Post #6

4.1) At the beginning of chapter 4, Carol includes a discussion between Charlie and his teacher, from a book called The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I’ve read the book, and it’s gut wrenching, edgy, and sometimes over the top – definitely meant for mature audiences who are not especially sensitive to harsh language and difficult lifestyles. But… this discussion moves me every time I read it. Have you ever had this type of a discussion with a teacher? Please tell me about it.

Third grade was a long time ago... But I'll never forget the relationship I had with Mrs. Kisby. I can't say what it was exactly, but for some reason I was having a hard time that year with my social skills. I wasn't getting along with many of the other students in my class and was, at a very young age, feeling unaccepted. Through this tough time my teacher was my greatest friend. She was the kind of lady that was young and "cool". She knew my wants and fulfilled my needs in the best ways she could. All too often she gave up her break and allowed me to stay in for recess. I remember playing games with her while the other kids played tag outside. When march came around, I got the most special job of all... For St. Patrick's Day, she asked me to sneak back to the classroom while the rest of the students were in the library. I was then asked to mess up the classroom. I threw books around, tipped over pencil holders, knocked over entire desks, turned chairs upside down, and made quite the mess. Then, just as I was told, I quietly went back to the library and kept looking at books. I never told my class that I was the 'leprechaun' but still to this day do I feel a deep respect for the teacher that gave me the attention I was in need of.



5.2) Tell me, in your own words, what Carol teaches us in the right-hand column of page 58, about curriculum that is important. Have you ever had to endure curriculum that was not “important” in the way she describes? Explain the circumstances and how you felt (without names, please).

I believe that Carol is telling me that in order for students to actually learn the information it needs to be meaningful. I love the analogy she touches on, and in my own mind I took it just slightly further: Teachers can teach the entire surface of the earth, but students will only remember a few of the major cities. Rather, if the teacher would simply focus on but one country and get the depth needed, students will forever remember all they learned about it.

Growing up, through secondary and some of college, I have had a hard time with math. Not because I don't understand the concepts, (I'm usually pretty good at it) but because I'm always that annoying student that doesn't understand the reasons why I have to learn it. I've known since I was in Jr. High that I want to be a special education teacher, and therefore had a hard time recognizing why it was important for me to know the ins and outs of algebra. At one point my dad sat me down and flat out told me that in order to receive my teaching certificate I was going to have to pass these math classes, not because I would be teaching them to students, but simply because it was in the requirements to get the diploma. Because he told me this I recognized it and passed my math classes, but today I would have to do a lot of studying before I would be able to get a good grade on a math quiz.