BCS Teacher Spotlight: Devyn Indyk
My first contact with Devyn was last school year at the 2nd grade Poetry Cafe which was such an awesome display of creativity and fun. This year, Devyn Indyk, is one of our 4th grade teachers and I thought it would be fun to travel through her mind a bit to find out what makes Devyn...Devyn. Please enjoy her response to her favorite childhood memories and her vision for pouring into the lives of her 4th graders!
Written by Devyn Indyk
As a kid, my whole world revolved around my imagination. One day, I was a rock star, the next day I was a vet saving every stuffed animal in the house, and the day after I had a classroom full of imaginary friends. It seemed that every time my dress-up box was opened, or the stuffed animal lid rose a new memory was to be formed. I’d throw on that white skirt and veil and pretend to walk down the aisle, or that long strand of plastic pearls and walk to the grocery store where my sister sat at the play cash register. The world of play was whatever my sister Kaela and I had wanted it to be. Sure, Kaela and I grew up with Barbie dolls, and sing a long songs, but the best games and the best memories were those that didn’t involve much, just the love for each other and play.
As I grew up, the world began to change, much like it does for every generation. The Gameboy colors quickly began to fade and were replaced with iPads, and VHS movies became a thing of the past when Blue-Ray movies became a hit. In a world where things are handed to us and rules of play can be dictated, it’s harder and harder for kids to be creative. Critical thinking starts to fade, and imaginations aren’t always what they once were.
I’m not a parent, but in my somewhat short life of 24 years, I’ve seen, and heard a lot. I’ve been able to travel around the world on mission trips where I’ve seen kids both in and out of poverty, with and without families, but the thing that remains the same no matter where you go is a kid’s desire to laugh, and play. Imagination is key, and creativity is vital to a child’s learning and desire for knowledge.
In my classroom, we sing, laugh, and get messy, all while we learn. I strive to develop critical thinkers, by giving them options, and asking questions. Kids need choice, within boundaries that are set, but sometimes they can’t always be told. God has gifted each child with unique abilities, gifts, and thoughts and who are we to hold it all back? Some kids may think differently than others, but that doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong, but instead, they’re letting their imagination take charge, as they discover who God has created them to be. One of my favorite times of the day is when I take my students outside for a break. We don’t bring any toys, they just bring their imagination. I open the door and say, “Go have an adventure!”, and I sit on the step, and I watch my kids play secret agent, or fashion show, or a game they’ve made up and the joy they have when they return to the step with me is priceless. Why? Because they used their imagination.