9:40 “kids lose that wonder” Maybe, but I think it’s because tad the kids get older, the teachers stop reading aloud to them. I teach 7th and part of our schedule is an “open advisory” four days a week. The kids get to sign up for any teacher they want as long as they aren’t missing assignments or in need of intervention. Every Thursday I do a read aloud and I get a whole class of football players and cheerleaders who love to sit at my feet and listen to the first chapter of a random book. Every single week. At first, they didn’t like it. I told them if they don’t like it, don’t sign up for my sessions anymore. Well, my session is the first to fill up every day.
You are so right that it is really hard to have your assumptions and beliefs questioned as a teacher, but it can be such an opportunity for amazing growth. I’m a French teacher & not an English teacher, but all these books sound awesome. Adding them to my list. Your kids are really lucky to have you! I know teaching is tough, but it’s clear how passionate you are about what you do. I know that enthusiasm must radiate off of you to your students.
I love the podcast episode you recommended! I appreciated the conversation especially how the point of English and literature is teaching students how to "think." Thanks Megan!
I think it's important to keep some of those works that are canonical in literature, but are now problematic, in our high school curricula because we, as teachers, can then give them a safe place to learn how to interact and react to those pieces or people who still carry those outdated thoughts in public without risking harm to themselves or others. We can't erase the bad from old literature (or people), but we can teach students to responsibly handle those situations when they come up. Those sorts of discussions can then also help them understand how to disagree with someone and the way discourse can unfold respectfully around them as well.
9:40 “kids lose that wonder” Maybe, but I think it’s because tad the kids get older, the teachers stop reading aloud to them. I teach 7th and part of our schedule is an “open advisory” four days a week. The kids get to sign up for any teacher they want as long as they aren’t missing assignments or in need of intervention. Every Thursday I do a read aloud and I get a whole class of football players and cheerleaders who love to sit at my feet and listen to the first chapter of a random book. Every single week. At first, they didn’t like it. I told them if they don’t like it, don’t sign up for my sessions anymore. Well, my session is the first to fill up every day.
You are so right that it is really hard to have your assumptions and beliefs questioned as a teacher, but it can be such an opportunity for amazing growth. I’m a French teacher & not an English teacher, but all these books sound awesome. Adding them to my list. Your kids are really lucky to have you! I know teaching is tough, but it’s clear how passionate you are about what you do. I know that enthusiasm must radiate off of you to your students.
I love the podcast episode you recommended! I appreciated the conversation especially how the point of English and literature is teaching students how to "think." Thanks Megan!
I think it's important to keep some of those works that are canonical in literature, but are now problematic, in our high school curricula because we, as teachers, can then give them a safe place to learn how to interact and react to those pieces or people who still carry those outdated thoughts in public without risking harm to themselves or others. We can't erase the bad from old literature (or people), but we can teach students to responsibly handle those situations when they come up. Those sorts of discussions can then also help them understand how to disagree with someone and the way discourse can unfold respectfully around them as well.
So true!
Inspiring video. Thank you!:)
📚 ❤
What text book does your school use?