At 3:56 PM -0500 2002/02/21, Ray Evans Harrell wrote: >Well, the reason we do it is because we get garbage from "economies of >scale" and teaching in a school condemns us to teaching the same four years >over and over until our brains are dead.
Hi Ray, Teaching in a school doesn't have to be like that if you approach it as an art form. With this approach there is no such thing as the same four years. Actually each day is a new adventure. Being in a class with 30 students and 'Death of a Salesman' or the film 'El Norte' keeps me alive. I have not met a student who doesn't love stories. My own children over and over begged me for 'one more story before we go sleep' Do you know how many times I have read 'Curious George'? Perhaps it was because I loved that story when I was little (and still do). I could relate to George and the trouble his curiosity caused him. I learned about understanding, gentleness, compassion and forgiveness from the Man with the yellow hat. It is a 'Prodigal Son' story.Stories show us how to live. They in-form us.You know that well, Ray. Your people had tremendous memories because of your oral tradition. The wisdom of your elders continues to be passed on through you. Everyday I get to read and explore with students some of the greatest stories ever written or told or filmed or sung. Imagine what happens when a student connects strongly with Biff or Happy and how they relate to their dad, Willie Loman.They give me powerful stories that they have written to read and respond to. They bring in music and lyrics they have copied out like 'Jeremy' by Pearl Jam: > Jeremy - Pearl Jam > > at home > drawing pictures > of mountain tops > with him on top > lemin yellow sun > arms raised in a V > dead lay in pools of maroon below > daddy didn't give attention > to the fact that mommy didn't care > king jeremy the wicked > ruled his world > Jeremy spoke in class today > Jeremy spoke in class today > clearly I remember > pickin' on the boy > seemed a harmless little fuck > but we unleashed a lion > gnashed his teeth > and bit the recessed lady's breast > how could I forget > he hit me with a surprise left > my jaw left hurtin > dropped wide open > just like the day > like the day I heard > > daddy didn't give affection > and the boy was something mommy wouldn't wear > king Jeremy the wicked > ruled his world > Jeremy spoke in class today > Jeremy spoke in class today > try to forget this... > try to erase this... > from the blackboard and we listen to it and discuss why Jeremy blew his head off in front of his class. I know you think rock and roll only numbs the brain and kids often do listen to it for that effect because of their pain or boredom. But that song can also be used to liberate them just like Arthur Miller's play does. An artful teacher is needed here as well. Take care, Brian -- ************************************************** * Brian McAndrews, Practicum Coordinator * * Faculty of Education, Queen's University * * Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6 * * FAX:(613) 533-6596 Phone (613) 533-6000x74937* * e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * "Education is not the filling of a pail, * * but the lighting of a fire. * * W.B.Yeats * * * **************************************************
