Censorship Stinks

It’s funny that I was just talking about Banned Books Week today, and then I happened to see a post from one of my former students regarding censorship. The energy I felt from this student’s writing reminded me just how important it is to value every thing (and every one for that matter).

This post reminded me that the lack of open-mindedness plays a huge role with things that get censored. When people don’t “get” things, things get censored. I also thought about how fear plays a huge role, too. When people fear things, they push them away. Out of sight…out of mind. However, some of those things that we fear might just be the light that another needs.

Though I am sad to know the confusion/anger/pain associated with this post, I am also breathing a breath of fresh air. The fact that there are kids out there who want to make a difference, who want to stand up for what is right, and who have open-minds to appreciate the diversity that surrounds us today is a beautiful thing.

Thus, in honor of the upcoming BBW (and the post I read tonight), I wanted to share with you all (again) beautiful words from the talented Ellen Hopkins. Her “Manifesto” is hanging in my office, and I hope it moves others as much as it moves me. Enjoy!

English & Biology = the next big thing

…at my school that is!

I know I mentioned yesterday my talk with one of my colleagues about possibly connecting some of our curriculum ideas/goals for the upcoming year. And I’m really excited about the possibility of working together!

As is the norm in many schools, sophomores usually take biology and have a research component for their English class. What we’ve come up with is a way to build upon both curricular needs to hopefully strengthen and create more connections for students to help them become more challenged and engaged with the content.

First, I wasn’t really happy with the way research went last year with my sophomores. There was a lot I could’ve done differently

Trip Week: Check

Well for those of you who doubted my survival during the freshman’s class trip week, I survived, ha! I do not teach any freshmen courses, so it was a good opportunity to get to know more of the students at the school. I was thoroughly impressed by these students in many ways…

First, the kids were divided into groups by colored bandannas. I had the yellow group and lets just say that our teamwork skills started off a bit rough. Through the various activities, the kids just didn’t communicate to help each other do whatever the task at hand was. At this point, I thought I was in for a long trip. They were just so anti everything…and I’m such a “team” player (years of sports will do that to you, ha!)…I was really stumped on how to bring this group together. However, by the 2nd day (and an increased emphasis on the importance of communication), the yellow group rocked. From relay races to wall-climbing races, everyone worked hard to come together as a team. Thus, trip week isn’t all about fun (though we had lots of it!)…it was more about learning to work with others and being successful “team players.” I think this is an extremely important lesson learned because no matter what these kids do when they grow up, communication skills are an imperative part of anything people do.

I also really enjoyed seeing many students step outside of their comfort zones (even if it required me to go upside down on a zip line, ha!). I know we all have our comfort zones…and I have my own as well…but I truly appreciate and respect people who at least *try* (fill-in-the-blank-of-something-seen-as-“different”). And there were tons of kids trying lots of different things during trip week and that was very refreshing to see.

During our last night at the campfire, each student and chaperon went around the campfire and told the group what he/she learned during the trip. Here is where I really saw these students shine. Their responses really showed that they got the point behind their trip week (teamwork) and why it matters. And what did I learn? Well, I learned that 9th graders aren’t as scary as I thought they were (not saying I’m ready to jump in and teach them though, hahaha!) AND I can go upside down on a zip line 🙂