Re: Junior High Kids

[Juanita Doyon <Jedoyon@AOL.COM>]

In a message dated 3/1/02 3:45:18 AM Pacific Standard Time,
jtglenn@CAROLINA.NET writes:


> I can't blame them for hating math
> and hating reading--  it's very condescending of us, I think, to pretend
> that kids can't learn whatever they like when they want to.
>
>

I think you've hit on it, Teresa.  We are very condescending to junior high
kids.  That's "WE" in general, not you and me.  And I'd like to believe that
most junior high teachers have a better grasp of the age than the general
population.  I worked with the middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) at
church for about 8 years.  It is my favorite age of all.  They are willing,
able and ready to work very hard if they are shown that you care about them
and that what they're doing is important.  Actually, this was the crux of
John Taylor Gatto's talk when I went to Rochester last November.  Where I
disagree with Gatto, is that he has given up on our schools being able to
offer importance to kids.  He looks at a bleak school hallway and sees doom.
It's not the light level of a corridor that makes the atmosphere of the
school.  I think a lot of junior highs in the country offer exactly what kids
need, and certainly a lot of junior high teachers make connections with
students that last a lifetime -- even if they aren't Gatto ;-)

Even back in the dark ages when I attended the junior high my kids go to now,
I had great teachers.  In fact my 9th grade English teacher is still there
and serves on the site council with me.  I think it takes a combination of
administration and teaching staff who all have respect for the age and the
special abilities and attitudes it offers.  A cranky, overbearing
administration can do much more harm than the customary handful of rotten
teachers thrown in the mix.  Just look at Margaret's "line 'em up and check
their tags" standardized dress pushers.  The whole tone of the school is set
by the poor decisions of the administration and further up, the poor
decisions of the district and the standardized attitudes of the state.

Gotta go make connections with my kitchen floor now.

Juanita