It was the day before Spring Break, not a student was off task, not even JH! The IC was astounded! The kids were amazed, they loved Taoism, they thought it was ancient and from old days. Little did they know, they were just beginning to see how much they were gaining by being allowed to explore and put their own spin on learning.
This is what a classroom should look like I think, not a talking head, not boring and snoring! Then TO shouts "I pick Dolly Parton to be my example of Taoism!" I think Wow!! I'm glad I have a picture of that or I would never have believed. What a journey, what a journey, I hope we have taken that one step towards learning!
Students in Mr. Marrs and Ms. Thornton's inclusion English II class were finishing a unit on Chinese literature. As part of the lesson, students were asked to interpret Taoist sayings in a carousel walk, then students were asked to pick a person that they believed was a modern day example of a Taoist and give their reasons. The examples ranged from rap artists, athletes, to yes Dolly Parton. The students seemed to love the lesson. After the class, TO, who in the past has had a disagreement with me, came up to me in the hall to tell me why she wanted to pick Dolly. I think one of the reasons we all go into education was realized that day for those teachers, a lasting impression of the lesson and a personal connection with the students that will last a lifetime.
Great Job Ms. Thornton and Mr. Marrs!
Think you have an awe inspiring lesson? Want to be in the next edition? Let me know and I will be GLAD to stop by!!!
