Freedom Writers. MacFarland, USA.
It is a tradition at this school to play a movie the last few periods of the school day leading into a break. In this video, I have a few thoughts on this practice and the movie selections, which may or may not stir up some feelings in you. In creating this video, I realized that I needed to do something instead of complaining, so I shared my sentiments with the principal.
And this video journal will be my final post in the #sol19 challenge. As I head into spring break with my husband, I think I may also take a technology break so that I can be more present in our time together and rest up for the #verselove19 poetry celebration beginning April 1st. (I hope you will join us in writing a poem a day; sign up here.)
I truly appreciate those of you who tolerated my posts for that past 22 days. (My movie-making skills leave much to be desired, but I have had some fun with it.) For me, the video artifacts have documented a physical aspect of my practice that I have neglected as most of my Ethical ELA work is cerebral. To know a few of you have seen these artifacts means that I have witnesses to my life as a teacher, and that is a gift I will always treasure.
A special thanks to Two Writing Teachers for hosting the #sol19 event. I have so enjoyed reading all the slices of life from across our country — a privilege to be welcomed into so many lives.
It seems a little weird to me when teachers show movies in school just to fill time. I do understand it when you have a curriculum link, like you did with “The Outsiders” after reading the novel. But just to fill time for five periods before a break does seem much less useful. On the other hand, my middle school (new to me this year) just ended the Friday before spring break with an assembly to recognize accomplishments of students and then an “all school party” put on by the student council, with different activities in different rooms. The assembly and party took about an hour and a half total, and it let students blow off some steam and move around and socialize and play games and have fun. I see some value in that too, especially since the kids only get 15 minutes a day of “recess” to move around. That is not the same as sitting still and watching a movie though, even setting aside the concerns about the content of the ones your school chose.
“All School Party” is just more aligned with the values of what school should be, I think. Thank you for sharing. Some culminating activity that can nurture hearts, minds, and bodies.
You bring up some valid points in talking about movies in school. Rarely do we show something in class, and if we do, it’s typically attached the to curriculum in some fashion. As it is, thank you for sharing your thoughts and thank you for sharing in this format. Have a great spring break and enjoy your time away.
Thanks, Darin. Karpenglish’s school has a school part of sorts, which I think would align better with our school values. We are a really good school that does value our students and learning — this movie was just inconsistent with that. So appreciate your support and reading/listening this March. I have enjoyed reading your slices!
You’re students write such insightful, detailed and beautiful commentary on their peers’ writing. Wow!
Thank you. It was all very moving. A few students shared tears. I think compliments are so rarely, genuinely offered that we are unfamiliar with how to accept them. Tears, however, seem appropriate. A teacher visiting class that day and I were weeping at the end of class with the community we witnessed.
Have a great spring break. I try to make sure that if I show a movie it fits into the curriculum. Thanks for sharing, I will be exploring your blog some more.
Thank you so much for listening/viewing my slice.
I’m glad your reflection sparked further reflection and you motivated yourself to take your comments to your Principal. I agree with your analysis of the movies. Have you seen this youtube video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVF-nirSq5s It’s a great comedic takedown of Freedom Writers.
Nice white lady…indeed. thanks for sharing this. The video followed by writing has had quite an impact on my teaching narrative. I create certain conditions for myself. Complaining is one of the things. I have to do better with problem solving or interrupting unhealthy narratives. Thanks for listening.
WHY has it taken me this long to get to your blog to watch these?!?! I loved listening to your reflections, reading of student writing celebrations, and, although you’re worried it might have been critical, your wise words about the movies. Now I have to go back and watch the other ones since now you’re done. Ha. Have a wonderful spring break!