I think this is truly worth reading.
Yesterday, the news invaded my classroom. I think the kids aren’t paying attention. I think the kids only care about the news as it relates to Justin Bieber. I think they aren’t listening or capable of advanced thought. Every single time I think one of those things, I sell out the ninth-graders that come traipsing through my room every day.
It started when I picked this poem to go over different ways to look at poetry:
Witness
Martha Collins
If she says something now he’ll say
it’s not true if he says it’s not true
they’ll think it’s not true if they think
it’s not true it will be nothing new
but for her it will be a weightier
thing it will fill up the space where
he isn’t allowed it will open the door
of the room where she’s put him
away he will fill up her mind he…
View original post 1,105 more words
Food, Photography & France 
A powerful post, Roger, and the type of subject that should be discussed in our classrooms. It’s not, though, and I hope that post’s author doesn’t face some form of censure, or worse, for having had that discussion. Thanks for passing along the link.
It impressed me, John, and it worries me that society’s values are spiralling out of control.
I don’t usually read reblogged articles, but because you recommended it, I did. Powerful stuff, sad too, and a brave post.
Thanks – I think it’s an important message and Chicago John is right about the classrooms.
Thanks for sending this Roger. Very powerful
I made my point on the reblog! I do hope someone read . . .
I have had exactly this discussion in my own classrooms and I was never censured. If you are a teacher you should teach. She is a good teacher this girl. The clothing thing is such an interesting issue. I wonder if these kids have fathers who are anti muslim yet they would rather our girls wear burkas and cover themselves to a male code. Thank you roger for the reblog. c
I’m glad you read it, Cecilia. The right and wrong thing must be nigh on impossible for young people to learn given the behaviour of their elders. I certainly set a shocking example to my children, and luckily they’re cool – mostly thanks to Jenny, that’s for sure.