Close to 15 years ago now, I taught gifted middle schoolers the subjects of reading and Social Studies. It was a dream job, in that I was in the position to help shape the curriculum for this class, which was a nice place to be as a teacher. It enabled me to teach to my strengths, and also guide the curriculum in sequences that make sense.
I taught sixth, seventh and eighth grades, two class periods each, one for each subject. We (my mentor Pam Pickard...the most creative person alive!) decided to start with Ancient Studies in the sixth grade class ending with the Fall of Rome, the Middle Ages went to the seventh grade class, and then the 8th graders learned about the founding of America and even ended with a civics course in which they ran a presidential election, building their platforms on well researched topics because, well, they were gifted students. The future leaders, movers and shakers. Since I taught them all three years, I was able to follow the continuum of the curriculum, knowing what they had been taught and what we could build on.
I've been thinking of that curriculum lately. In hearing about the new budget for our country, and all that it is attempting to provide for everyone, it brings me back to "Bread and Games" toward the end of the Roman Empire. Now, I realize there were many things that brought about the Fall of Rome, but to me, one of the most dangerous things during that time was the numbing of the citizens through this "Bread and Games" strategy. See, the mindset was, if we keep the masses fed and entertained, they will be pacified and won't care how we run the country. I'm not sure it was an overt strategy, but could have been part of human nature that plays out in situations like this. So the government of the time provided over 200 holidays during the year, endless games in the coliseum, and free bread for the masses. Because their basic needs were met, and they were happy, the upper eschelon could do as they wished, living far above the means of the people they were there to "serve."
There are a lot of differences between us and the Ancient Romans, but there are a lot of similarities as well. And, like it or not, history does repeats itself. Because we have the benefit of hindsight, our responsibilities are even greater to prevent this from happening again. Democracy allows people to serve us and represent us, not the other way around. I'm seeing some steps down that Ancient Roman path, and it's got me concerned.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Completely Blessed, and Glad to be Reminded.
The human body is a completely amazing thing. From the point of conception, there are so many things that can go wrong at a minute level, which in turn can change our lives and the lives of our loved ones in a big way. But, they usually don't go wrong. The majority of us live lives with relative ease, and we become absorbed in our lives so much that we forget this body that allows us to do what we do.
I was completely in that category until two weeks ago. I started helping out in the Life Skills class at the local high school. There are various levels of kids to work with: Those who are fairly helpless, those who can be taught basic living skills, and those who can be taught skills outside of home in order to take on jobs. I worked with the first two. There are some amazing people working with these kids. My favorite was the music therapist who came in and played for them. You should have seen their faces light up when hearing her sing to them.
The fun thing, though, is getting to know these kids. They are amazing. There are times when they show little glimpses of their personalities, and you realize the shell that we see on the outside is very different from what is going on on the inside.
These students actually go to classes and participate in school, and they do benefit from these services. I know I was curious about that. But what is much more beneficial is how the average students relate to these kids. Not only are they accepting of them, they consider them part of their class. They make sure they get in class OK, help them if they drop things, and show no signs of fear or intimidation that I think is part of my generation.
So I am happy to have this relatively healthy body of mine (minus strep from last week). And I am happy that I can use it to help those who's bodies aren't as healthy. But more than that, I'm thrilled to be able to get to know these hidden treasures in our midst.
I was completely in that category until two weeks ago. I started helping out in the Life Skills class at the local high school. There are various levels of kids to work with: Those who are fairly helpless, those who can be taught basic living skills, and those who can be taught skills outside of home in order to take on jobs. I worked with the first two. There are some amazing people working with these kids. My favorite was the music therapist who came in and played for them. You should have seen their faces light up when hearing her sing to them.
The fun thing, though, is getting to know these kids. They are amazing. There are times when they show little glimpses of their personalities, and you realize the shell that we see on the outside is very different from what is going on on the inside.
These students actually go to classes and participate in school, and they do benefit from these services. I know I was curious about that. But what is much more beneficial is how the average students relate to these kids. Not only are they accepting of them, they consider them part of their class. They make sure they get in class OK, help them if they drop things, and show no signs of fear or intimidation that I think is part of my generation.
So I am happy to have this relatively healthy body of mine (minus strep from last week). And I am happy that I can use it to help those who's bodies aren't as healthy. But more than that, I'm thrilled to be able to get to know these hidden treasures in our midst.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Observers
My husband has been reading a lot of biographies lately. He's enjoyed books on Joseph, Daniel and Abraham, and took that love of reading about great men a little further to mesh it with his love for American History. He's taken on some lengthy books as a result, and enjoys sharing little insights he's noticed when reading about some of the great men in our history. Ben Franklin was one that he especially enjoyed reading about. The man was truly a Renaissance Man.
For Christmas I got him a biography on John Adams. He's fun to read about because he was a pretty animated character. But he also gave little tidbits of information about Thomas Jefferson. When reading about John Adams, you get to hear his thoughts on his contemporary, and contrast the way they interacted at a very important crossroads in our history.
