I don't think my students listen to preaching at and droning on and on. Matter of fact I know they don't listen. They might hear, but it's 1/2 hearted at best.
All that said I had to go there today and make this statement.
"Do you realize that right now today you're better off than great grand parents or even grand parents? (Took a quick break to talk about ancestors since that was talked about earlier in the year) What do you thin I mean when I say that you're better off?"
"We have more stuff."
"We have more money."
"We have things."
"Ok, that is all true, but let's talk about something else. Since we talked about technology in reading. Do you think your grand parents when they were in 2nd grade could reach out and talk to someone in China and video chat with them?"
"No cause that stuff just started. It's new."
"Exactly! What about cell phones, email, books on CD, audio and stuff like that? Do you think they had that?"
"No."
"What do you think your greats or grands would do right now if they could be 7-8 years old and be in your seats? Write it down."
Here are two responses that show that I'm not living in vain.
"If my grandmom was in your class she'd listen a lot and do her work. She would pay attention and not be bad."
"My mom's mom would like this class. She would want to work on the computers and go to the media center. She would want to go to the reading center, too."
Teaching is a BEAST sometimes. The effort/energy to motivate the unmotivated is exhausting. The more we as parents do to help our kids see the blessedness in being able to learn the better off they'll be. If possible allowing them to meet/talk to those who don't have the same opportunities as they could be enlightening.
Felt like I didn't hit a home run today, but I did DESTROY my workout today at Crossfit South Cobb. The better I eat the better I feel. I think this grass fed thing will work out in the long run.
