There is a point to the ridiculous title, I promise. And all points relate to teaching.
But first, to explain why I’m writing now instead of a few days ago for the official “Teach Tales” launch: when the site launched about ten days ago, I honestly couldn’t think of enough positive things to say about where I was in my teaching journey. I was trying to handle some pretty upsetting things that had come up in my courses, and I couldn’t focus my thoughts about my experiences into anything coherent. But now I can. Not that I’ve moved much farther in my journey, although maybe I have. It’s only been ten days, after all. But in those ten days, I participated in two podcasts and had some much-needed, guilt-free “me time” (hence Star Trek (TNG), which I am plowing through on Netflix while delivering running commentary to my good friend in Kingston -- she humours me.) Podcasts are awesome. I jumped on the podcast bandwagon several months ago and haven’t looked back. VoicEd Radio is a fantastic source for heartfelt, dynamic, hilarious podcasts about education. This format is so nice for an immersive, “deep-dive” into education issues -- I like it way better than the Twitter flood that I find overwhelming at times. These are great because I can control my own learning -- teacher’s college only goes so far! Now, when it comes to teaching with actual flesh-and-blood children, that’s where the Worry Lists and Star Trek come in. I had a really rough time in late 2016 -- general burnout, worry about school, and some pretty heavy family issues. I went to my undergrad advisor for a meeting in November and had a bit of a moment in her office. She said “Do I have to put you on my Worry List?”; I assured her she didn’t, but I’m sure I went up there anyway. I emailed her the next day saying that she could take me off. And this December during practicum, my brain generated its own Worry List when I listened to a few of my students. Apparently, this list just makes itself. And it’s heavy. And it sticks with me. And the kids stick -- they keep coming back, because they have to; it’s the law. When I close that door at the end of the day, I have to come back the next day. But that’s all the more reason to create a kind, supportive classroom. And that’s where Star Trek comes in. Not into my classroom (yet?!), but into my life where I need to get better at turning my brain off. I am notoriously bad at giving myself a break, though I AM improving. Star Trek (and other junkie Netflix TV) helps me unwind and relax, and that is so important in this profession when we’re expected to be “on” all the time. Having the time to unwind and stop thinking about everything work-related helps me come back with more energy and less worry. So there. Not quite a 5-paragraph essay, and certainly not academic, but this is my first contribution to Teach Tales. I think this is a cool initiative, so hat-tip to Karaline, and to you for reading this! Leave a comment -- I’m happy to chat more! Emily Wong
2 Comments
Awad Ibrahim
2/19/2018 06:25:40 pm
I love this. It is humorous yet quite serious. keep it up!
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2/20/2018 02:02:32 pm
Humorous yet serious is the only way I know how to write! :)
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