The age of discovery
For teenagers, everything is about sex. Everything. My ninth grade boys particularly love a short, easy book about volcanoes in my classroom library - they share it around and snicker. It’s those vivid description of volcanic eruptions they find titillating.
Their interest isn’t limited to “pornographic” science texts written for students reading below grade level. They are concerned about medical issues, too. “Isn’t Moby Dick a venereal disease?” one earnestly inquires.
Squirrely Jedi wrote:
I think you are a very, very, VERY brave soul ;->.
It’s stories like that which make me think that if I was to ever, ever end up in the educational field (something I’ve sworn I’d never do, but seem to be heading that direction just the same), it would have to be at a university level. I think high school is more than I could ever take. But it’s good that there are people like you in places like that who can help us along when we need it most.
Posted on 03-Mar-06 at 11:04 pm | Permalink
mindspin wrote:
I could see you teaching at the university level - that’s not a stretch at all.
As for ninth graders, they are an endearing lot, if you like herding squirrels. (I’ve always been partial to squirrels.) They’ve still got some enthusiasm, and they are not as inhibited or self-conscious as they will be by tenth or eleventh grade.
Posted on 03-Mar-06 at 11:29 pm | Permalink
Squirrely Jedi wrote:
Of course I find squirrels to be wonderful and endearing, so much so I can even write poetry and (lately) fiction stories about them ;->. Otherwise I wouldn’t be the Squirrely Jedi.
Posted on 04-Mar-06 at 12:32 am | Permalink
jo(e) wrote:
I am laughing aloud at the Moby Dick line.
Posted on 05-Mar-06 at 8:04 am | Permalink