WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

Throughout my teaching years, I often offered a "Quick Write" at the beginning of the class - just something to get the creative juices flowing.

One year, my daily topic coincidentally turned out to be THE prompt that that year's standardized test asked (I don't think anyone noticed, however).

Anyhow, one writing prompt I offered somewhere along the way was "What's on your mind today?" Unfortunately, the students told me, and, in many cases, it was disturbing. Many (most) of my students were honest with me because they trusted me. 

At the start of each school year, I told students there were three things I had to tell someone if they told me: if they were planning to hurt someone, if they were planning to hurt themselves, or if they were being abused in any way, shape, or form, and if they supported the Yankees (just kidding about that fourth one [there really were only three]). 

They shared personal details of things students shouldn't have to carry with them. I spoke to the guidance counselor once over concern for a certain student, and she said it's amazing that s/he even makes it to school. The burdens were huge for some of them.

I was known for my 'stories' during class - something I was reminded of or wanted to share (just between us, every story supported the school's Mission Statement). I wanted the students to know I was human and made mistakes along the way. I wanted them to learn from my own errors along the way.

We teachers did what we could when we could and still hope we made a difference. I often told students their real education began when they graduated and walked out the door for the last time.

That's one reason I spend too much time on Facebook - to see how they are doing. I do see the good, the bad, and the ugly.

That said, is there anything you would like to see offered here? Any topic you'd like to hear about? Please let me know.