Learning lessons

School starts tomorrow, and I'm reminded of the lessons I've learned as a relatively new student of aikido. The most important ones that transfer to my work in the classroom are an empathy with those who struggle to grasp a concept (as those of you who witness my movements on the mat clearly understand) and the value of partnership and group learning. I have a few students in my class this year for whom English is not their first language, and I know they will struggle. I'll try to remember that aikido is a new "language" for me and try to figure out how I can best help them.