Put the key theories/ resonances/ teachings from these texts in conversation. Choose one takeaway from each piece--what jumped out at you, made you feel/ think/ wonder? How do these learnings speak to each other, line up, crisscross, or complicate?
When are the school systems going to change??
When is the systematic way of thinking going to change?? I know that teachers put their entire heart into their work but still the systems that be are forever impending.
Without change, how will the youth of today build the future of tomorrow?
In the reading, "A Letter to Teachers", the "regular way" of teaching, which includes putting children in the hallway, sending children to the principal's office, and isolation when a child is not behaving in class. These methods work to get children to do what you want them to do but does it have to be such harsh treatment? Children are precious, even the ones that cause a little ruckus in the classroom. Children are not purposely trying to ruin a teachers day. Children carry a lot of baggage with them when they walk into the classroom. They could be dealing with food insecurity, homelessness, abuse, or any host of things that could of put a wrench in their day. The teachers are also dealing with their own personal issues while trying to lean towards loving way in the classroom.
In the reading, "Sean, On Being Willful", It focuses on the child's behavior at home and school. At home the child, Sean gets to question and debate his mom, Kate. She gives him some authority and power in decision making. Kate allows Sean to be the inquisitive child that he is because questioning is a habit that helps people in life. But, in school, the willful debates are not a positive thing for children. I understand that the way the classrooms are structured is not ideal to allow for unneeded questioning and disputing outside of what the teacher is teaching. Children that go against the classroom rules get removed from the activity, sent to time out, or sent to a quiet space away from the rest of the class. The school system hasn't caught up to the inquisitive minds of children. The school system needs to change with the times and allow for "willful disputes" in the classroom if they want to have great political people in the offices of tomorrow.
What jumps out at me in each of the readings is that the story changes but the content remains the same. School is for learning what the teacher is teaching, stay in line, and do what you are told. The school system is slowly changing and teachers are trying to teach next level so the children can be ready for the future.
Thanks for this thoughtful reflection, Tracy. I feel like in each reflection, you are zooming out from the particulars of the students or article, to look at context and complexity. Thank you for highlighting the thick layers and the challenge.
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