[etni] dealing with the war
- From: "avi tsur" <tsuravi@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2006 15:49:49 +0300
Dear friends
We are not talking about "the war in class" - we are dealing with how to
cope with a very serious situation that our beloved country faced and the
traumatic situation we went through. Dealing with the subject can be just as
IMPORTANT for the teacher as well as for the child. There are no set
prescriptions in education but good educators should always be prepared. Be
prepared to deal with the subject and at the same time if you feel that your
class and/or students don't need to deal with the issue, then so be it. YOU
know your students, You have the feel for your class, YOU are professional
and sensitive - be prepared.
On his outlook of a noticeboard - Korczak writes:
In the rush of things, an educator is forced to give sudden instructions,
which have not been calculated and arranged and are, therefore, faulty. He
is forced to decide quickly, and the decision is, therefore, dependent on
his mood and clarity of mind. And, always, at the last moment, something
unexpected is bound to crop up. The notice board forces him to always think
out the plan of every action in advance. It is a great mistake on the part
of the educator when he does not know how to correspond with the children.
Even in a place where most of the children have not yet learned to read, I
would post a notice board: Even when they do not know the letters, they will
learn to know their names, they will feel a need to read and will recognize
their dependency on children who can read. (Korczak Janusz, With the Child,
p.395)
I agree with Sharon but want to add my bit.
"Writing - (as someone wrote - writing about the war would only be one
option students could choose from). Some possible topics - Having students
write about their feelings. Writing a diary entry for one day of the summer.
Writing a get-well card to soldiers or civilians who are hospitalized due to
injuries they sustained during the war. Writing a condolence note to a
family that lost a son in the war."
In teaching we must be careful with our choices. Is writing a condolence
letter in English realistic. To a native English speaking family - maybe.
But then we are limiting our choices and I feel turning a great idea into
something artificial. There are times that even in our English lessons we
can allow for Hebrew. Our students will find it easier to write in their L1
and I see nothing wrong in allowing this. Your lesson should be in English -
talking about the bereaved families, the injured (soldiers and civilians
alike), reading about them, discussing how to write a letter, etc. etc. etc.
But if the students feel that they would prefer to write in Hebrew or Arabic
- GREAT!!!! Remeber that this is not just an activity, it is enabling our
youth to face reality and cope with their inner struggles.
Teaching activities and ideas can be found on Anglitnet and on the site of
the Minhal L'chinuch Hityashvuti - REED
Each of us will relate to the situation and face the situation, in our own
special way. We are different, our class make-up is different, the needs of
schools in different araes are different. Keep in mind that whatever you do,
you will do well and for the benefit of your students and yourself.
I take this opportunity to wish you everything of the very best for the
coming school year. I am sure that I speak for my wonderful colleagues and
fellow inspectors when I say that we are always ready to help in any way
possible, we are here for you.
Avi Tsur
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