----- Original Message -----
From: "Esther Revivo" <estherrv@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: [etni] fw: business as usual?
Amen to every word. My pupils in nearby Sederot didn't reach the news daily this summer, but their Shachar Adom continued. (One pupil's house was so damaged that the family is STILL split up living in homes of various relatives and another's Mom is in a psychiatric ward in Beer Sheva.) I believe that as several have mentioned, we must be super sensitive and flexible at this time. I am preparing SEVERAL options for the first week and will "go with the flow" according the vibes I get from my pupils. Some classes, such as my seniors whom I have taught for the past 2 years will be probably be ready to delve straight into the new year's regular English work. With other classes, I will "play it by ear," G-d willing. As someone mentioned, now more than ever we must be super-sensitive and WARM -- hugs; touching; listening; etc. to those who need it. "No" to politics in the classroom is my opinion, although if a pupil wishes to sound off, I will allow it, but will move on and not develop a political debate. Good luck to everyone.
Esther Revivo, Ulpanat Tzvia Sedot Negev
As one of those who live up North, in the Upper Galilee, I would like to make a few observations. During the war, I opened my ETNI mail and was astounded to see the regular discussions about what literature to teach, NBA, benchmarks etc. etc. I have to admit that I have not read all of the ETNI digests over the summer, but those I did read threw me with their atmosphere of "business as usual".
Barry has the amazing gift of being able to relate to all of it with
his usual humor, but from what I can gather in conversations with
friends, colleagues and acquaintances, there is a general feeling of
depression, confusion, lack of focus, difficulty in getting back into
"normal" life. If the adults are feeling this way, one can be absolutely
certain that the kids are too. The newspaper reported (if I'm not mistaken)
16,000 children in the North suffering from varying degrees of post-traumatic stress.
I do not agree with Daniel at all. It is irrelevant WHAT subject we teach.
We have to find the way to allow our students to express whatever it is
that they need to express. Personally, I would be grateful for some serious
professional input (which I assume we will be getting) as to how to handle
the first week or two of school. Having very recently attended the funerals of
two ex-students, and seeing so many of my present and ex-pupils broken
with grief, has put a very different perspective on everything.
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