It seems Adams saw Mr. Jefferson as an odd person. Jefferson was quiet, and preferred to stay away from crowds. In fact, during the all important sessions of hammering out the wording of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson did not stay in town with the rest of the group. He took a small apartment on the outskirts of town, away from the noise, and I'm sure drop-in company. This seclusion was important to this man, because it was he who took what was said and decided in those meetings, and put the ideas into a meaningful and useful document that has guided this great nation of ours.
Big Dad and I were discussing this, and it came to us that observers are an important part of society. They are fringe people, not in the spotlight. They prefer to watch, take in and observe in order to make sense of things. The beauty of this type of person is that when they make sense of things, and communicate that to others, it enables others to understand as well. They show us paths of understanding that we might miss if someone wasn't there to watch out for it. Big Dad is somewhat like this, and it's fun to see the great men in history who have similar habits.
Mainstream isn't for everyone. Observers like Thomas Jefferson keep us on the right track, and keep mainstream in check. I really like observers.
For Christmas I got him a biography on John Adams. He's fun to read about because he was a pretty animated character. But he also gave little tidbits of information about Thomas Jefferson. When reading about John Adams, you get to hear his thoughts on his contemporary, and contrast the way they interacted at a very important crossroads in our history.
It seems Adams saw Mr. Jefferson as an odd person. Jefferson was quiet, and preferred to stay away from crowds. In fact, during the all important sessions of hammering out the wording of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson did not stay in town with the rest of the group. He took a small apartment on the outskirts of town, away from the noise, and I'm sure drop-in company. This seclusion was important to this man, because it was he who took what was said and decided in those meetings, and put the ideas into a meaningful and useful document that has guided this great nation of ours.
Big Dad and I were discussing this, and it came to us that observers are an important part of society. They are fringe people, not in the spotlight. They prefer to watch, take in and observe in order to make sense of things. The beauty of this type of person is that when they make sense of things, and communicate that to others, it enables others to understand as well. They show us paths of understanding that we might miss if someone wasn't there to watch out for it. Big Dad is somewhat like this, and it's fun to see the great men in history who have similar habits.
Mainstream isn't for everyone. Observers like Thomas Jefferson keep us on the right track, and keep mainstream in check. I really like observers.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration
I have to say that watching the inauguration was truly awe inspiring. Even though I didn't vote for Obama, and I don't agree with many of his policies (Spread the wealth? Does he really think the lowest guy on the totem pole won't feel that one?) I was very proud to be an American. Well, until a few jerks started taunting Bush. Don't they have any sense of decorum?
I think it's amazing that one of the most powerful positions in the world can change hands without some sort of coup or infighting. Where else can two people with very different ideas about how things should be run exchange the reigns of power with such grace and dignity?
I do think that there needs to be an understanding that whether or not we like the standing or future president, there is something to be said about respecting the office. The military folks who were on hand know better than anyone the sacrifices made for Bush's policies, yet they were sad to see him go. However, they also welcomed President Obama with open arms. Why? Because he's their Commander in Chief.
I hope, through the discourse of events, a discussion comes to the forefront about proper behavior at such events. As Americans, we are pretty tolerant about allowing people their say. Mutual respect is not too much to ask.
I think it's amazing that one of the most powerful positions in the world can change hands without some sort of coup or infighting. Where else can two people with very different ideas about how things should be run exchange the reigns of power with such grace and dignity?
I do think that there needs to be an understanding that whether or not we like the standing or future president, there is something to be said about respecting the office. The military folks who were on hand know better than anyone the sacrifices made for Bush's policies, yet they were sad to see him go. However, they also welcomed President Obama with open arms. Why? Because he's their Commander in Chief.
I hope, through the discourse of events, a discussion comes to the forefront about proper behavior at such events. As Americans, we are pretty tolerant about allowing people their say. Mutual respect is not too much to ask.
Friday, January 16, 2009
To Kill a Mockingbird
Even though our family has been busy with school and extra-curricular activities, I've been able to carve some time out for some reading for fun. Last semester our son, Timothy, had to read To Kill a Mockingbird and I decided to reread it. It has been far too long since I've read a classic novel, and this one is one of my favorites. So as I wait in line to pick up the kids from school, I pull out my little classic novel and read to pass the time.
One of the main reasons I like this novel is because of the way the characters were written. They are so genuine, especially the children. They do things like make up plays, spit on gate hinges to keep them from squeaking and get in playground fights. They also have wonderful names like Jem, Scout and Dill. They do and say impulsive things, just as kids would, and they reap the consequences, too. They hate school yet love learning, and realize the most important learning happens outside the school walls.
But the dialogues are just wonderful, and impart so much wisdom in their simplicities. There's Atticus who tells Scout, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb in his skin and walk around in it." Or when Atticus tells his kids, "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." He lived that one out in front of their eyes, and the eyes of the town.
There's Scout's observation of Miss Maudie's Baptist faith as opposed to foot-washing Baptists. "True enough, Miss Maudie had an acid tongue in her head, and she didn't go around the neighborhood doing good, as did Miss Stephanie Crawford. But while no one with a grain of sense trusted Miss Stephanie, Jem and I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie. She was our friend."
Finally, though, there are wonderful little nuggets like, "They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."
