You--Detention!!

Going into this reading and assignment, I expected a much bumpier ride. Taking into consideration the generator of this article made me wonder how biased the outcome of my lesson would be. I was suprised. Although I found many rude and critical points in his article Idiot Nation, I was able to locate and appreciate several of Michael Moore's points and that's what I opt to focus my comments on.

In as much as I am in the teaching profession, albiet preschool, I took a particular interest in Mr. Moore's admiration of educators. He dwelt a lot on his negative experiences in the system and I found it amazing that he respects teachers after the struggles he delt with. As a student in my younger days, I loved school. It wasn't without its trials and set backs, but learning came easy for me and studying was not drudgery. I especially enjoyed the sociality school provided. My instructors we pleasant, kind, and helpful for the most part, and that is where the rest of my friends and interests were. So, yeah, I liked going to school. In fact, I only missed a half of a day in all 3 of my high school years together! But his statistics and stories made me glad I didn't go to school in New York.

On the other side of the nickel, as a teacher, I love my students. I really do. I know it's considered unethical, but I tell them I love them. I hug them, I kiss them on the head, I put them on my lap and sing them songs, hold their hands, tickle them silly, and cry when they leave at the end of each school year. Having a "degree" to teach doesn't make a teacher "good", it just says they know what they need to know. But do they have what it takes to get that into the heads of their students? I believe a child learns best if he knows you love and care about him. As I sat across from two little boys at lunch two weeks ago, I reminded Steven several times to use good manners. Just before I lost my patience, the other boy, Justin, turned to his friend and said, "You're supposed to tell her that you love her." Steven asked why. "Because she'll love you back," Justin replied. Steven tried it out... "I love you, Teacher Patti." I pushed back the irritability and clenched my teeth, and through a force but convincing smile, "I love you, too, Steven." It worked, for both of us.

I also scold them, reprimand them, put them in time out, and teach them that harsh words and actions hurt others. Not my favorite part.

Books! Ah, yes...BOOKS! I don't think it's possible to over expose children (and adults) to good literature. Over pressure, yes. Over expose, no. Libraries need to be taken seriously. And then kids (and adults) need to be encouraged to go, rewarded for going, and maybe even lured into them. Years ago, on the popular sitcom, Happy Days, an amazing thing happened. The coolest character on the program, possibly of all time, The Fonz got a LIBRARY CARD. According to legand of the times, applications for library cards increase 300 percent the week after the show aired! I hope they all utilized them.

I completely disliked his suggestions on causing trouble in the school. I think there could be better, more constructive ways to get points across and make your agenda heard.

All in all, I enjoyed the article and was suprised by my own reaction. I can't agree with all of what he said, but surely I can consider how I feel about it.