Thanks for sharing. Can’t help wonder what you think of this: for at least 15 years of my 34-year teaching career, my owning unit was “Talk to Strangers,” an attempt to bust apart cliques, stereotypes and prejudices, about people, texts, ideas, what an English class could be. In my mind it worked wonders to build a true community and healthy exchange of ideas. Covid and social
Media have brought enough social anxiety and other kinds of concerns so that it’s no longer my opening unit, but I sure miss the days when it felt right.
Certainly a brilliant idea. But I don't see why the media stopped you from doing it. Maybe it can play a part at counteracting the forces of the media.
Would be nice if kids knew early on how to converse and how to act in public.
It’s a long story, one that makes me bitter and essentially drove me to pull out of teaching. The unit was absolutely definitely designed to counteract the forces of social media and all sorts of tribalism. It was truly intoxicating, enough that I've had classes hold reunions on a regular basis, even ten years later, I had 34!wonderful years and one year that makes me say “that’s enough for me.” Essentially a principal who made damned sure his own kids were in my class later got worried about any stress communicated by any kid. Political polarization has led to a devastating level of fear and enablism in so many kinds of leadership. On a related note, long ago, I decided to study Russian in highschool and college, figuring it was the language of our "enemy," believing we need to communicate well with those who "we" dont seem to get along with. Recently I read that only 10% of govt employees holding jobs requiring fluidity in Arabic actually know how to speak it. I certainly have never seen Arabic or Russian offered as languages in public schools. More than ever I believe we need to "talk to strangers" but the world seems increasingly uninclined to do so. I won't stop, I just cant deal with classroom teaching any more. Retirement is just a couple months away!
It's a good idea, learning languages of the powerful political countries. And you're right, more so now than ever but we have a wave of stupid people who have access to so much information at their fingertips but decide to opt for the worse option.
That principal needs to get his priorities straight. You sound like a fun teacher and it's nice you get to retire soon. Enjoy the retirement.
As I began reading, it took me back to high school when I was bullied on the bus even while minding my business and not bothering a soul. I am glad this wasn't the case with you as I read further! I wonder if she WILL read it!?
This was one hell of a story that I had no idea was going a different direction. Very interesting conversation between two strangers.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for sharing. Can’t help wonder what you think of this: for at least 15 years of my 34-year teaching career, my owning unit was “Talk to Strangers,” an attempt to bust apart cliques, stereotypes and prejudices, about people, texts, ideas, what an English class could be. In my mind it worked wonders to build a true community and healthy exchange of ideas. Covid and social
Media have brought enough social anxiety and other kinds of concerns so that it’s no longer my opening unit, but I sure miss the days when it felt right.
Certainly a brilliant idea. But I don't see why the media stopped you from doing it. Maybe it can play a part at counteracting the forces of the media.
Would be nice if kids knew early on how to converse and how to act in public.
It’s a long story, one that makes me bitter and essentially drove me to pull out of teaching. The unit was absolutely definitely designed to counteract the forces of social media and all sorts of tribalism. It was truly intoxicating, enough that I've had classes hold reunions on a regular basis, even ten years later, I had 34!wonderful years and one year that makes me say “that’s enough for me.” Essentially a principal who made damned sure his own kids were in my class later got worried about any stress communicated by any kid. Political polarization has led to a devastating level of fear and enablism in so many kinds of leadership. On a related note, long ago, I decided to study Russian in highschool and college, figuring it was the language of our "enemy," believing we need to communicate well with those who "we" dont seem to get along with. Recently I read that only 10% of govt employees holding jobs requiring fluidity in Arabic actually know how to speak it. I certainly have never seen Arabic or Russian offered as languages in public schools. More than ever I believe we need to "talk to strangers" but the world seems increasingly uninclined to do so. I won't stop, I just cant deal with classroom teaching any more. Retirement is just a couple months away!
It's a good idea, learning languages of the powerful political countries. And you're right, more so now than ever but we have a wave of stupid people who have access to so much information at their fingertips but decide to opt for the worse option.
That principal needs to get his priorities straight. You sound like a fun teacher and it's nice you get to retire soon. Enjoy the retirement.
This is my biggest fear omg.. I could NOT stop reading lmao😭
Yep, can't say I stayed calm... glad it was a good read though
proud of you!
As I began reading, it took me back to high school when I was bullied on the bus even while minding my business and not bothering a soul. I am glad this wasn't the case with you as I read further! I wonder if she WILL read it!?
I'm sorry that happened to you.
And I do hope it doesn't land in her lap...
I must be devoid of some social awareness. This hasn’t happened to me.
I wouldn't complain.