Fun Conversations with Co-Workers - Ongoing
Co-Worker #1: I was talking with one of our students, Zed*, and we were discussing lies and how terrible they are and I mentioned George Washington never telling a lie and the cherry tree and Zed had no idea what I was talking about.
Me: Okay.
Co-Worker #1: Social Studies teachers don't teach about George Washington and the cherry tree anymore? What's wrong with you people?
Me: Those stories never happened. Why would we teach something that never happened?
Co-Worker #1: I know they never happened, but they're good stories. They make people feel good. We've got to keep certain myths alive, Catherine!
Me: That's what Christian schools are for.
Thankyouverymuch. I will be here all ze week.
posted by kate @ 8:37 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
Hmmm, I wonder if Muslim schools have "Myths" or would you have even thought to single any other group beside christian out? Just curious.
Why would we teach something that never happened?
That parable is part of America. I agree that your coworker's reasoning is off but can't you at least teach them that the story exists? What's the harm in that?
Anon - I believe any religious school is a myth-making institution. But in this community there aren't any jewish or muslim schools so the joke wouldn't have been as funny. I may very well send my kids to a catholic high school one day. Oh imagine the jokes I will tell...
John - That's really the domain of elementary school teachers. I'm too busy teaching about how George Washington had a thing for his wife's best friend and breaking up the idea this nation was founded on judeo-christian beliefs to get into parables.
That's really the domain of elementary school teachers.
As your coworker pointed out, they weren't taught this in elementary school(the "you" in my comment referred to teachers in general). And how can you break up ideas of how this nation was founded without teaching those same students why those notions exist in the first place?
All I'm saying is, George Washington sorta falls out of the realm of my curriculum guide. I can just hear the parents calling to complain - "How is the cherry tree story going to prepare Junior for college?!?"
It's not just parables either. I don't have time to do a great many things. Let's take American History. We cover from pre-colonial up to 9/11. In nine months. When you've got 40 minutes a day with these kids, there's more we can't get into than what we can. Therefore, I end up giving extra credit for kids who research aspects we can't touch or who read books that supplement the learning or historically accurate films. I just had three students actually rent and watch All Quiet on the Western Front recently. Yes, they got a bit of extra points, but I'm just thrilled they were interested enough to do it. Next is Grapes of Wrath and then Schindler's List.
What were we talking about?
I don't have time to do a great many things.
And yet you manage enough time to talk about "how George Washington had a thing for his wife's best friend".
Yeah and how Teddy Roosevelt liked bordellos.
Cause that shit's important.
to whom? you or your students?
More Christian-bashing. :yawn:
While I'm all for teaching tots about exactly which leaders like to stick their instrument of office into what, but in keeping with the "little time/lots to do" meme, I do sort of wonder how Schindler's List is good for American History. Why not Band of Brothers (or at least certain episodes of it), Saving Private Ryan or Flags Of Our Fathers?
And yes, I have a sinus infection, a helluva sore throat and a serious case of sleep deprivation at the moment so I'm extra-pissy and probably just looking for a fight as I try to think of things to do that have me sit upright.
I would give extra credit for those movies as well. I suggest Schindler's List when we get to the Holocaust. But during WWII I'd recommend Band of Brothers and in the past have shown certain clips from it. I recommend books, too. While some kids take me up on it, they are more apt to pick a movie. But I still try.
Oh, and feel better QJ.
"That's what Christian schools are for."
Being a Christian, I found that very funny! Thank you. People need to lighten up and see humor where it is meant to be.
President John McCain
...and anon 10:50 responds with a very funny joke. See? People do read the comments.
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