Big Thoughts About Schools, Teaching, and Learning
Recently, I shared my thoughts on Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gato. His biggest argument is that institutionalized schooling in the United States artificially extends childhood, creates a culture of consumption instead of production, and generally dumbs everyone down. And the longer I have subbed and taught, the more I agree with his thoughts. …
I have always loved to watch people draw pictures. One rainy afternoon when I was teaching, my last class was pretty relaxed and one student was drawing. I walked over and watched for a moment, but realized that was probably annoying (and weird), so when the bell rang, I sat at my computer and looked …
We need to talk about this study that was released at the end of 2018. The study determined that when report cards are released on Fridays, incidents of child abuse increase on Saturday. WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HELL? Regardless of the day report cards are released, what kind of culture have we created where [insert …
I have always been a little fascinated with the glitz and glam of old Hollywood and Broadway. Actually, this is an interest that really surfaced in my twenties, and I’m not so much interested in the lifestyles, but more specifically the interactions between old celebrities, the lost art of signing and dancing, and the attire. …
Welcome back to school, Teacher-Friends! I think most people look forward to school as a community, to reconnecting with friends, and for many students it’s a place to have a warm meal. However, as an institution of learning…teachers and students alike seem to begrudge the idea. I felt this way, too, when I was teaching …
Sometimes I feel like an apothecary. A corner of my kitchen is dedicated to little bottles and vials of fragrant oils used for all sorts of maladies. But since I read a lot of fantasy and enjoy Colonial Williamsburg, I guess it’s fitting. Also, essential oils are a perfect self-care strategy in the classroom and …
This classic follows Jack Burden, a somewhat tortured young journalist who can’t keep a job or commit to marrying his long-time girlfriend, Anne Stanton. Through an assignment at his newspaper, Burden is introduced to Willie Stark, a budding rural politician and lawyer who battles the establishment in his home town. Through his local fight on …
Let’s just say I gave this one a solid try. It’s the first film adaptation of Hamlet, which is a pretty big undertaking, so that’s cool. But it’s also 153 minutes of black-and-white Shakespeare produced in 1948, and apparently I do have limits in how I will spend my time. I love this project, and …
Definition—gentleman’s agreement: an arrangement, usually unwritten, based upon the trust of both or all parties, rather than being legally binding; often related to interactions between classes and races in business and real estate. This 1947 Best Picture winner was directed by Elia Kazan and based on the work by Laura Z. Hobson. The film stars …
Okay, so we all know that subbing is not always the most stimulating of jobs. Oh sure we must manage and pay attention and try to keep kids on task, but lessons (especially in middle and high school classrooms) are just not the most riveting. So I learned to make the most of it. And …
