We do a little assignment at the beginning of the year where kids show a scar and tell the story of how they got it. Then the class listens and tries to guess what that person is like based on their story. It teaches indirect characterization, basic plot, reading strategies, and theme- but really the main reason I do it is to get to know the kids. Telling the scar story generally works because it can be hard to go up in front of a class of strangers during the first week and tell them something personal about your life. But today I heard something so brave and honest that it just made me want to be a better person myself. Instead of a fluffy or funny story, this student told about his parents' divorce and some of the most painful and personal memories from his past. It is hard for me to explain this, but he did it with such poise and perspective that I just felt lucky to get to teach this old soul. Such honesty, such guts!
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October 2014
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