Saturation is the state or process that occurs when no more of something can be absorbed, combined with, or added.
Yesterday when I shared a thought with a colleague, that colleague looked at me with a blank stare. That's when I new he had met the saturation point in the year--a time in the school year when you've met the limit for new ideas, problems, and thought.
It's not surprising that educators are meeting their saturation points this spring since it was a year of multiple initiatives and the continuation of new endeavors from last year. Right now educators are completing student evaluations and educator evaluations. They're giving tests and taking courses. They're also planning curriculum, organizing special events, and waiting for news of next year's assignments.
Students also begin to meet saturation points at this time of the year--they're overloaded with tests, homework, new learning, and spring sports--it's a busy time of year.
When the saturation point hits, it's important to take a step back and deepen rather than add anything new. It's okay to jot down new ideas for the future, but as far as implementation--this is not the best time. The saturation time is also a good time to acknowledge each others needs and build a more caring community.
Heed the signs of saturation, step back, and make time to enjoy the students amidst all the activity of the last quarter of the school year.
Note: I wonder what brain scans look like at saturation points--what is the cognitive result of saturation?
