So, one of the coolest things about being a teacher, especially an English teacher, is that I get to bring in works that I am truly passionate about. Some of them are works that I actually read for the first time when I was my students' age and they resonated with me. The first instance where I have been able to do that has been with our short story and poetry unit. I brought in Ursula K. LeGuin's short story "The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas"(which can be read by clicking here). I also had them read Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" (which can be seen here). If you saw my earlier post, you'll note that Frost's poem is my favorite poem.
Now, I love my choices and I feel like I was justified in picking them. What I forgot is that some things mentioned in the short story may not be appropriate for all audiences. So, of course, my students picked up on that. Awesome. It was all fine and good until my principal came in today to observe a class. It was awesome because this particular class had a huge debate about the protagonist and antagonist (something NONE of my other classes had done)....then they started mentioning the inappropriate parts. I started sweating like nobody's business.
To be fair, I have talked extensively with my amazing department (I can't fail to mention that my department is so awesome, we have started color coordinating in the dorky way we do and documenting via photos). They have talked to me about my motivations and everything. I don't think I'll get in trouble, but it is still just so awkward. If I could have turned a bright shade of red, I probably would have.
I will say this; today was kind of frustrating. However, it was beyond wonderful to end with such an amazing conversation/ debate and have my students really respond and be into something. I loved it and it makes me excited to build in debates in the future. Okay...that is all for now. Thanks to those of you who continue to read!
No comments:
Post a Comment