I used to think student vacations meant lots of projects for them to do, but then again, I used to think a lot of things. This year with the advent of limited homework and more in-school learning, I stopped that practice. First I felt guilty; after all, wasn't I supposed to assign lots of work for students to be engaged in when they were not in school? if I didn't assign work, would they remember what it means to be in school, to work hard, to learn? And yet, I knew that it had to be done. Students were asked to read, maybe blog if they felt like it, which some did, and otherwise just be with their family.
The result; happy students who came back eager to learn and share all of their experiences.
As one of my students struggles through the sudden loss of her beloved grandfather, I am strengthened in my resolve to not encroach. To not impose too much on the outside life, to let my students breathe, reflect, and in this case, mourn, without the pressure of school hanging over them. For me, it is time I embrace a radical notion; an education may be important but it is NOT the most important thing. Life is the most important, and the chance to live it fully, remember it, and grow as a person will always beat the things we do at school. We are important pieces, but we are not the biggest piece of a person, and nor should we be.
The result; happy students who came back eager to learn and share all of their experiences.
As one of my students struggles through the sudden loss of her beloved grandfather, I am strengthened in my resolve to not encroach. To not impose too much on the outside life, to let my students breathe, reflect, and in this case, mourn, without the pressure of school hanging over them. For me, it is time I embrace a radical notion; an education may be important but it is NOT the most important thing. Life is the most important, and the chance to live it fully, remember it, and grow as a person will always beat the things we do at school. We are important pieces, but we are not the biggest piece of a person, and nor should we be.