It's such a wonderful book.
One of the main reasons I like this novel is because of the way the characters were written. They are so genuine, especially the children. They do things like make up plays, spit on gate hinges to keep them from squeaking and get in playground fights. They also have wonderful names like Jem, Scout and Dill. They do and say impulsive things, just as kids would, and they reap the consequences, too. They hate school yet love learning, and realize the most important learning happens outside the school walls.
But the dialogues are just wonderful, and impart so much wisdom in their simplicities. There's Atticus who tells Scout, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb in his skin and walk around in it." Or when Atticus tells his kids, "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." He lived that one out in front of their eyes, and the eyes of the town.
There's Scout's observation of Miss Maudie's Baptist faith as opposed to foot-washing Baptists. "True enough, Miss Maudie had an acid tongue in her head, and she didn't go around the neighborhood doing good, as did Miss Stephanie Crawford. But while no one with a grain of sense trusted Miss Stephanie, Jem and I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie. She was our friend."
Finally, though, there are wonderful little nuggets like, "They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."
It's such a wonderful book.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
College Days
Facebook has turned out to be such a fun experience. I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Well, most of it. I don't really get into the snowball fights (except with a few relatives) or throwing sheep and all, but the connections it has created has been amazing. Some people I've known since early childhood, some from our days in California. The California people are folks I never thought I would see or hear from again, but here we are, talking on Facebook. There are a couple of high school friends, but not as many as I would like.
Right now, though, I'm having a really good time connecting with people from my college days. We went to a small college in Springfield, Missouri, and after reminiscing over the past few weeks, I'm remembering how much mischief we dealt out, too. Those were fun days, and magical as well, because that's where I met Big Dad. (He actually put my name at the top of the big radio tower on campus. How romantic is that?)
Of course there's going to be mischief when you get a bunch of college age kids living together for a five month stretch. There's not enough homework in the world that can keep that from happening. Cars were moved (and put on walking bridges...my poor little VW), TPing rooms, flying pumpkins, water fights in the cafeteria (with the Hobart hose) and truth or dare at the fancy Holiday Inn... all are memories I had forgotten until recently.
College life is wonderful. Living on campus was a great experience, and there are lifelong friends to show for it. I highly recommend it.
Right now, though, I'm having a really good time connecting with people from my college days. We went to a small college in Springfield, Missouri, and after reminiscing over the past few weeks, I'm remembering how much mischief we dealt out, too. Those were fun days, and magical as well, because that's where I met Big Dad. (He actually put my name at the top of the big radio tower on campus. How romantic is that?)
Of course there's going to be mischief when you get a bunch of college age kids living together for a five month stretch. There's not enough homework in the world that can keep that from happening. Cars were moved (and put on walking bridges...my poor little VW), TPing rooms, flying pumpkins, water fights in the cafeteria (with the Hobart hose) and truth or dare at the fancy Holiday Inn... all are memories I had forgotten until recently.
College life is wonderful. Living on campus was a great experience, and there are lifelong friends to show for it. I highly recommend it.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Contentment
I think today, this is a quality that is fairly elusive to most of us. Americans are a discontented sort, and I think it's part of our character as Americans. Our discontentment becomes a catalyst for change. We become discontented in our education systems, and things change. Our politics + discontentment = change. We tend to be fickle and in many cases that's a good thing.
However, that discontentment has translated itself into our homes, and into our daily lives. It tends to make us impatient and ungrateful.
I've had the joy for the past few years of finding myself content. It's a strange feeling, especially when the world around is striving to succeed, is whirling past in fast motion. The world seems that way when you're in a contented place.
I had a good model for contentment. It was a standout quality in my mamaw. She didn't have a stress-free life by any means. She cared for her ailing mother, and then after a few short years her ailing husband. She had to still take care of their home, tend their garden, mow their three acres, all while caring for her loved ones. But she was content. She was happy exactly where she was. She didn't long for things she didn't have, and she was grateful for the things she had.
That's where I've found myself lately. Not longing for things I don't have, but extremely grateful for the things I have. It's a nice place to be. Maybe all of the money troubles here in the States will cause others to wake up to the same conclusion: they can live with less and be happy. In fact, it could be the thing that gets many of them out of their financial problems. You never know.
However, that discontentment has translated itself into our homes, and into our daily lives. It tends to make us impatient and ungrateful.
I've had the joy for the past few years of finding myself content. It's a strange feeling, especially when the world around is striving to succeed, is whirling past in fast motion. The world seems that way when you're in a contented place.
I had a good model for contentment. It was a standout quality in my mamaw. She didn't have a stress-free life by any means. She cared for her ailing mother, and then after a few short years her ailing husband. She had to still take care of their home, tend their garden, mow their three acres, all while caring for her loved ones. But she was content. She was happy exactly where she was. She didn't long for things she didn't have, and she was grateful for the things she had.
That's where I've found myself lately. Not longing for things I don't have, but extremely grateful for the things I have. It's a nice place to be. Maybe all of the money troubles here in the States will cause others to wake up to the same conclusion: they can live with less and be happy. In fact, it could be the thing that gets many of them out of their financial problems. You never know.
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