar of pigs feet or
mountain oysters? Not really, I’ve already tried these anyway. More trying to
illustrate a willingness and interest in trying new things with teachers. Do
you want to try a new lesson? I’m in. Do you want someone to go skydiving with?
I’m in. Do you want to invite me over for a dinner that includes green beans
and cooked peas? I respectfully decline.
