Be a part of your class! Join in the lessons - the discovery - the learning! As Burgess says, "It's far more powerful to "swim" with your students."

Are you a lifeguard or a swimmer? “A lifeguard sits above the action and supervises...Although he or she is focused, there is a distinct sense of separateness...In contrast, a swimmer is out participating and an integral part of the action” (Burgess p.14-15)

I loved being immersed in my classroom. In fact, most adults would come into the room and not be able to find me. Why? I was on the floor. Sitting with students. Hunched in a corner with a group of students. I tended to be knee deep in whatever we were doing and I loved that!

"A lack of immersion in the present sends a clear, although unspoken, message that this moment is somehow less important and not significant enough to be worth undivided attention." (Burgess p.14)

Burgess explains that "immersion is felt by students in ways we don't even realize." Swim with your students!