Needing to Reflect

Yesterday, I had two students, honors students in 7th grade, say that they wished that they were at home.  I asked them if everything was okay, and they replied, "yes, it's just that we hate school...everything about school."

I have to say that my first emotion was hurt. I felt hurt that they hated everything about school. I am part of the school. I am their teacher. I must be part of what they hate.

After a little more talking, they assured me that they liked me, my class, and the way that they teach. They also went on to name a couple of other teachers and classes that they liked.

So...I asked them the magic question- "What is it about school that you hate?"

Their answers came out of them like a grocery list:

Getting up early
Being told what to do
working when we don't feel like it
Learning stuff we are not interested in
The classes are so long (they are 44 minutes each)
The learning is pointless
There is homework
There are so many other things we could be doing with our lives
Our classmates are lame
All of this is useless to what we will be doing as adults
We are tired of listening to adults
It hurts

When the hail storm of negativity came to an end, I had no words.  I just said that I was sorry that they felt this way and walked away.  This was really unexpected.  These words and feelings came from two students that are bright and have creative minds. I was overwhelmed. I felt like I had failed. I wondered, for a moment, if these students are feeling this way...what am I doing with my life?

I have to admit, after a full day of leaning on these words and emotions, I am feeling a bit lost.

I am sure that I can search my soul...and my planning, and try to make things more engaging, although, I don't really think this is what this is all about.

I need some time to reflect. I am needing time for empathy and to remove my emotional stake in this issue.

I need to continue this post...


Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites