5 of 31 - SOLSC 2018
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Somehow driving came up in class today. Why is this a show stopper? We are in Saudi Arabia.
"Everyone to the carpet. Let's have a Grand Conversation." I say, punting the planned lesson on Fantasy writing.
Chromebook lids snap shut as everyone shifts to a circle on the orange carpet. The energy is palpable as they begin sharing their thinking.
"I think it will be safer because women are too scared to drive very fast."
"I think it will be more dangerous because women haven't driven before."
"My mom drives when we are at home, but she is scared to drive here."
"I think it will be safer because women are mothers and they are more protective."
So the conversation goes.
Something is about to change. Time and statistics will show if the theories are right.
"I think it will be safer because women are too scared to drive very fast."
"I think it will be more dangerous because women haven't driven before."
"My mom drives when we are at home, but she is scared to drive here."
"I think it will be safer because women are mothers and they are more protective."
So the conversation goes.
Something is about to change. Time and statistics will show if the theories are right.
It just goes to show that when something is on a student's or many students' minds...they need to talk about it before anything else can get done. This might have been the perfect launch for a piece of writing on this very important issue.
ReplyDeleteIt will be very interesting, my daughter lived in Saudi for two years and she said the drivers were appalling and there were lots of accidents!
ReplyDeleteSo much food for thought
Hi Kristi I'm working in an international school too in Jakarta:) Must be an interesting time to be in Saudi. Seems like you have a great relationship with your class.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you are a responsive teacher who initiates "grand conversations" with your students. I taught secondary English in rooms to small for moving to a carpet, I was willing to facilitate difficult conversations. We must bring talk into the classroom, as we can't expect them to write about topics until they can verbalize their thoughts.
ReplyDelete