Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Show NO FEAR!
That was the advice I was given when I told my friend I would be teaching a class for the next 9 weeks full of 6-8th graders. I thought it good advice...now to follow through. Give me some guidance here...how exactly do you NOT show fear? I was also given the advice that if I DID show fear then to own it and to wear it. I guess I'm covered either way. I must have a mental defect though to take on such a project. The idea is to facilitate a group of middle schoolers to investigate a needy community, understand a need, propose an individual service learning solution then carry it out. Meaning each kid will be in charge of his/her own project and I get to facilitate. Crazy much? Yes. I put together a nice academic worthy course goal sheet for approval (even quoted Utah core curriculum and had Brenda revise for me) And my feedback? Wasn't this supposed to be about service? *laugh* Why yes, yes it was. Something much more ambiguous and uneasy to assess. Not to mention plan a curriculum for. But yes service. Service, service that empowers, meaningful service, service that changes people. Not the least of which the one who did it. Sometimes it's the intangibles that count in education...and sometimes you can't map that curriculum. And sometimes that might give someone an ulcer. :) Um...no I'm not afraid of no middle schoolers. :)
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3 comments:
Hhm? How to not show fear? or how to "wear" it? I'm clueless in either direction. But, it does sound like a fun project and I'm sure you'll do great . . . at the project . . . not at showing fear.
BTW, if you had not told me you had posted, I would have never known. For some reason, your latest post didn't show up on my thingy--whatever it is called.
Okay, onto fear and middle schoolers. Here is a trick. I swear by it. It even works in Primary.
YOU HAVE TO ACT A LITTLE GOOFY (once in awhile). At random moments, say something that is a little quirky. Make slightly odd analogies when teaching. Tell them funny stories that illustrate the point you're trying to make. And when they try to pull the wool over your eyes and tell you some ridiculous sob story, just laugh and dab your eyes sarcastically, then walk away.
If you make a mistake and they know it, say something like, "Oops. I'm scheduled to pick up my brain at the dry cleaners at 4 p.m."
Seriously. It keeps them guessing.
Brenda, now that I made it private it won't show up anymore. :( Sorry.
Great ideas...thanks. :) I'll be channeling you on Monday.
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