I teach language arts - among other things - at an alternative school in a north central Indiana town of about 46,000 residents. My students are not necessarily "the bad kids", but the ones who don't fit the mold of the average student and who are "falling through the cracks" of our system. Sometimes they have attendance problems; all of them are at least of average intelligence - some very bright; all of the them are the victims of some societal problem including poverty, single parented families, drug or alcohol use, lack of supervision, teen pregnancy, or victims of a myriad of crimes.
Yesterday, my sophomores read their persuasive essays aloud in class. I began the unit with asking them, "What really makes you mad?" I had them make a list and, from it, select a topic they thought they could write a persuasive essay using the criteria I set forth.
It's amazing to see how their writing takes on impassioned voice when they write about things that matter! These were not dry essays with impersonal statistics. Their essays clearly were about things they've experienced - child abuse, molestation, date rape, pregnancy, abortion, mental illness, racism and discrimination. Though researched and factual, all of them provided personal anecdotal evidence to support the ravages some inflict on others.
It sparked discussion that was open and vulnerable - touching hearts and making real the hurt. Then, they talked about being the generation that stopped the hatefulness from continuing. And we talked about finding healing for our hearts.
What amazing kids I have the privelege of teaching! My days are never mundane or perfuctory. My students ensure that I remember why we need to love others. They are a constant reminder that you never know what a person has experienced, and that how a person acts has a great deal to do with the love - and the hate - one experiences.
It's just my opinion - but don't you think we should cancel the hate the grows in us - put there because of someone else's hate that grew in their heart - put there because someone else hated and was hated on . . . Don't you think it's time to be different? Isn't it time we offer an olive branch instead of the cold shoulder or critical comment? Imagine what our world would be like if we kept peace instead of kept score?
What beauty you are instilling in the lives of your students, Frankie. 'swonderful! Your words ring true and powerfully.
Very eloquent. I hope the kids all know how lucky they are to have you, sis.
Hey, toots....go to read Cowtown Pattie's entry November 10, called 10 Biggies. It will blow you away! http://www.texastrifles.blogspot.com/