You never get over being an teacher. I haven’t anyway.
I still think like a teacher, looking for analogies to bridge the everyday with the more erudite.
And yep, I know how I would teach the definition of “erudite.”
Jing and Borun, the eighth-graders I tutor, reap all the benefits. Well, sometimes they reap them. Some lessons are a bust.
Like that time we were reading this really intense article from Slate.com, and I was trying to explain “hegemony” as simply as possible.
“Umm, yeah. Basically, in this case it sucks. Hegemony is something that sucks. Let’s move on.”
I felt as articulate as Sarah Palin.
These last few weeks, I’ve been starting tutoring sessions with a nine-minute writing on a random quote from an Honest Tea label. Jing and Borun can write about what the quote means, how it applies to their lives, if they agree or disagree, etc.
I drink at least one of the honey green teas a day, and sometimes the quotes are great. I’ve yet to find one that’s on some generic classroom poster with a kitten or orangutan. Victory!
Here are a few Honest Tea label quotes I particularly like:
To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time. - Leonard Bernstein
Never mistake motion for action. - Ernest Hemingway
Man is a complex being; he makes the deserts bloom and lakes die. - Gil Stern
Hi Amanda, we couldn’t help but comment on your post about our labels. We always hoped they offered words of inspiration for the day, but it’s even better to hear that they are part of your education plan. We’d like to send you a small token of appreciation for inspiring and building effective leaders of tomorrow. Please send your info to kelly@honesttea.com! Honestly Yours, Kelly
1. What an awesome idea to have them partake in this writing exercise. Smartypants!
2. What an awesome thing that Honest Tea commented and acknowledged your wonderfulness!
Wow!
(this never would have happened with Nantucket Nectars!)
couldn’t resist
Congratulations, you are well on your way toward mommy blogger status. Or maybe a new subset… tutor blogger. I see conventions and endless shwag in your future!