Children see. Children do. All teachers are aware of this as a concept, many parents, too. If you're a loud, stressed out, unhappy teacher then you'll generally have loud, stressed out and unhappy students in your class.
I put this video on my Facebook profile and it's had a good few comments along the lines of "everyone should see this". It's powerful and uncomfortable, but gives us all food for thought.
The question is, how many schools would show this to parents to remind of their role in the education of their youngsters? How many would drop a link into the next school newsletter? Go on. I dare you. As for forgiveness on this one, rather than permission.
Produced by Australian Child Protection Agency, NAPCAM.
Wow, a great message in such a powerful way. Thanks for sharing this, will definetly be passing this on.
Posted by: Amanda | August 30, 2009 at 09:15 PM
Hmmm - could also be extended to say 'Staff see, Staff do'...
Posted by: Ken Burgin | August 30, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Kia ora e Ewan!
My experience of seeing what goes on in the homes of some of my students is that the parents could really do with a look at this video.
Parents/caregivers/supervisors play a role in providing the home environment and cultural background of students. This cannot be provided nor substituted for by what a school (or teacher) can offer.
Why should I ask forgiveness for responsibilities that are NOT met by the parents/caregivers/supervisors of my students? They would not ask forgiveness for pointing out where they thought my responsibilities fell short.
I reckon teachers tend to have broad shoulders. In general, they carry to much responsibility that simply does not belong to them.
Catchya later
Posted by: Ken Allan | August 31, 2009 at 04:39 AM
I wonder, too, if what you're saying, Ken, ties into Dan Meyer's point in his Oscon talk: teachers need to be less helpful:
http://blog.mrmeyer.com/?p=4310
I think you're spot on about the broad shoulders teachers tend to have when most people in other professions would call their 'collaborators' on their shortcomings (in the case of teachers these collaborators or partners are the parents). If someone I work with in my current job isn't pulling their weight I sure as hell make sure they know about it so that we don't all suffer. As a teacher, I did so rarely and with my breath held tight.
Posted by: Ewan McIntosh | August 31, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I really enjoyed that clip, as I do so many of the clips you post.
Thanks, love your blog!
Posted by: Stephen E | August 31, 2009 at 11:01 AM
I am definitely showing this to my media students. I work on the school later : )
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=745269740 | September 25, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Last weekend in the supermarket, I heard a young kid - no older than 3 - say to a complete stranger 'I'm going to beat you'. I was really shocked, until I heard the mother shouting at the child some time later. Guess I realised where he got his rage from.
Posted by: Vicky | September 29, 2009 at 11:30 AM