Today I’m sharing a slightly revised story you may have seen before. It was written by Dr. Robert McNeish in 1972. If not, or as a reminder, I hope you are inspired by this life metaphor, and hopefully pass on this important message.

It’s always so beautiful to watch geese flying overhead. Did you ever wonder why they fly in formation? Nature is amazing in its simplicity.

Life lessons that make a difference:

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson #1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson #2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson #3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership- interdependent with each other.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed.

Lesson #4: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging, helpful, constructive, and supportive.

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow to protect him. They stay with him as long as possible or launch on their own with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson #5: If we have as much sense as the geese, we’ll stand by each other and help each other, just like that.

As we reflect on the closing of our school year, make new plans, share our successes, the lesson of the geese is a good one. Wherever we teach, our learning community is strengthened by working together for the common good and taking care of each other.

Whenever you see geese flying overhead, think of the life lessons you can share with your colleagues, family and friends. The lesson of the geese makes sense in these rapidly changing times. Some things are just timeless.

Here is the original story and a little more about the author. I would love to hear from you after you read it. How can we work together on behalf of all children who all learn best, differently?

Wishing you all a healthy, happy, restful summer.

Leaving footprints on your reading hearts,

Rita