At this unusual time I wish we were at school, especially
high school, where we could discuss the events of these days.
Unfortunately, very few high schools, and even middle
schools, leave any time for a discussion of the day. Where I grew up we had a designated
teacher, referred as the ‘educator’, with whom we would discuss issues other
than the subjects learned at school, during a designated time.
The closest we get here are those 5-10 minutes extension to
one of the period, to facilitate special announcements and recite the Pledge of
Allegiance. Our district used to assign twenty minutes a day for these routines
and for a ‘Silent Reading’.
Regrettably, very few schools still keep that routine. Out
of the schools that I usually visit, I know of only one school that still does
it. And worse, even there, very few teachers still follow it. This valuable
time is usually just a wasted time...
Whenever I can, during those twenty minutes, or as an
occasion arises for a ‘teaching moment’, I talk to the students, discuss current
events, many times starting with informing them, as most are completely
ignorant of the events surrounding them.
I wish at those moments that I was a history teacher, with
the perspective knowledge, and understanding. History teachers can do so much
to expand students’ awareness and horizons. It is, in my mind, the most
important subject learned at school, and a good chunk of it should be dedicated
to ‘Citizenship’.
If we were at school now, it would have been the perfect time to
talk about inequality, injustice, racism, discrimination, bullying, along with
standing up for what is right, being strong in sticking to your convictions,
empathy, good citizenship, differentiating between right and wrong, good and
evil. And most of all – the obligation to vote to make a change!
These events will be part of history and will be learned,
hopefully, as a turning point in our justice system. Won’t it be nice to be now
alongside our students, witnessing, and participating with them the making of history, enlighten them on the unprecedented events that are unfolding in front
of their, and our, eyes…
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