I'm finding it surprisingly enjoyable to work with kids. Enjoyable because it's fulfilling. I could make maps of every nature reserve on the planet and not influence one person out there, but with kids, I actually get some sense of accomplishment, and some sort of happiness I don't think I've experienced before, even as a latch key leader. I think that's because of two things: 1. I am older and see things differently than I did as a self-conscious 17 year old and 2. The kids here nab up every little creative tid bit you offer them and simply run with it. All you need to do is say "write a poem about nature", hand them a pencil and a piece of paper, and watch a poem unfold itself. They crave active, creative thinking like nothing I've seen. In school, they are lectured to and treated, from what I've heard, like sub-humans who need nothing more than bread, water, and 50 pages of reading to survive on. Not all, of course. My Romanian tutor teaches English and I can tell she is different than the majority of teachers, which is hopefully a sign that things will slowly change. But after a semester of being yelled at and read to, what kid wouldn't love to do the hokey pokey? Or draw their own super hero? Or come up with their own theme song? Things that were generally met by groans of annoyance from the kids I worked with at Latch Key. "Do we have to?" they would ask, instead of my new favorite "how many colors can we use?" All of them. Use them all. They're your colors and you can do whatever you want with them...followed by a smile of satisfaction and a burst of imagination across an empty sheet. Perfect.
In case you haven't done the hokey pokey in a while:
You put your right hand in
You put your right hand out
You put your right hand in
And you shake it all about.
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn yourself around
That's what it's all about.
Best when completed with a couple little kids around. Since that's what it's all about.
6 comments:
You have some teachers in your history. Your grandmother, Mabelle was an elementary teacher and of course you know the reward I get from teaching kids to read. Your sister loves teaching older kids about biology. I know there are a lot of adults who go back and get their teaching degree just for the reasons you mentioned. Also many American teachers who visit abroad say the same thing, kids overseas appreciate education. Our US kids don't know how lucky they are. It is great you are enjoying and finding new avenues. Love, Mom & Ozzie
Are we so entertained today that learning is boring? It's no secret we need good teachers: people like you and Mels could make a difference. With your enthusiasm and drive, imagine what you could accomplish! Question is, will there be appreciation and cooperation, not to mention a salary deserving of your talent?
The hokey pokey reminds me of my current exercise routine-a dvd where I clumsily follow each arm and leg movement. Jeffrey laughed when he walked in unannounced, then asked if he looks like that when he does his Wii Fit strength-building/yoga. Very funny when I think about it!
Oh, the joy! Closest thing I've had lately was jumping rope with J & K - on the bed!
Ah the joys of doing the hokey pokey! The kids are probably appreciative of a creative outlet instead of being lectured to. As far as any ideas about a Halloween-style play...what about the legend of sleepy hallow? The disney cartoon version...not the Johnny Depp version :) That was always one of my favorite Halloween stories.
"They crave active, creative thinking like nothing I've seen."
true dat!
ant
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