On Thursday, not only did I add a trick to my bag, I had a moment of realization. Students are under so much social strain, and are developing at such a rapid rate, that they often put up a tough or lazy or apathetic guise that can be hard to break through. They strive to appear older and tougher than they are, but I found a way to break through this barrier; reading out loud. Even in my noisiest, most raucous class of fourteen and fifteen year olds, once I start reading "The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas" to them, they quiet down. Their silence shows me they respect me as a teacher, and my voice shows them I care about them as people, that they aren't just receptacles to challenge, inform and control - I've also been reading in a lovely German accent for some of the nasty Nazi characters and I like to think my embarrassing performances will get them out of their shells.
Really though, I don't care who the student is, nobody is too cool to be read to.
Will...your prose is already growing in its strength and vitality, just as your 'bag of tricks' grows. Your grandpa is very proud of your willingness to learn while you teach! And, of course, so is Grandma L.
ReplyDeleteWe hear you'll be having a roomie soon? Love you! GG and GL