I went home last night TIRED. The energy of junior high students is wonderful to watch, infectious (I laughed at things I probably shouldn't have), and completely exhausting.
Our session title was "Putting Our Lives Into Perspective." My idea was to have the students experience and celebrate their lives as part of the larger whole of human history and the universe story. We used a Technology of Participation "sticky wall," which makes things fun. The kids wrote 4"X6" cards with events of their lives, the lives of their families, and all of history - all the way back to the Big Bang. We had the predictable amount of teasing and pop culture references. One memorable card read, "Justin Bieber DIES."
I asked them, "What cards were easiest to write? Which did you think of first?" Most kids responded that it was easiest to think of their own events first, but others thought of cultural events with some personal significance (the founding of Starbucks or the introduction of their favorite video game). Another couple of students thought first about scientific events they associated with the Big Bang. One student added her own death as an event in the future.
Really, they are so much smarter than any of us give them credit for.
During our first October session, we'll look at current events. Is the world getting better or worse? What does it mean to have your eyes open to the horrors of the world and still be willing to act on behalf of all?
Also last night, I introduced to them a simple opening ritual - a Go Around with this question: have I been my best self this week? Two answers are suggested: 'Yes and No' (meaning that it's been a good week, but I'm not perfect) and 'No and Yes' (meaning that it's been a difficult week, but I'm still trying). I invited them to give a reason but they could also pass on the reason.
It was a good start.
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