Kid Politics

I recently listened to an interesting podcast on This American Life that investigates the idea of kids becoming involved in politics. Ira Glass begins by discussing a documentary called Please Vote for me by Weijun Chen, that I happen to have watched on an amazing zine-style compilation of films and shorts that my brother gave me last Christmas. It was super interesting to witness the eight-year old children's approaches to campaigning for votes. Another fascinating part of the podcast focuses on the free school movement. The staff visits The Brooklyn Free School, where students are given the power to make all of their own decisions through frequent school meetings and discussions. It is particularly relevant to me, considering that I am working at a school with similar values regarding student autonomy. As a new teacher, I am drawn to alternative education, but also respect many aspects of public schooling. Give it a listen, and see what you think!

Marla, Marla, Marla...

I would love to share one of my very favourite websites with you. I visit this site every week or so, and I am always inspired by the creative projects that Marla and her students come up with. Marla McLean is an atelierista at the Reggio-inspired Peabody School in Washington DC. Her skill as an art teacher shines through in her students' work, and she is a wonderful story teller and photographer. I have been feeling disheartened at the overall lack of quality visual arts programs that exist (or don't exist) in most public schools today. Visiting Marla's blog reminds me that there are exceptional art teachers out there, fighting the good fight. Thanks Marla!! xo

Temple Grandin

I am currently supporting an eight year old student who has been diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. Working alongside him has motivated me to further understand how individuals with Autism might experience daily life differently. I recently watched the new(ish) Temple Grandin film starring Claire Danes, who does an incredible job portraying an incredible woman. I would definitely recommend watching this film, as well as the documentary, entitled 'The Woman who Thinks Like a Cow' which you can find on you tube. Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child, and has since earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters degree and a PhD in Animal Science. She is a strong advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, and has used her knowledge of animal behaviour to redesign the cattle industry. Check out her TED talk here.

Live and Learn

I am currently working at an alternative school in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, called The Living and Learning School. It is situated on the edge of the ocean, and I love to see the children playing on the beach at recess and lunch time. One day, a five year old student of mine explained to me how to hunt for baby crabs by flipping rocks, then making tiny boats for them out of shells. She asked me to hold a medium sized baby crab for her, and I got spooked and dropped it in a puddle! She looked at me for a moment and said, “It’s okay, when I was a little girl, I was scared to hold them too.” Ah, when the teacher becomes the student. I suppose I have a lot to learn about island life.