Where to start...where to start...where to start? You KNOW I love the Time Machine. I love the build up to turning it on...I love what it represents...I love that the kids bought into it hook, line, and sinker...I love that it took even just one girl to a higher level in her thinking, word choice and reading skills in just one visit.
I also found myself totally relating to the Slick Boys rap assembly. I've been that teacher that tries to get her class up and involved and ends up getting pulled up on stage myself. I've seen the way this energizes kids and have actually made connections with kids that were standoffish and hard to relate to because of my choice to try to learn the dance, the move, the technique being demonstrated. It takes me back to the whole idea of respecting cultural differences rather than pretending you're too good to 'stoop to that level.' What a tremendous jump she made in the eyes of not only her students but the entire school that day.
The quiet reading time that she's worked so hard to accomplish, the special ed teacher yearning to be liked, the sweet girl who'd had her birthday forgotten, and insulting faggots all drew me in as well. She has a gift in her prose and style no doubt. We're about to get into one of my favorite parts with Billy coming next but I'll stop here for now.
Your turn...
Reaction:
What is one part within this section you found yourself reacting to in some emotional way. What was the part and what were the emotions it evoked? Why do you think it brought out these feelings in you?
Connection:
Can you make any connections to anything in particular in this section and any of your junior year EDU courses? Think specifically about logical thought, creative expressions, child development, children's literature, etc.
Extensions:
"It's not our job to be liked," I remind her. "It's our job to help them be smart." Secretly, I thought, Who gives a rat's ass if they like us? Sometimes I can hardly stand them! (page 87)
Early in my EDU courses at Wesleyan I had a professor ask each person in the class to tell him why we all got into education. The way the chairs were arranged I would be the last to respond as he went around the room. I worried like crazy the whole time about what I would say as I heard the following responses...
The majority of the class said something along the lines of...
"Oh, I just love kids and everything they do."
I remember thinking...well...no...I really don't like kids that much
I recall at least 2 girls saying...
"I came from a whole family of teachers and I just feel called to follow in their footsteps."
I remember thinking...nope...I'm the ONLY one in my family to even graduate from high school
The girl right next to me said...
"My grandfather instilled in me a lifelong love of learning and books and I want to do the same."
Me...negative...no books in my house...no grandfather...no father...oh wait...we did have a TV Guide, a phone book and a Bible
You guys get the point...Right?
So what did I say when it was my turn?
"I want to be a teacher because I hated almost every teacher I ever had. I remember sitting in class as early as third grade and thinking...there has GOT to be a better way for this lady to teach me this stuff...So...I want to be a teacher to find out if I'm right."
At the end of this process the professor said..."I'm going to make a prediction that Virginia will be the ONLY one of you in 15 years still pursuing this as a career path because if you guys are counting on 'loving' kids to get you through the tough times then you're in for a world of hurt. You can't love every kid and you can't possibly love them enough to fix all their problems and make them learn."
I don't know mathematically how correct he was in his prediction but it made an impact on me just the way this section did.
If you get asked this SAME question in your interview for a job this time next year...how will YOU respond?
I love seeing what you're all doing on Facebook. I can tell you're all doing something you enjoy. I am envious of the trips to the beach, and vacations but know that will return you to me rested, relaxed, and focused!
For next week we'll be reading January 13th up to but not including February 21st.
Keep reading!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW
